The National Association for Proton Therapy (NAPT) was proud to host the The Power of Protons: Accelerating Access and Innovation in Cancer Care on October 23, 2025, at MOCA Jacksonville, in partnership with UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, Mayo Clinic Florida, and Ackerman Cancer Center.
The evening brought together leaders from across medicine, research, tourism, and policy to celebrate Jacksonville’s pioneering role in proton therapy and discuss the future of cancer innovation.
The event featured a private screening of The Accelerator, a compelling documentary that traces the evolution of proton therapy from its roots in the Manhattan Project to today’s cutting-edge treatment.
Following the screening, a distinguished panel of experts shared insights into how Jacksonville has become a global hub for proton therapy advancement and what lies ahead for patient access, technology, and cancer treatment. David Raubach, Chief Development Officer, Oklahoma Proton Center and Executive Producer of The Accelerator moderated the discussion and introduced the film.
Panelists included:
- Nancy Mendenhall, MD, Medical Director, UF Health Proton Therapy Institute
- Brad Hoppe, MD, Medical Director of Particle Therapy, Mayo Clinic Florida
- Nelson Miksys, PhD, MCCPM, Chief Medical Physicist, Ackerman Cancer Center
- Dylan Simmons, Patient Advocate, UF Health Proton Therapy Institute
We thank all who attended and contributed to this dynamic discussion. If you are interested in screening The Accelerator at your facility, please feel free to reach out to the NAPT or David Raubach.
