Mike Sharpe obtained his honors BSc degree at Western in Physics in 1986.

After working at the London Regional Cancer Program for two years, he returned to Western to complete his PhD in Medical Biophysics.

Since then Mike’s work has transformed the medical physics field, making significant impact in the delivery of radiotherapy for breast cancer patients, and influenced medical physicists throughout the world. Quoting from the American Association of Physicist in Medicine, “Dr. Sharpe has advanced the field through the development, validation, and application of radiotherapy and imaging technologies on which he has published over 70 papers in peer-reviewed journals and 11 book chapters, and has co-authored several patents.”

Unfortunately, he passed away from cancer at the prime age of 51.

This past Friday (June 9, 2017) , the Michael B. Sharpe Memorial Symposium was held in Toronto, a day before Mike’s favourite cycling event, the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer. Physicists and physicians from different parts of Canada came to give scientific talks interspersed with stories of how Mike Sharpe influenced their work and their lives.

So, what can we do with a BSc in Physics?  Mike Sharpe has provided a brilliant example – he touched many lives and made the world a better place.

Eugene

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