Executive Director Message – October 2023
Eighteen years ago, I relocated my family from Philadelphia to Jacksonville to serve as UF Health Proton Therapy Institute’s first, and to date only, executive director. At the time, the Institute was a true startup. Project financing was in place, equipment selection was being finalized and construction was well underway...
Pediatric Patient Celebrates the Conclusion of His Treatment with a Firetruck Ride
In August, Mike Metzler and Gary Fiske, two adult patients, arranged for a young Canadian patient, AJ Smith, to travel into the sky in a firetruck bucket in celebration of completing his treatment. Mike got to know AJ while they were both receiving treatment and bonded over baseball.
Breast Cancer
Survivor Spotlight: Debbie Elert
When Debbie Elert was diagnosed with breast cancer on the left side, she knew maintaining her strength and getting back to her work as soon as possible was important.
Executive Director Stuart Klein Retiring
Stuart Klein, Executive Director of the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, is retiring in November 2023. He has led the innovative cancer treatment facility since 2005, and managed a program that to date, has treated more than 11,000 cancer patients from around the world.
The Blog Spot Launches
In September, UF Health Proton Therapy Institute launched The Blog Spot. The Blog Spot is a collection of articles that discuss various topics related to cancer diagnosis, Florida Proton, proton therapy, radiation therapy, cancer treatment, survivorship, cancer research and more.
Young Adult Brain Tumor Survivor Found Solace in His Music and Support from His Family During Treatment
Zane Baker was diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma at age 20. When he was hospitalized following a seizure, his first call was to his parents.
MyUFHealth Patient Portal Replaces VTOC
MyUFHealth is the new patient portal for all things UF Health Proton Therapy Institute patients need to conveniently manage their health care.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - Go Gold
September was Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It is a month where organizations and individuals all over the world recognize young cancer patients and their families, as well as the individuals who rally behind them and support them during their cancer journey.
Proton Therapy News Brief Roundup
Catch up on news and developments at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
- Annual Ambassador 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 101 – Rotary Club of West Jacksonville
Presentation by: Christina Mershell, Business Development Coordinator
Timuquana Country Club – 4028 Timuquana Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32210
The Rotary Club of West Jacksonville is welcoming UF Health Proton Therapy Institute to share the latest in proton therapy radiation treatment options for people diagnosed with cancer. Join us at this engaging rotary club to find out who can benefit from proton therapy and how a patient’s quality of life may be greatly improved with this advanced healthcare technology delivered by experts in the field. Contact us to RSVP for the meeting.
For More Info or to RSVP: 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 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.