Proton Partners International Ltd has announced the appointment of leading physicist John Pettingell as Head of Physics for its proton beam therapy centres, the first of which will be operational next year.

In his new role, John will be responsible for recruiting, coordinating and leading the team of physicists and dosimetrists who will work across Proton Partners’ three centres to be opened in Newport, Northumberland and London.

Until recently, John was the Director of Physics and Radiotherapy at Cancer Partners UK where he was in charge of the radiation physics and dosimetry service across a country-wide network of nine treatment centres and diagnostics.

Having joined Cancer Partners UK at the start-up stage in 2008, he helped design and implement the rollout of their independent service, opening eight centres over five years, with particular responsibility for building the physics and dosimetry team and leading the delivery of highly technical radiotherapy and treatment quality.

Prior to that, John worked in a variety of Radiotherapy roles at both The Harley Street Cancer Centre and The Royal Marsden NHS Trust.

John studied Physics at Oxford University and then went on to study a postgraduate degree in Medical Engineering and Physics at King’s College.

On receiving this appointment, John said: “I’m delighted to be joining Proton Partners, they are at the forefront of improving cancer care in the UK.”

“Proton beam therapy can be used to treat a diverse range of cancers. It damages less of the surrounding tissue and gives patients a greater chance of avoiding long-term side effects.”

“With so few countries able to provide this type of treatment, the UK will become one of the leading providers of proton beam therapy and I am extremely excited to be a part of it.”

Mike Moran, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Partners, added: “We are delighted to have John on board – he is tremendously accomplished in his field and was the outstanding candidate for the role.”

“With almost 20 years of experience in the cancer and healthcare sector, John’s knowledge and expertise will be invaluable to the development of Proton Partners.”

“The first of our centres will be opened in Newport and John will play a pivotal role in its development. His appointment reflects our intention to bring leading scientists into Wales and ensure that the care we provide is the very best it can be.”

Source: Proton Partners International