Executive Director’s Message – August 2024
In August, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute proudly marks 18 years of dedicated patient care. Since our inception, we have remained steadfast in our mission to advance cancer treatment through a patient-centered approach. We continue our commitment to furthering our expertise, maintaining excellence and upholding the highest standards of quality. These efforts will undoubtedly pave the way for new discoveries and advancements in cancer care, ultimately benefiting our patients and others around the world.
The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute Marks 18 Years of Advancing Patient Care and Clinical Research in Cancer Treatment
August 14, 2024, is the 18th anniversary of the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, commemorating the first day of proton therapy treatments at the state-of-the-art cancer treatment and research center.
Medical Physics Team Studies How to Optimize LET to Improve Prostate Cancer Treatment
September is dedicated to those who lost their lives to prostate cancer as well as those who survived and continue to thrive post-diagnosis. Making cancer treatment better for patients, driving research and innovation at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
Survivor Spotlight: Pete Gardner
Pete Gardner is a U.S. Navy veteran and was working as a health physicist for the Navy when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. When he found out that radiation was one of the treatment options for prostate cancer, he knew a thing or two about the effects of radiation on the body.
Survivor Spotlight: Barry Showalter
Barry Showalter explored other options before choosing proton therapy for high-risk prostate cancer. Barry Showalter is a 10-year prostate cancer survivor who encourages others to not worry if they are diagnosed with prostate cancer and to look into proton therapy for their treatment.
Survivor Spotlight: Don Whitaker
Don Whitaker is a self-professed “health nut” and square dance caller who completed radiation treatment for prostate cancer 15 years ago.
The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute Awarded ACR Seal
For the fourth consecutive time, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute was awarded a three-year term of accreditation in radiation oncology by The American College of Radiology (ACR), after undergoing a rigorous review process and meeting nationally accepted standards of care.
Naval Officer Taps Continuing Medical Education at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute
A vital part of the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute is education. In fact, in its nearly 18-year history, the Institute has trained more than 100 people in the field of radiation oncology and proton therapy, including medical students, fellows and visiting physicians and physicists.
Russ Armistead – Health Care CEO Chooses Proton Therapy for Melanoma
When patients complete proton therapy for cancer treatment at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, they ring an 8-foot chime in the main lobby to signify the moment as they transition into cancer survivorship.
Former Patient Awaits His Call to the Big Leagues
You can watch Dylan Simmons strike out player after player from the pitcher’s mound in Dayton, Ohio. He recently transferred to the Dayton Dragons after pitching for a partial season in Daytona Beach, Fla. He has already struck out his toughest opponent – cancer – so this daily feat is no sweat.
Proton Therapy News Brief Roundup
Catch up on the news and developments at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
- Research and Best Practices at Medical and Scientific Conferences
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
- Dr. Indelicato named an ASTRO Fellow
- Congratulations to Our Physicians