Executive Director’s Message – December 2024
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. November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time for us to honor and celebrate the dedication and compassion you offer to those in need.
Dr. Indelicato Given High Honor of Becoming a FASTRO
On Oct. 1, 2024, at the American Society for Radiation Oncology’s 66th Annual Meeting awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., Daniel Indelicato, MD, was officially recognized as an ASTRO Fellow (FASTRO). He was one of 48 members awarded this year, and one of only 498 Fellows since the program began in 2006. ASTRO Fellows are nominated by past Fellows.
Proton Alumni Gathering Brings Patients and Survivors Together
Over 25 people joined Christina Mershell and Kasey Heilman at a proton alumni event in The Villages.
Prostate Cancer Education Conference Hosted at The Villages
For the second year in a row, Curtis Bryant, MD, MPH, spoke at the prostate cancer conference for patients and caregivers held in The Villages.
Santa Joe Returns This December to Bring Joy to All
It’s nearly time for the annual visit from Santa Joe. This year, the holiday party will be held December 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. He will deliver a specially curated collection of toys and gifts based on the wish lists of each pediatric patient and their siblings.
University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute join the ROAR for NFL’s Crucial Catch month
The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute was honored to partner with UF Health and staff a booth at the Jacksonville Jaguars game on Oct. 27 during the NFL’s Crucial Catch month.
Dr. Nancy Mendenhall Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from IBA
IBA, the worldwide leader in proton therapy technology, honored Nancy Price Mendenhall, MD, FACR, FASTRO with a Lifetime Achievement Award during its The IBA Proteus® User Meeting 2024.
Simulation Suite Upgrades Project Complete with the Installation of MRI
The commissioning of a newly installed Philips Ingenia 1.5T MRI scanner is complete and caps a multiphase renovation and upgrade of the simulation suite technology.
Halloween Featured Goodies, Games and Costumes
Dozens of children who dressed as superheroes, princesses and spooky characters gathered a bounty of candy, games, prizes and toys as they took part in the Oct. 31 Halloween tradition at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
Proton Therapy News Brief Roundup
Catch up on the news and developments at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
- Dr. Zhang and his colleagues receive recognication for research
- 66th ASTRO Annual Meeting
- Particle Therapy Cooperative Group - North America (PTCOG-NA) 10th Annual Meeting
Community Calendar
Mark your calendar and join us when we are in a town near you or online.
For patient events at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, go to For Patients & Families for details.
Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer - The Villages Prostate Cancer Support Group
Location: Laurel Manor Rec Center, 1985 Laurel Manor Dr, The Villages, FL 32162 or virtual via Zoom.
UF Health Proton Therapy Institute will be speaking at the Educational Meeting for The Villages Prostate Cancer Support Group. Join us as we discuss the role of proton therapy in treating prostate cancer. In addition, there will be a panel of men treated with proton therapy for prostate cancer who will share their experience and why their research led them to proton therapy. Visit their website for more information or to contact the group to connect to the meeting via Zoom.
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at 904.831.4034 or education@floridaproton.org
Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer - The Villages Prostate Cancer Support Group
Location: Laurel Manor Rec Center, 1985 Laurel Manor Dr, The Villages, FL 32162 or virtual via Zoom.
UF Health Proton Therapy Institute will be speaking at the Educational Meeting for The Villages Prostate Cancer Support Group. Join us as we discuss the role of proton therapy in treating prostate cancer. In addition, there will be a panel of men treated with proton therapy for prostate cancer who will share their experience and why their research led them to proton therapy. Visit their website for more information or to contact the group to connect to the meeting via Zoom.
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at 904.831.4034 or education@floridaproton.org
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About This Newsletter
The Precision Newsletter is an electronic-only publication that is distributed by email. Each issue is sent periodically to patients, alumni patients and friends of the University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute. As the official newsletter of the Institute, the content is compiled and prepared by our communications
representative and approved by the editor. Special bulletin newsletters may occasionally be prepared when timely topics and new developments in proton therapy occur. If you would like to send a Letter to the Editor, please click here.