Early Culture and Medicine to 1895 and the Creation of the MGH -- Radiation Oncology and the MGH 1896-1945 -- The New Optimism after WW II and the Decision for a Cancer -- Center at MGH 1945-1970 -- The New Department of Radiation Oncology 1970-75 -- Photon and Electron Physics at MGH 1975-2008 -- Proton Therapy Program -- Intra-operative Electron Beam Therapy -- Radiation Biology of Tumor and Normal Tissues Biomathematics and Biostatistics -- Clinical Advances by the MGH Department of Radiation -- Oncology -- Education Programs -- Special Lecture Series Radiation Therapists, Nurses, Medical Records, Receptionists and Cox Front Door Welcoming Team -- Administration -- Affiliated Hospitals -- Patrons of the Department -- Special Social Functions -- Future of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the MGH.

The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) has a history of excellence and is internationally recognized as a world class medical center, providing quality medical care, advancing medicine through clinical and laboratory research and facilitating the education of exceptional health care professionals. The Massachusetts General Hospital Radiation Oncology Department, staff, residents and fellows, past and present, concur that MGH stands for Man’s Greatest Hospital. This decidedly immodest assessment is widely viewed amongst the group as being manifestly true, and that perception is clearly reflected in a marvelous esprit de corp. Such an unequivocally positive attitude is solidly based on the judgment that the best possible care is provided to each MGH patient, i.e. the patient is, in fact, Number One. There is a deep sense of pride in the contributions made by this department to the scientific advancement of oncology, with an objective to continue progressively and substantially increasing the proportion of patients who are free of tumor and of treatment related morbidity. Evolution of Radiation of Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital is the work of the former Chair of the Department, Herman D. Suit, with his successor, Jay S. Loeffler. From 1970 – 2000, Dr. Suit’s guidance and management of this Department brought it to recognition as a world class center. Dr. Suit was key in developing and building the Department that now includes The Northeast Proton Therapy Center at the MGH. His passion for the science of radiation therapy and its evolution through the years is evident in this book. Dr. Loeffler is a pioneer in the development and application of novel radiation delivery technologies and the use of biologics to enhance radiation effect for patients with brain tumors. Dr. Suit and Dr. Loeffler continue their close collaboration at MGH. This fascinating chronicle begins with the creation of MGH in 1811, followed by personal experiences of the Radiation Oncology Department.