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By Theresa Edwards Makrush
The depth of experience and specialization at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute in every department is a distinction that sets us apart from other proton therapy centers and radiation oncology practices in the region. In recognition of National Nurses Week (May 6-12), we highlight the expertise of our adult nursing team, which is led by Gail Sarto, RN, BSN, director of adult nursing.
According to Gail, all of our nurses are both clinical – meaning they provide the day-to-day care of patients receiving treatment – and do research – meaning they conduct follow-up with patients on clinical trials. Each nurse works as a team member with the physician and has a specialty in the anatomical site that is being treated. There are multiple bilingual nurses, and we have five languages represented on the team besides English.
With over 400 years of combined experience, the adult nursing team is comprised of 20 full-time nurses and medical assistants, five part-time nurses and medical assistants and one administrative assistant. Their ranks include five oncology certified nurses, two nurses who have master’s degrees in nursing and one nurse who is working toward a doctoral degree in nursing research.
Our nurses apply their specialized knowledge and skill with compassion. Patient care is tailored to the individual, and the nurse case manager helps patients manage symptoms or treatment-related concerns during and after treatment.
Excellent nurses have a unique capacity to care and to take action to help others. Both on the job and on their own time, our nurses exemplify compassion, professionalism and leadership.
Adult Nursing Team Interesting Facts
Our nurses have a wide range of experiences and interests. The following list illustrates some of their exceptional accomplishments.
A member of the team:
Many team members:
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.
It is easy to stay in touch with us online at floridaproton.org . Look at the top right corner of the homepage for Facebook , Twitter and YouTube icons, click and join us in the social media conversation. Also on the right side of the homepage there is a button for VTOC Patient Portal . Click here to open your secure account, view your records, complete clinical trial questionnaires and communicate with your nurse case manager.
Knowing how you are feeling during and after treatment is essential to providing you the best care possible and contributes to the care of future patients.