Proton Therapy at UTSW

[napoleondynamite]

Wow! Where do I begin on this one? First, a quick fact check. Although, it might be helpful to your argument to pick the smaller number - the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex actually has a population of 6.5 million (4th largest in US) according to wikipedia. Second, since when do any two institutions have a monopoly on research? Any person with a cursory knowledge of the research world could tell you that UTSW produces significantly more impactful basic science research than MD Anderson, and generally the more people working on a topic the sooner a definitive answer will be reached.

I'm really trying to understand your clear contempt for UTSW, but I am having a hard time, especially when you skew the facts and make blanket generalizations without providing any real substance for your argument. "So what research would UTSW be doing that the 17+ protons centers ahead of them can't?" I would bet on 5 Nobel prize winners (more than any other medical school), 19 National academy members and 12 Howard Hughes Investigators, but that's just me. Facts!!

Dude, you're totally misunderstanding Wagy's post, which has really nothing to do with your future alma mater and is much more just a philosophical discussion of misallocation of resources within the system and not an attack on UTSW which I'm sure everyone agrees is a fantastic institution and a rising star in radonc specifically. No one is taking a dook on your diploma so cha-ill yo

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[StudentRadOnc]

I think we all could benefit from being more respectful to each other's comments because jaharmy is not the only one who has said some less than respectful things on this thread. It doesn't matter the affiliation to a particular school - I think some of us are less jaded and skeptical than others and are truly excited when technology can help just 1 person.

In a perfect world facilities would collaborate, but as we all know they often don't. It is in every school's right to build, be competitive, and try to further their science through both clinical and basic science research. One day there may be more indications for protons. None of us have a crystal ball. But as of now when I see a great school growing in their capacity to treat more cancer patients, I think it's a great thing.

 

[Knucklehead]

Hello all. I'm a new resident. I'm really enjoying these discussions lately.

Is there a governing body that advocates responsible use of technology? Why not? Why is this acceptable? Are the individuals who set the fee schedule under pressure from private entities?

I just don't see why this is acceptable.