At the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, we are deeply grateful for the dedication and expertise of our physicians, research staff and nurses who are moving cancer treatment forward each day. Their commitment to innovation and compassionate patient care is unwavering.
Thank you for reading the first newsletter of 2025 from the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. As we begin another year, we are excited to continue celebrating the strength and resilience of our patients, especially as we share in the meaningful moment of ringing Aud’s Chime with those completing their cancer treatments. We also look forward to welcoming new families seeking compassionate care and support.
As we approach the end of the year, we find ourselves in a season of reflection—a time to cherish our relationships and give back to the community that supports us. At the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, we recognize the invaluable role of family and friends in the cancer care journey by observing National Family Caregivers Month in November.
As a matter of public health, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute observes Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (September) and Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) through events that educate community members about the two most common cancers in men and women. We are honored that many people seeking treatment for these cancers choose the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. In fact, 98% of our patients would refer a friend or family member to us for proton beam therapy, and we are dedicated to earning their trust every day.
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.
As Brain Cancer and Brain Tumor Awareness Month draws to a close, we reflect on the stories of resilience and hope shared by two of our patients in this newsletter. As we step into June, National Cancer Survivors Month, we are reminded of the profound privilege it is to accompany thousands of individuals on their path to survivorship.

As we enter the spring months, it's a time of recognition for the invaluable contributions of our healthcare professionals. We honor child life specialists, Doctors' Day and National Nurses Week during this time. At the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, our team is instrumental in making our cancer treatment facility world-renowned.

From the moment you reach out to us, through your treatment journey and into survivorship, our priority is your care and well-being. Our experts and compassionate staff are committed to supporting you every step of the way.

It is with enthusiasm that I extend my warmest greetings as the new Executive Director at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. Joining this remarkable team, I am honored to step into this leadership role and work with the physicians and staff to continue our mission to conduct high-quality clinical research and to deliver excellence in patient care.

Kristin A. Heath, DBA, MBA, MHA

Dr. Heath brings more than 20 years of clinical and operations experience in radiation oncology and proton therapy to the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. As Executive Director, she leads and implements the strategic vision and goals of the Institute and ensures the highest levels of clinical quality, technology, infrastructure, and workforce excellence.