1994 William McAdams Outstanding Service Award Acceptance

I would like to thank the William A. McAdams Award Committee, the Academy and all CHPs for this award. It is truly an overwhelming honor, especially considering the previous awardees. I suspect the Committee made its selection before I proposed that all CHPs undergo a written examination for certification renewal.

The many years that I have been involved with Board and Academy functions have been both challenging and rewarding. It would not be possible to overestimate how much I have learned from participation in this process. The greatest reward, however, has been the opportunity to work with so many of you. I am continually amazed by the dedication of so many hardworking, enthusiastic, respected health physicists to the certification program. It gives renewed meaning to the old phrase, "if you want something done, ask a busy person to do it." The strange thing is that so many of you volunteer for this self-flagellation. I can only conclude that it is all a labor of love, since the pay isn't so hot.

As has been pointed out by previous McAdams Award recipients, ABHP accomplishments are seldom the result of a single individual's endeavor, but stem rather from the contributions of many. So it is that I cannot take credit for any significant ABHP achievements or milestones, since so many of you have contributed to each. It is also impossible to thank all of you by name, so I won't even try. I hope it will be sufficient to shout a collected "Thanks!"

For those of you with whom I have not yet had the pleasure of working, I encourage you to step up and take the plunge. I'm certain you will find the experience as exciting and rewarding as we have. At the very least, it will keep your knowledge level high, just in case you need to pass a written exam for certification renewal.

[Note: I realize this only slightly resembles what I actually said at the Academy meeting. I have found it much easier to write today than it was to speak back then. 10/4/94]