Julian Manders, MS, ABR (therapy)

• Assisted in designing layout of and selecting equipment for Radiation Oncology Department for new Medical Center at Portsmouth, VA
• Purchased first 3D treatment planning system for use at a Naval Medical Center
• Overall, I did the best I could in ensuring Radiation Therapy was delivered to patients accurately and safely at three sites for eleven years

I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up, so I joined the Navy. The recruiter talked me into joining enlisted nuclear power, even though I had a Bachelor’s degree. After 1.5 years in that program, I decided to find a graceful way out and decided an officer program would be adequately graceful.

When I went for the eye exam, the military optometrist suggested Medical Service Corps (all I knew of at the time was the Line community). I went to Personnel, asked for the book listing MSC specialties. I found two that accepted Bachelor’s level: Rad Health and Aviation Physiology. I chose the former.

The photo above is a picture of me impersonating an officer. I was actually an IC3 at the time. A photo was needed before I could be commissioned; so, I showed up at the photographer’s shop in dungarees with an Ensign’s uniform in hand. For the photo, I donned the shirt & tie, coat, and cover. The picture was taken with me still in dungaree pants, sitting on a stool.

1 National Defense
2 Unit Commendation
3 Navy E
2 Sea Service/Deployment
1 Navy Achievement
1 Navy Commendation 

In 1996, I joined Nucletron Corporation to provide customer support for their radiation therapy treatment planning system. Three years ago, I created the Physics Support Division, hired four physicists and started making beam models for their external beam customers. We’ve enjoyed good success in making these clinical tools with the same care as if we were still working in the clinic.

A 20-year career with the Navy gave me endless opportunities to find new career paths, develop a sense of professional pride in my work, and ultimately to grow up.