Robert Desjardins, a graduate of Hudson Fall High School (class of 1990), currently serves as the Director of Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), in Latham NY. Robert began his career as a staff radiation therapist at Glens Falls Hospital in 1994. In 1995, he joined Samaritan hospital and was quickly promoted to Chief Radiation Therapist in 1998. A few years later (2001), Robert was again promoted – this time to Director of Oncology for Northeast Health. In this role Robert oversaw all aspects of the system’s cancer program at both of its acute care hospitals (Albany Memorial Hospital in Albany and Samaritan Hospital in Troy). That same year, Robert enrolled in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s (RPI) Executive MBA program.
The seeds for what would ultimately become IGRT were planted during Robert’s final year at RPI. Robert wrote the business plan for this venture and pitched it to an area oncologist who he had worked with for several years. In 2005, Image Guided Radiation Therapy was opened. This state-of-the-art freestanding radiation therapy center utilizes truly groundbreaking technology. When IGRT opened its doors, it became the first clinical site in the world to fully utilize CT (Computerized Tomography) based imaging technology to localize a patient’s cancer at the exact moment of treatment for ultra-precise radiation therapy delivery. Patients from as far away as Sydney, Australia have come to IGRT to receive this advanced cancer treatment.
Robert is a renowned expert in the field of radiation therapy and has spoken at several large conferences including the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology and a Webex presentation that was viewed by clinicians throughout the world. IGRT was named a Center of Excellence by Varian Medical Systems in 2007 and is currently a premier show site for this global leader in medical linear accelerator manufacturing.
Robert also currently serves as Chairman of the Radiation Safety Committee at Community Care Physicians and is an active member of the Society for Radiation Oncology Administrators, the American Society for Radiologic Technology and the American Registry of Radiologic Technology.
Robert is married to Amy Desjardins and has a son Connor. He is an avid golfer and is devoted to his family. He currently resides in Niskayuna, NY, but still travels to Hudson Falls to visit family and friends.