Home > Our Doctors > Nathan Hilton, MD

Board Certification   

Radiation Oncology

Minnesota license 

Residency        

Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, Radiation Oncology

Internship       

Scott and White Hospital and Clinic, Temple, TX

Medical School             

University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX

Undergraduate School            

Lamar University Beaumont, TX, B.S. Biology

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My interest in physics first drew me to radiation oncology. The field was exciting to me. I decided to specialize in radiation oncology while in medical school after spending time with the radiation oncologists in Galveston, and I’ve never looked back.

Dr. Nathan Hilton is a board-certified radiation oncologist who uses precision radiation technology for treating cancer patients. Dr. Hilton joined MRO Brainerd in 2016. 

Dr. Hilton’s clinical interests include general radiation oncology. While all cancers affect patients differently, Dr. Hilton focuses his practice on treating all stages of the disease when radiation is an option. As a valued leader in cutting-edge research, Dr. Hilton was involved with the launch of Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Evaluation for Treatment. This was a new concept that was studied and analyzed to make improvements on patient care. This treatment is now considered the standard in treating breast cancer.  

In addition, Dr. Hilton was involved in the Computed Tomography (CT) planning for boosting radiation treatment in smaller areas of the body which is now the retained procedure. Currently, he is developing oncology apps for smart device applications.

Dr. Hilton aspires to make the world a better place. With his Texas-style personality, he earned the Eagle Scout award in high school and set his sights on medical school. He lived in the Southwest and Midwest before moving to Brainerd, MN. 

Dr. Hilton participates in his church’s leadership opportunities, including youth leadership. Notably, he served a two-year church mission. He also enjoys fishing, painting, and playing competitive racquetball.

Learn more about what to expect from radiation treatment.

Leadership and Recognition

Honors in Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

Radiologic Society of North America Roentgen Resident / Fellow Research Award Dr. Harry Starr Premedical Scholarship, Lamar University

U.S. News & World Report, Best Doctors–Radiation Oncology, Minnesota

Professional Memberships

Member of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

ASTRO Head and Neck Conference participant

American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) member

American Board of Radiology Maintenance of Certification participant

Research

Investigated retinoblastoma radiation dose, St Jude Hospital, 1998

Prostate cancer research, Henry Ford Hospital 1997

Investigated CT planning for breast cancer boost radiation fields, Henry Ford Hospital 1997

Evaluated multidisciplinary breast cancer clinic flow and effectiveness, Henry Ford Hospital, 1996

3D software development, 1994

Thermoluminescent dosimetry, 1987

Publications

“Episcleral plaque brachytherapy for retinoblastoma.” Merchant TE, Gould CJ, Wilson MW, Hilton NE, Rodriguez-Galindo C, Haik BG. Pediatric Blood Cancer. 2004 Aug; 43(2):134-9.

“Ocular preservation after 36 Gy external beam radiation therapy for retinoblastoma.” Merchant TE, Gould CJ, Hilton NE, Kun LE, Rodríguez-Galindo C, Pratt CB, Wilson MW, Haik B. J Pediatric Hematol Oncol. 2002 May; 24(4):246-9. 

“Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Clinics. Do They Work?” Gabel M, Hilton NE, Nathanson SD. Cancer. 1997, 79(12):2380-4.