Her Story
About Sheryl
Sheryl Robertson is a Chief Radiation Therapist based in Las Vegas, Nevada, with more than two decades of experience in the field of Radiation Therapy. Throughout her career, she has developed a reputation for clinical leadership, innovation, education, and strong commitment to patient-centered care. Today, she oversees a team of thirteen radiation therapists across three treatment sites while helping lead the development and launch of two additional centers. Her responsibilities extend well beyond the treatment floor, encompassing clinical operations, equipment implementation, staff development, training, and the day-to day coordination required to deliver high-quality radiation therapy. Among her most notable professional achievements is her involvement in bringing adaptive radiation therapy to the freestanding cancer center setting. She has played a key role in implementing the Varian Ethos HyperSight system, a sophisticated adaptive therapy platform more commonly associated with larger hospital-based cancer programs. She has personally trained roughly half of her staff on this real-time adaptive treatment process, which represents a significant shift from traditional practice in the field. Her focus extends beyond simply introducing new technology; she is committed to developing therapists who understand the clinical reasoning, workflow, and attention to detail required to safely and effectively incorporate adaptive therapy into daily practice. Her work reflects a broader philosophy that technological advancement is most successful when paired with strong education, teamwork, and clinical expertise. Sheryl's path into radiation therapy was shaped by both personal loss and a winding career journey. After pursuing dance and acrobatics professionally and relocating to Las Vegas in the 1990s, an injury redirected her plans, and she went on to work in the casino industry. Following the September 11th attacks, a wave of layoffs prompted her to reconsider her direction, leading her back to a long-standing interest in science and health care. Her decision to enter Radiation Therapy specifically was deeply personal, influenced by the loss of her mother to breast cancer at a young age. That experience gave her a firsthand understanding of what patient's need beyond clinical treatment, namely compassion, comfort, and a listening ear, principles she has carried throughout her career. Sheryl holds an Associate of Applied Science in Radiation Therapy from the College of Southern Nevada and maintains national certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and membership with the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Outside of her clinical work, she remains active in the dance community, serving as the dance coordinator for the Silver State Games, a nonprofit competition for participants aged fifty and older, and continues to draw on the discipline and work ethic instilled in her from childhood to guide both her professional and personal life. Her career reflects not only how far radiation therapy has evolved, but also the importance of the people behind the technology.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sheryl
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my upbringing. My mother and father were both very hard workers, and my mother, in particular, was deeply empathetic and caring. They kept me busy from a young age, which is where my work ethic comes from. I started dancing early in life and was taught that if you want something, you have to go out and earn it, because it won't simply come to you. That lesson was instilled in me early on, and it's shaped the way I approach everything since.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is to embrace learning and growth, and to surround myself with people who challenge me. Seeking out new environments helps you expand your skills and broaden your perspective. In this field, we have everyone from new graduates to professionals like myself who have been in the industry for decades, and I believe everyone has something to learn from everyone else. No one ever knows everything.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
In a male dominated industry it can feel like an uphill battle most days. Be ready to work hard, invest your time and energy not only in the technical aspect of your career but also in the patient care aspect. Women bring an empathetic side to the industry that the patients need and want. Take the time to talk with your patients; it will mean the world to them.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
AI is both the biggest challenge and opportunity in Radiation Therapy. With Radiation Therapy constantly changing, it is at times difficult to keep up with the rapid growth, but it does challenge you in a good way. We are currently treating with Ethos HyperSight system by Varian. This is an advanced radiation therapy solution that combines the AI driven Ethos system with HyperSight technology. This facilitates real time online adaptive radiation therapy. This allows the team to automatically contour tumors and healthy organs allowing us to modify and personalize the radiation plan in real time. There is a consistent opportunity for growth and learning, my advice would be to embrace it all!
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Compassion
Integrity
Authenticity
Growth Mindset
These values help me make decisions that feel aligned with who I am, create stronger relationships, and contribute positively to the people and communities I engage with. They also guide me in choosing workplaces and personal environments that reflect these principles.
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