The Regional Cancer Care Program at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is pleased to announce the appointment of its fourth medical physicist, Dr. Michael Tassotto. Dr. Tassotto is the first graduate of the Cancer Care Medical Physics Residency Program.

Dr. Tassotto was recently accredited as a Medical Physicist by the Medical Physics Credentialing Committee (PCC) and completed his Review A exam. Michael originally hails from Brandenburg, Germany, and after completing his first diploma in Physics at the University of Magdeburg, he moved to Oregon State University, where he pursued his Ph.D studies in Physics. In June 2001, he was accepted into the Medical Physics Residency Program at the Northwestern Ontario Regional Cancer Centre, which provided him with training in a clinical atmosphere and the opportunity to concentrate in specialty areas like High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy treatment techniques. "The training program at the cancer centre was very comprehensive," stated Dr. Tassotto. "As a resident, I gained experience with a number of different cancer treatment methods and accessed state-of-the-art cancer treatment equipment. This program also afforded me the opportunity to work with leaders in the field of medical physics. This experience was a strong factor with my decision to remain in Thunder Bay."

In 1993, Michael met Mary Lynn Benka, a native of Thunder Bay, when they were both attending Oregon State University and enrolled in their Ph.D programs. They graduated in 2000, and wanted to return to Canada, preferably to Thunder Bay. When a position for a medical physics resident was advertised at the cancer centre, Michael applied and was accepted into the Residency Program. He had wanted to shift his focus in Physics, and the Residency Program provided him with the opportunity to explore and solidify his career path.

The Medical Physics Residency Program in Thunder Bay is currently standardized across the province with mentorship provided by CCO. The program is two to three years in length, of clinical training, research and education modules, and collaboration on projects specific to the improvement of radiation treatment methods and planning. A Ph.D in Physics or a Masters degree with clinical experience is the minimum requirement for acceptance into the residency program.

	"Our residency program is working", stated Dr. Peter McGhee, Director of Medical Physics at the cancer centre. "With the cancer centre affiliated with the Health Sciences Centre and the new medical school, the possibilities for teaching and education are enormous, and we will only expand from here. The programs offered through CCO, like the Harold E. Johns Studentships, and the academic initiatives of Lakehead and Laurentian will provide raw materials for the residency programs and will continue to evolve and generate new opportunities for program expansion."
	The close relationship that the Medical Physics program has with Radiation Therapy provides the most exacting and focused care for the patient undergoing radiation treatment. The medical physicist examines the equipment before the patient is treated, with treatment doses and techniques specifically measured to determine the most exact approach. "We have had great success with our students in the Radiation Treatment and Medical Physics Residency programs", said Dr. Sunil Gulavita, Head of Radiation Oncology. "The evolution of these in-house programs will only serve to strengthen our clinical staff, especially when the students are already familiar with the techniques and generations of equipment specific to our centre."
	The success of the program is evidenced by the quality and retention of the staff, which is not the case across the country. As a result of the comprehensive and in depth education, training and residency programs, Canadian Medical Physicists are among the most highly sought after in the world. Many are lost to the United States, resulting in a dearth across the country. "This residency program is an absolute necessity to generate growth and facilitate a training ground", emphasized Michael Power, Vice President of Regional Cancer Services. "With the competition for talent and biotechnology, we have to remain at the fulcrum of cancer treatment. This residency program has proved invaluable to us to date; with approximately 350 practicing medical physicists in Canada, we have 4 at our cancer centre alone.”
	Annually since 1995, the Northern Cancer Research Foundation (NCRF) has provided substantial support to the Medical Physics and Radiation Oncology Program by funding equipment, education and research. “It is through the generosity and support of the people of Northwestern Ontario that the NCRF is able to continue its strong commitment to cancer,” explained Glenn Craig, President and CEO of the NCRF. “We have supported the medical physics program from its inception, and provided funding for numerous research projects, equipment purchases, programs and positions.” 100% of the gifts to the NCRF remain in Northwestern Ontario to support leading cancer care in our region.

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