Alumni Spotlight | Jordan Sutton

Jordan Sutton | Medical Dosimetry Class of 2010

As a biology major at the University of Houston, Jordan Sutton was drawn to both science and mathematics, and was searching for a career that would combine both these fields. He says his search ended when he learned about the field of Medical Dosimetry. Medical Dosimetrists work closely with the Radiation Oncology physicians who write prescriptions for highly specialized radiation therapy, and the dosimetrist’s role is to design a radiation treatment plan that will deliver the appropriate dose of radiation to the tumor while shielding the surrounding healthy tissue.

Jordan had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Mahsa Dehghanpour, director of the Medical Dosimetry Program at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Professions (SHP) and says

“I realized that field of Medical Dosimetry would combine my strongest interests: biology, mathematics and healthcare. I wanted to be a part of something in which I could make a difference, and I knew that a career in Medical Dosimetry would make this possible. I applied for admission to the program and was accepted.”

In 2010, upon graduating from the Medical Dosimetry program, Jordan accepted the offer of a medical dosimetry position in MD Anderson radiation oncology department. Since then, he has risen to the Expert Level in the fields of teaching, mentoring, treatment planning and research competencies.

His duties include generating radiation therapy treatment plans in collaboration with radiation oncologists and medical physicists, performing quality assurance tasks, and writing quality initiatives within the radiation therapy department. Jordan also takes an active role in the SHP Medical Dosimetry Program by delivering lectures to the Medical Dosimetry students as well as mentoring them during their clinical rotations in the Radiotherapy clinics.

He interacts with visiting physicians and medical dosimetrists from outside institutions both within the United States and beyond by demonstrating the radiation therapy tools and techniques MD Anderson utilizes to create the best possible radiation therapy treatment plan. When asked what he would like to say to prospective students considering applying to the SHP Medical Dosimetry program, Jordan responded:

“The SHP Medical Dosimetry program gives you the ability to learn from and work beside the best. The faculty and the educators have been or still are practicing dosimetrists who want to see you succeed in school and will help you along your path once you graduate. You graduate supremely prepared to enter the workforce with 100% confidence you will be providing the best care that is available.”