Past AAPM President: 2010.

In 2010, I was a Professor of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester. My clinical practice and research focused on the development and application of complex technology in the use of radiation, primarily for patient therapy and imaging, which included novel imaging applications, biological and dosimetric modeling for photon and particle therapy, and technology development, ultimately bringing these technologies into the clinic safely and efficiently. I mentored over 45 graduate, resident, and other students. I served on dozens of AAPM committees and task groups across the councils including chairing Therapy Committee and Professional Council. We started 2010 in high gear after public attention was focused on excessive doses in radiologic imaging followed by the New York Times articles highlighting catastrophic errors in radiation therapy. AAPM led national efforts on CT dose, scan quality, and safe imaging. We testified in a Congressional hearing (Medical Radiation, an Overview of the Issues) before the House Energy and Commerce Committee to help them and the public understand the critical issues associated with the use of radiation for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Key among them were proper team qualifications, practice accreditation and practice standards, uniform and routine adverse event reporting, and improvements to the FDA regulatory equipment process. Intersociety task forces were formed to address all of these with a focus on safety, many of which continue today. AAPM formed the Technology Assessment Institute to build a structure to provide comparative assessment and advanced technology quality reviews (now TAC in Science Council). AAPM met with NRC commissioners to work toward consistency in recognition of certification and credentialing, made efforts to get residency funded by CMS, and continued to facilitate the evolution of the path to QMP (the looming 2012–2014 deadlines). It was during 2010 that we took a major step in maturity for our profession with the joining of ideals of the American College of Medical Physics and the AAPM. It was clear a single unified association, combining the assets of both ACMP and AAPM would best serve Medical Physics and all those that we serve. We also recognized the need for a Strategic Planning Committee, formed as an ad hoc to focus on longer term vision and strategic objectives to meet the AAPM Mission and goals. The inaugural meeting was held in April 2010; this entity is now permanent. The 2010 meeting was in Philadelphia with a night IN. The president's symposium focused on the outcome of our work, improving medicine and taking care of patients. A head and neck cancer survivor and his treating physician spoke about the realities of the diagnosis and treatment associated with his life and I feel they had a profound impact on all of us in the audience. Even 12 years later, I am amazed at the commitment and energy that volunteer members of the AAPM (and others) can devote to carrying out our mission—advancing medicine through excellence in the science, education, and professional practice of medical physics. The leadership years were among the most exciting of my career with the benefit of gaining long-term friends and connections. It has been an honor to remain an active member and to continue to watch as challenges are met, problems are solved, and medicine/patient care is improved by the efforts of the AAPM.