National Proton Conference Includes the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute in Leading Roles and Recognition

This year’s National Proton Conference (NPC 2026) was held in Nashville, Tenn., and gathered experts in proton therapy from around the country. The conference was an incredible opportunity for the proton community to come together and share best practices in clinical care, research, insurance coverage, organizational effectiveness and most importantly, patient support. Honored Guests included Amy Grant, six-time Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and musician, and Scott Hamilton, Olympic gold medalist figure skater and professional Olympic analyst.

The conference was organized by The National Association for Proton Therapy (NAPT), of which the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute is a member. NAPT brings together proton centers, raises awareness for the benefits of proton therapy and advocates for patient access to proton therapy. This year, there was a special Florida Members-Only Meeting focused on encouraging collaboration and discussing challenges and priorities that are unique to the centers in the state.

UF Health Proton Therapy Institute Represented at NPC 2026:

Kristin Heath, DBA, MBA, MHA, Executive Director

• As the Chair of the NAPT Board of Directors, Dr. Heath helped kick off the Conference Welcoming Remarks alongside Honored Guest, Amy Grant.
• ‘Proteus^®ONE - Breaking Records Today & Tomorrow’, Panelist at the Industry Expert Lunch & Learn

Bradlee Robbert, FACHE, MHA, RT (R)(T), Director of Operations

• Moderator of ‘Patient Voices: Perspectives on Patient Experience and Survivorship’

Kasey Heilman, Director of Development

• Panelist in the discussion on ‘Philanthropic Partnerships That Matter: Unlocking Resources to Improve Access and Outcomes’

Samuel Jean-Baptiste, MD, MS, Radiation Oncologist, Associate Professor

• Represented the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute in the Physician Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting.

Proton Therapy Excellence Awards

Amy Sapp, DNP, director of pediatric nursing at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute was recognized with the Patient Care Award which honors caregivers who are committed to “patient support, compassion and comprehensive care for patients and their families.” Dr. Sapp has been with the Institute for over 19 years. She built the pediatric nursing support program from the ground up and is especially integral to the coordination of care for the international pediatric patients and their families.