Jean-Pierre Bissonnette ends his term as Medical Physics Residency Director

Jean-Pierre Bissonnette has been leading UT-DRO’s Medical Physics Residency program since 2008 and is wrapping up his term  as Director of Physics Residency this year.

In the last eight years as Director of Medical Physics Residency, Jean-Pierre has not only led administration of this vital program, he has also developed many educational programs to enhance the training experience for our early-career Physicists . Dr. Rebecca Wong, Vice-Chair of Education at UT-DRO, credits Jean-Pierre for “shaping the Radiation Oncology Physics Program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre into one of lasting, global impact.”

The Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) course that is offered in the innovative Accelerated Education Program is a direct result of Jean-Pierre’s research into IGRT. Similarly, his research into Quality and Safety (Q&S) in radiation therapy has resulted in several innovations that have been put into practice and courses that are being offered at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

The Physics Residents who have gone through the program during Jean-Pierre’s term appreciate his mentorship, guidance and encouragement to enhance their careers. "Jean-Pierre’s door was, and still is, always open to discuss issues with residents and to give advice," said Dominique Fortin, Chief Physics Resident. "He is always on the look-out for opportunities for his residents. He regularly goes out of his way to introduce residents to new staff or potential future employers while at conferences."

Jean-Pierre’s trainees and colleagues all recognize his unwavering commitment to running the Physics Residency Program, his devotion to providing the best care for cancer patients, and his dedication to improving radiation therapy.

We are happy to share that Jean-Pierre is passing the baton to another capable Medical Physicist. As of February 1, 2016, Dr. Andrea McNiven has taken over leadership of this program.