Presented by Linnae Campbell, MSHA, MS, CMD, RT(R)(T); Matthew Palmer, MBA, CMD; Carlos Daniel Palomeque, BS; and 
​Cheryl Turner EdD, RT(R)(T)

How can you grow your role as a dosimetrist? One way is to ‘cross-train’ in proton therapy, a rapidly growing modality of radiation therapy. This session will introduce the basic concepts of proton therapy and how they differ from conventional treatment practices and planning. Two proton dosimetrists will discuss the educational and learning path necessary to become a proton dosimetrist. Each will describe their own experience and perspectives, one being a veteran proton dosimetrist and the other being brand new to the field. How has proton dosimetry evolved over the years and what might the future hold? Don’t miss this engaging discussion regarding one of the hottest topics in treatment planning.

Learner Outcomes:

1. Discuss the basic concepts of proton therapy treatment delivery and planning
2. Discuss the differences between conventional photon and proton dosimetry
3. Identify the educational and mentoring paths available for proton dosimetry training

Educational Level: Entry Level

Presenters:
Cheryl Turner, EdD, RT(R)(T) Dr. Turner has been a radiation therapist for 30 years and an educator for 15 of those years. She believes that the foundation of a solid clinical practice lies in effective and applicable education and training. She has extensive involvement in professional societies including the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, American Society of Radiologic Technologists(ASRT), the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences and the Latin American Radiology Outreach organization. Dr. Turner was awarded the 2018 Harold Silverman Distinguished Author award, a 2015 ASRT Foundation Scholarship for continued education in pursuit of her doctorate degree, and the 2012 Chattanooga State Community College “Eye of the Tiger” Outstanding Educator accolade.

Dr. Turner completed her doctorate degree from Liberty University in 2016, with a focus on education in radiation oncology settings. She has proven excellence in research and publication on local, state and national levels. Dr. Turner presented at the 20th International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologist WORLD CONGRESS, at the 2017 and 2018 ASRT conferences and at the Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Tennessee society yearly meeting. In addition to numerous local presentations and publications, she has written for national professional journals including ASRT’s Scanner and Radiation Therapist.  In 2015, Dr. Turner co-authored the ASRT’s Proton Therapy Continuing Education Modules.

Linnae Campbell, MSHA, MS, CMD, RT(R)(T) has earned certifications and degrees in radiography, radiation therapy, and medical dosimetry. Linnae has built a passion for proton dosimetry and education over the last 7 years. She graduated with a Master of Science in health administration with a concentration in quality improvement in December 2020. Linnae was a co-author on a poster for the Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group-North America in 2017. Additionally, she was a speaker at the National American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD) Conference in 2019, the 2020 Virtual ASRT RTC, general session for ASRT RTC 2021, the first AAMD Proton Planning Symposium in 2021, and the National Association of Proton Therapy Conference in 2022. Linnae is proud to be a AAMD Volunteer acting as co-chair of the Continuing Education Committee. Linnae joined the Emory Proton Therapy Center Winship Cancer Institute in the Summer of 2022.

Carlos Palomeque, BS recently graduated with a BS in medical dosimetry from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (2022), where he was also the vice president of the student council and a member of the Lambda Nu Alpha Texas Chapter Honors Society. While getting his degree, his passion for the profession pushed him to search for additional ways to educate himself and be able to provide the best care possible for the patients. With the help of The Varian Scholarship (2021), Carlos became a student of the Legion Healthcare Proton Therapy Certification Program. Additionally, he was a poster presenter at the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD) annual meeting in 2022. Carlos is now preparing to take his Medical Dosimetry Certification Board (MDCB) exam while working at the Willis Knighton Cancer Center/Proton Center.

Matthew Palmer, MBA, CMD is a Healthcare Executive with 21 years of experience developing and implementing innovative and value-based solutions in Radiation Oncology with nine years in the proton therapy field. Mr. Palmer served as the Chief Operating Officer of the MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center – Houston, Ltd. LLP. He was instrumental in the planning, design and financing of the first major expansion of an existing proton therapy center. The exit of the managing partnership was executed due to the operational and financial success of the Center under his leadership. Prior to that, Mr. Palmer was responsible for the Center’s strategic plan, finances, day-to-day clinical operations and business development as the Director of Proton Therapy Development. Prior to his administrative career he held the position as Medical Dosimetry Supervisor for the proton medical dosimetry team for four years. The combination of his clinical and executive administrative experience gives him a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of a proton therapy center.

Mr. Palmer has been extensively involved with proton therapy health policy initiatives over the past five years and developed a novel proton therapy coverage pilot with a large employer that demonstrated a lower total cost of care for proton therapy compared to traditional radiation techniques.

He is considered an expert in the proton therapy field with 34 peer-reviewed publications, two book chapters, 21 peer-reviewed posters and numerous national presentations on proton therapy. He has recently served on the executive committee of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Proton Therapy and is on the Advisory Board for the Alliance for Proton Therapy Access. In addition, he has 14 years of clinical operations experience in all three major specialties of Radiation Oncology.

Mr. Palmer has extensive experience in developing software solutions.  He has a patent for developing an automatic, optimal radiation treatment planning system and has developed numerous other software that was used to help improve clinical efficiency.  Mr. Palmer completed his undergraduate degree at Baylor University and his MBA from the University of Houston.