Education

Dr. George Winthrop Sherouse was a pioneering medical physicist whose creativity, conviction, and generosity reshaped modern radiotherapy. He developed GRATIS, the first graphical 3D treatment planning system, and freely shared it, embodying his belief that innovation should serve patients and the profession rather than profit. He pioneered virtual simulation which helped establish standards of care benefiting countless patients today. A gifted mentor and incisive thinker, he championed ethics, professionalism, and bold, curious inquiry throughout his decades of service to the AAPM. He founded one of the first community-based residency programs, ensuring rigorous training for future medical physicists. George enjoyed playful, thought-provoking metaphors and often used surprising examples to make a point. The platypus, as nature’s ultimate out-of-box thinker, was often compared to the unique skillset held by medical physicists. This fund honors his lifelong commitment to advancing clinical excellence, nurturing new talent, and challenging the field to think differently. The fund carries forward his spirit of openness, integrity, and fearless innovation for generations to come. Memorial Funds are governed by AAPM Policy AP-99.