• As Specialty Leader to the Surgeon General, my high points include implementation of Board Certification pay for ABR certified officers (groundwork laid by my predecessor CAPT Karl Mendenhall), recruiting an outstanding group of individuals into our Community, and generally keeping the RHO Community on a steady course. I was greatly aided by my exceptional BUMED colleagues, CDR Bob Yacovissi and CAPT Greg Gorsuch. My greatest regret was losing the battle to extend Board Certification pay to our ABHP certified officers.

• During my tour at NNMC Bethesda, I finished the task initiated by CAPT Mike Taylor of replacing all the original imaging and therapy equipment installed in the new hospital in 1981. A highlight during this tour was being appointed Consultant for NCRP Commentary No. 9, "Considerations Regarding the Unintended Radiation Exposure of the Embryo, Fetus or Nursing Child."

• At Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, I was appointed Director, Radiation Health Division and completed the project begun by CAPT Eric Kearsley for using cooled breathing air to improve working conditions and health protection of individuals working in impermeable suits. I was also qualified as a "Nuclear Ship Superintendent." It was CAPT Dave George’s foresight as Specialty Leader that sent me to this very rewarding tour that truly expanded my naval horizons.

• Naval Hospital San Diego personally remains the high point of my career. As Radiology Department Project Officer for the new Medical Center, I had responsibility for the design, equipment specification and procurement, and commissioning of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy. Additionally, I had the opportunity to serve as Head, Radiation Oncology Division. It is all the more poignant now that I have returned to the Division as Senior Physicist.

• In DUINS, I completed my Ph.D. degree in Medical Physics at UCLA in 25 months. I owe a debt of gratitude to my Specialty Leader, CDR Bill Beckner, who had faith that I could accomplish this, and to my wife Pat, whose support and assistance made it possible.

• My first tour, NRMC Oakland, was a great introduction to the Navy under the firm but instructive guidance of CDR Bob Jordan. I developed my initial set of Diagnostic Physics lecture notes and was appointed the first Director of the Navy’s Basic X-ray School (NEC 8451). This was also the opportunity for my family to begin one of those classic "military lifelong friendships" with CAPT Karl Mendenhall and his family.

Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, National Defense Ribbon

Jul 1999 - Oct 2000: Joined Medical Physics Associates, Inc., San Diego providing radiation therapy services to six centers treating approximately 225 patients per day.

Oct 2000 - Present: Returned to Naval Medical Center San Diego as Senior Radiation Therapy Physicist. Since returning we have commissioned the Navy’s first Stereotactic Radiosurgery system (BrainLAB), reaccredited Radiation Oncology with the American College of Radiology, and procured a new ADAC 3D treatment planning computer and upgrade of the high-energy Clinac 2100C with Millennium Multileaf Collimators (MLC). Installing and accepting the computer and linac upgrade should keep us busy this fall.

As evidenced by my career synopsis, I had the distinction of relieving several top performers in our Community, with the associated challenge of living up to their high standards and completing major projects underway. While difficult at times, in retrospect, these assignments made me a better officer and contributed greatly to my successful career. In this respect, the Navy truly offers a unique environment to grow and assume responsibility, especially early in your career. Take advantage of these opportunities and always challenge yourself to take that extra step.

Most importantly, I hope each of you will take the time to pass on the knowledge, skills, and wisdom you gain to the your fellow RHOs. This is the best way to ensure the continued vitality and success of our Community. Today, I see many of the officers I had the opportunity to mentor assuming positions of leadership within our Community, and doing fantastic jobs. This brings me far greater satisfaction than any of my personal accomplishments.

Last but not least, Pat, Matt, Steve, Janelle and Patrick are doing well and loving the sun and beach in San Diego. They remain my support and strength in civilian life as they were during my naval service.