The Longwood Symphony is thrilled to announce our 2026 Gala on April 11th at the Hyatt Regency Boston, honoring our very own LSO oboist, esteemed oncologist, and longtime LSO board member and former chair, Dr. Thomas Sheldon. The evening will be a joyful celebration of Dr. Sheldon’s immense community impact and a look back at the Longwood Symphony’s Healing Art of Music program throughout his tenure with the orchestra.
Please join us for a wonderful evening featuring delicious food, beautiful music, an exciting live auction, and a celebration of the arts in health community!
Visit our event site linked below for more information about tickets, sponsorships, tributes, auction items, and more!
About the Honoree
Dr. Thomas Sheldon
Chairman of Radiation Oncology, Concord Hospital, NH (Retired)
Oncologist | Oboist | Community Champion
Thomas Sheldon, MD has played the oboe and English Horn with the Longwood Symphony orchestra for over 20 years, and for most of that time, has served on the board of directors. He has a long interest in healing and the arts, and has participated in symposia and lectured on that subject.
Dr. Sheldon received his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin at Madison in 1976. While in college, he worked with a research team studying biological induction of interferon. He graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine in 1980. During medical school, he participated in research in radiobiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, studying the quantitative effects of psoralen combined with UVA, used to treat psoriasis.
Dr. Sheldon completed an internship in medicine and surgery at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Massachusetts, where he received the Margaret Derby Scholarship award in 1981. He completed a residency in radiation oncology at the Joint Center for Radiation Therapy at Harvard Medical School in 1983.
After his training, Dr. Sheldon joined the staff of the New England Deaconess Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute as an Instructor in radiation therapy at Harvard Medical School, where he remained for two years. He did research and wrote on locally advanced breast cancer, testicular seminoma, and intraoperative radiation therapy. He also participated in pioneering work combining chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery in lung cancer.
Since moving to New Hampshire in 1986, Dr. Sheldon has worked extensively with the American Cancer Society, serving as the N.H. President and on the National Board of Directors. Over the years, Dr. Sheldon has worked hard to bring academic quality oncology care to the New Hampshire. During his tenure with Radiation Oncology Associates and as president of his practice he has seen it grow from one site and three doctors to 24 doctors and 9 sites in New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. He has a long interest in prostate cancer treatment, including prostate seed implants, a critical option before dose escalated external radiation was available. He served as medical director of Radiation Oncology at Concord Hospital, until his retirement in 2024.
He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His early education was in Catholic schools where he was “transitioned” from lefty to righty. Until Medical School most of his education was in public school, of which he is a strong proponent. During his residency training, he met and married Lisa Kennedy. They had their first date in October,1982, became engaged February,1983 and were married August,1983. They have 4 children, Bradford, Gregory, Andrea and Luke. They have 4 grandchildren, Abigail, Anthony, Eli, and Charlie.
Lisa Kennedy Sheldon PhD is a prominent figure in cancer control nursing, and served as the Chief Clinical Officer for the Oncology Nursing Society. Her accomplishments include 6 books, and over 100 peer reviewed publications. Her current interest is in international work and recently, and was the lead author for the nursing section of the WHO/IAEA cancer manual, “Guidance of setting up a comprehensive cancer center.” In retirement, she is still sought after for international work, making Tom and the kids very proud. Tom is happy to be the “plus one” anywhere, anytime.
For more information about the 2026 Longwood Symphony Gala, including opportunities to sponsor the event, visit the event website, or contact the LSO office at info@longwoodsymphony.org or 617-987-0100.