WE‐C‐224A‐01: Peter Wootton: A Personal and Professional Remembrance

Abstract

Peter Wootton was a legendary figure in the field of medical physics. He is known for early work on the foundations of dosimetry, for pioneering neutron therapy, for establishing regional medical physics services in the Pacific Northwest, and for many years leading the medical physics training program at the University of Washington. The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) was incorporated in 1965, with Peter as a member of the initial Board of Directors, and signer of the organization's articles of incorporation. He also served a term as AAPM President in 1978. Under his leadership, in the early 1980's the University of Washington acquired, installed and operated what was then the most sophisticated neutron therapy facility in the entire world. This facility, still in service over 20 years later, continues to be state of the art. Peter was a superb teacher, and left a legacy of many M.S., Ph.D. and postdoctoral trainees, of which the author is one. His kind and wise spirit is greatly missed and remembered with awe and appreciation.Educational Objectives:1. Understand the role of Peter Wootton in the development of the field of medical physics.