Jadranka Dragovic, MD

Member of the Henry Ford Cancer Institute 

Titles: Medical Director, Edith McNaughton Ford Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Medical Center - Cottage, Grosse Pointe

Biographical Statement: 

Dr. Dragovic earned her medical degree from the University of Belgrade in 1977 and completed her postgraduate training in radiation oncology at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, in 1983. Awarded the prestigious Gordon Richards Fellowship by the Canadian Cancer Society, she also obtained a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics from McMaster University. She holds board certifications in Radiation Oncology from both the American Board of Radiology and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

After serving at the Ontario Cancer Foundation Hamilton Clinic, Dr. Dragovic joined Henry Ford Hospital’s Radiation Oncology Department in 1985. For nearly 40 years, she has provided exceptional care at the main Detroit campus and satellite clinics in Macomb and Cottage. She served as Medical Director of the Cancer Care Center at Macomb (1996–2000) and has led the Edith McNaughton Ford Cancer Center at Cottage since 2000.

Dr. Dragovic is a member of numerous professional societies, including ASTRO, ASCO, and ACR, and has contributed to the NCI (Canada) Grants Panel and multiple committees at Henry Ford and nationally. She has also served as a reviewer for notable medical journals such as Cancer and Radiotherapy and Oncology.

While her early interests focused on head and neck cancer, musculoskeletal tumors, and hematologic malignancies, Dr. Dragovic now treats a broad range of cancers, including breast, lung, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and brain tumors. She is also proficient in MRI-guided adaptive radiotherapy.

Care Philosophy

Throughout my years of practice, I’ve consistently prioritized personalized, compassionate care. I’m inspired by my patients’ resilience and make it my mission to offer hope and reassurance in times of distress.

While I embrace advancements in technology, such as MRI-guided treatment and adaptive treatment planning, my foremost responsibility is to my patients. They are human beings who deserve respect, kindness, empathy, and clear communication.

When asked if treating cancer for decades is depressing, I share that the deep gratification of seeing patients return 10 or 20 years later, or witnessing someone go from pain to pain-free, is what fuels my passion every day.

Research Interests

Her past research interests included altered fractionation regimens in radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, hyperthermia and hyperthermic sensitizers, and genetic biomarkers of human squamous cell carcinoma. She contributed to these studies as a principal investigator or co-investigator.

Awards and Honors

• Board certified by the American Board of Radiology: Radiation Oncology and FRCPC
• Member,  American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Michigan Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, American Medical Association and the American College of Radiation Oncology.
• Medical Student of the Year Award in 1975, 1976, and 1977
• Gordon Richards fellowship award by the Canadian Cancer Society in 1983
• ARRO Best Teacher Award in 2000