The safety measures we have in place for our staff and patients is one of the reasons why we are among the few proton therapy centers accredited in radiation oncology by the American College of Radiology. From our physics department staff members who carefully calculate treatment plans and calibrate the equipment to our radiation therapists who take extra training for pediatric life support, each contributes to our commitment to safety.
Stuart L. Klein
Executive Director
A married couple from Sarasota, Florida, was the first to have proton therapy at the same time. Now, eight years later, they are both cancer free. To see more of their remarkable story, watch below:
VTOC (Vision Tree Optimal CareTM) access is even easier when you add the web app to your tablet or smartphone. Think of VTOC as your virtual doctor’s office where you can view and upload your records, see reminders, and exchange messages with your UF Health Proton Therapy Institute medical team all in a secure environment.
The VTOC web app is compatible with both Apple and Android mobile devices. To add the VTOC web app to your home screen, follow the instructions for the type of mobile device you have.
UF Health Proton Therapy Institute radiation therapists are highly skilled medical professionals who are board certified and take continuing education classes to maintain state and national licensure. One of the many requirements to obtain the designation of a radiation therapist is they must become Basic Life Support (BLS) certified. BLS certification prepares an individual to administer CPR or other life-sustaining interventions in case a patient or coworker is nonresponsive. Recently, 15 of the Institute’s radiation therapists advanced their skills and added another layer of protection for pediatric patients by completing a 16-hour course in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
“We’re one of the largest pediatric proton centers in the world. Parents can rest assured that everyone who has direct contact with their child has advanced training,” said Trevor Fleming, director of technical services and manager of the radiation therapists. “Less than one percent of therapists in the U.S. are PALS certified.”
PALS certification is beneficial because there are differences in the way life support is administered to children versus adults. Having the knowledge and skills to intervene quickly in the event of an emergency can make a big impact in the patient’s outcome. “Understanding how to rapidly react in a moment of time could mean the difference for someone’s child,” said Fleming. “We feel we have added another layer of protection for our pediatric patients, strengthening an already incredible team of professionals here. It’s one more confidence-builder for parents whose children require our unique technology.”
Physicians and nurses are with patients as the first line of defense, and now, PALS-certified radiation therapists are an added safety net. “This is different than other proton centers. It’s one more step we’ve made to better the level of care here,” said Fleming.
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Proton Radiotherapy for Central Nervous System Tumors
Presented by
Michael Rutenberg, MD, PhD
Discussing Proton Therapy for Brain & Spinal Cord Tumors
Virtual CME via Zoom
Register by emailing education@floridaproton.org or call (904) 831-4034.
The Precision Newsletter is an electronic-only publication that is distributed by email. Each issue is sent monthly 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 Stuart Klein, executive director of UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. 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.
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