Honoring Excellence in Proton Therapy: Celebrating the 2025 NAPT Award Recipients
Each year, the National Association for Proton Therapy (NAPT) proudly recognizes outstanding individuals whose work transforms the landscape of cancer care through advocacy, clinical innovation, and patient-centered excellence. The 2025 NAPT Excellence Awards shine a spotlight on four exceptional leaders—Bill Thomas, Denise Durgin, Dr. Isabelle Choi, and Pamela Lee—whose vision, compassion, and dedication exemplify the very best of the proton therapy community.
Champion Award recipient Bill Thomas, Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute, with Tiffany Rodgers
Champion for Access: Bill Thomas
This year’s Champion Award was presented to Bill Thomas in recognition of his exceptional advocacy and leadership in promoting access to proton therapy through legislative and regulatory channels. As a dedicated member of the Virginia General Assembly, Mr. Thomas has been a driving force behind bipartisan legislation aimed at improving insurance coverage for proton therapy, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
Mr. Thomas’s courage in confronting insurance denials and publicly advocating on behalf of patients has brought widespread awareness to the issue of access. One of the most powerful examples of his advocacy came during a press conference he led—attended by more than 14,000 people—that galvanized support for better coverage policies. His ability to humanize the challenges patients face, especially by sharing real patient stories, has sparked meaningful conversations about the future of radiotherapy access.
Working closely with Delegates Yancey and Edmunds and in partnership with Hampton University, Mr. Thomas successfully secured co-sponsors and institutional allies to build a robust coalition. His relentless pursuit of equity in care has not only shifted policy but has tangibly improved lives. His recognition with the Champion Award affirms the critical role of legislative leadership in ensuring every patient has the opportunity to benefit from cutting-edge treatments like proton therapy.
Patient Advocate Award recipient Denise Durgin, patient of Maryland Proton Treatment Center, with Jennifer Maggiore, LCSW
A Voice for Patients: Denise Durgin
The 2025 NAPT Patient Advocate Award was awarded to Denise Durgin, a courageous and eloquent advocate whose personal experience with cancer has inspired a national movement. Through her platform, Prescription for Proton Therapy, Denise has empowered patients and amplified their voices, becoming a leading force in the fight for equitable access to care.
In April, Denise joined NAPT leaders on Capitol Hill, visiting congressional offices and sharing her story with honesty and heart. Her testimony resonated deeply with lawmakers, serving as a powerful reminder of the human stakes behind policy decisions. She didn’t just tell her story—she carried with her the stories of countless patients, caregivers, and clinicians.
Prescription for Proton Therapy is more than a resource; it is a beacon of hope and clarity. Denise’s writing educates and inspires, while her direct engagement with policymakers and the public continues to break down barriers and challenge misconceptions. Her work has brought visibility to the lifesaving potential of proton therapy and the systemic inequities that still limit access for many.
Denise’s leadership reflects an extraordinary blend of strength, authenticity, and grace. Her award is a tribute to her tireless efforts and an acknowledgment of the profound difference one determined voice can make.
Accelerator Award for Clinical Achievement recipient Isabelle Choi, MD, FASTRO, New York Proton Center, with Dr. Chuck Simone
Clinical Visionary: Isabelle Choi, MD
The Accelerator Award, which honors clinicians who lead with excellence, vision, and a commitment to advancing the field, was presented to Dr. Isabelle Choi. As Clinical Director and Director of Research at the New York Proton Center, Dr. Choi has played a pivotal role in elevating both the institution’s national reputation and the broader standards of care in proton therapy.
Dr. Choi’s leadership is evident across a wide range of initiatives, from implementing patient-centered care protocols to spearheading groundbreaking research. Her influence extends beyond her clinic as Chair of the NAPT Physician Advisory Committee and a member of the NAPT Board. Most notably, she led a transformative effort to revise the outdated ASTRO Model Policy, aligning clinical guidelines with the latest evidence and supporting appropriate use of proton therapy. This policy shift has had significant implications for patient access and insurance coverage across the country.
What sets Dr. Choi apart is her holistic approach to leadership: she is a champion of innovation, a rigorous researcher, and a compassionate mentor. Her dedication to mentoring future clinicians ensures that the impact of her work will be felt for generations. Her award honors not only her achievements but also her vision for a future where excellence and equity define proton therapy.
Patient Care Award recipient Pamela Lee, RN, BSN, Penn Medicine (right), with Kate Gray, MSN, RN
Excellence in Care: Pamela Lee, RN, BSN
The Excellence Award for Patient Care was given to Pamela Lee, RN, BSN, whose work as Proton Coordinator at Penn Medicine and Virtua Radiation Oncology has set a gold standard for clinical support and patient advocacy. Since entering the field in 2016, Pamela has become a trusted expert and a beloved caregiver, often serving as the first point of contact for patients beginning their proton therapy journey.
Pamela’s strength lies in her deep empathy and her commitment to guiding patients with clarity and compassion. From coordinating complex consultations to explaining difficult information with patience and kindness, she brings comfort and confidence to every family she encounters. Her colleagues describe her as a quiet but powerful leader, and her impact is reflected in the heartfelt testimonials of the patients she supports.
One recent patient praised Pamela as “a godsend,” expressing how her presence brought peace and understanding during a daunting time. Beyond her clinical role, Pamela tracks essential metrics, supports colleagues, and fosters a culture of excellence that lifts the entire care team. Her award is a reflection of her unwavering dedication to putting patients first in everything she does.
Celebrating Excellence Across the Spectrum
The 2025 NAPT Excellence Award recipients embody the spirit of innovation, compassion, and relentless advocacy that drives the proton therapy community forward. Whether leading from the legislature, the clinic, the advocacy space, or the patient’s bedside, these honorees remind us that true progress happens when we combine science with heart.
Their stories inspire us to continue fighting for access, equity, and excellence in cancer care—for every patient, everywhere.
Congratulations to Bill, Denise, Dr. Choi, and Pamela. Your work uplifts us all.
Submit a nomination for the 2026 NAPT Excellence Awards here
