This month as we approach ASTRO, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on Andrew Kennedy, a dedicated radiation oncologist within the Sarah Cannon Cancer Network at HCA Healthcare. At his primary site, Dr. Kennedy works closely with a skilled team of 3 physicians, 2 medical dosimetrists, and 3 medical physicists, all committed to delivering the highest quality of care.
They are part of a much larger mission: the Sarah Cannon Cancer Network includes 50 radiation oncology centers across the U.S. and 5 in the United Kingdom, collectively treating more than 1,000 patients every day. This scale allows the network to make a profound impact on cancer care delivery across two continents.
Technology plays a central role in supporting that mission. Dr. Kennedy primarily relies on ClearCheck, with AutoContour also enhancing his workflow. ClearCheck, in particular, has become indispensable during weekly chart rounds. Here, Dr. Kennedy and his colleagues review cases from their clinic alongside other Sarah Cannon sites, ensuring consistency and efficiency across the network and he says “ClearCheck became a mandatory part of our chart rounds several years ago.”
What sets ClearCheck apart, Dr. Kennedy explains, is its streamlined interface and flexibility. “ClearCheck chart rounds enables our team to review as many as 30 patients in just one hour, while its ability to add and edit an unlimited number of constraints provides essential customization for the network’s needs.”
Looking ahead, collaboration remains a cornerstone of Dr. Kennedy’s work. The Sarah Cannon Radiation Oncology Network is now rolling out the suite of Radformation products, expanding access to tools designed to simplify and strengthen radiation oncology workflows. The feedback from clinicians across the network? Unanimously positive and he says “All users have provided very positive feedback about the use of Radformation tools so far.”
Through his leadership and commitment to innovation, Dr. Kennedy continues to help shape a culture of excellence and collaboration, making a lasting difference for patients and providers alike. Regarding advice he would give other physicians starting to use the Radformation suite of tools he says: “I cannot say enough positive things about Radformation support over the years. They are always very responsive, extremely competent and effective in fixing any problems and troubleshooting issues in a wide range of our clinic types – large and small, comprehensive, or single linac.”
Before medicine became his life’s calling, Dr. Andrew Kennedy’s world looked very different. He once worked as a professional photographer and even played in a blues band, switching between saxophone and drums. He laughs when he calls medicine his “safety profession,” but it’s clear he’s grateful that his career path led him exactly where it did.
If not for medicine, though? Dr. Kennedy is quick with his reply: “Anything but roofing!” After some first-hand experience with the physically demanding job, he developed enormous respect for those who dedicate themselves to it, but he knew it wasn’t where his own future lay.
These days, away from the clinic, family is his favorite place to be. Dr. Kennedy and his wife love welcoming their three grown children home whenever they can, along with their beautiful and spirited three-year-old granddaughter. With the kids spread out across New York City, Portland, and Chapel Hill, every visit becomes a cherished reunion, filled with laughter, stories, and the kind of moments that matter most.
Dr. Andrew Kennedy: Dedicated to delivering compassionate cancer care