The Modern Technology of Radiation Oncology

Editor's Note: For a more detailed description about the book please examine the book review written by Dr. Gino Fallone.

Publication of The Modern Technology of Radiation Oncology was a real tour de force both by the book’s editor, Jacob Van Dyk, and Medical Physics Publishing’s editor, Betsey Phelps.

The contract for this 1,072-page book was finalized in April 1998. At that time, Medical Physics Publishing expected to produce a book that would be about 500 pages in length and had set a finish date of July 1999. This date was chosen to coincide with the annual meeting of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Through considerable hard work and excellent organizational skills, Jake was able to send part of the manuscript to Medical Physics Publishing as early as March 1999. Within a month, editor Betsey Phelps had finalized the book design and had begun copy editing the manuscript. The length of the book ultimately exceeded the intended 500 pages by more than 100%, making the original late July deadline unattainable. However, with Herculean effort, Betsey, was able to produce several "prepress" copies of the book (which were about 90% complete) in time for the July meeting.

Final copy was turned over to the printer in mid-August, softcover books were available in October and hardcover books followed in early December - less than 18 months from contract date. It is regrettable that, due to the printer’s error, several graphics did not reproduce well. This will be corrected if sales warrant a second printing.

Review copies of the book have been sent to major reviewers in the US, Canada, Europe and Australia. A special promotion will be made in February to members of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiation Oncologists. Other special promotions are in early planning stages.

Publication of The Modern Technology of Radiation Oncology represents the largest single publishing endeavor- both in size and financial commitment - that Medical Physics Publishing has engaged in during its nearly 15 years of publishing. Medical Physics Publishing is indebted to Tomas Kron, Chief Physicist, Newcastle Mater Misericordia Hospital, Waratah, Australia, for suggesting the topic and for recommending Jake Van Dyk as the book’s editor.