2008 Young Innovator Award

Dr. Karl Otto

Medical Physicist, BC Cancer Agency

Dr. Karl Otto is a committed physicist whose accomplishments in cancer research and treatment are paving the way for a bright and flourishing career. Otto's first invention was developed from his PhD work at the University of British Columbia. This formed the basis for his development of several novel advances for cancer treatment enabling increased precision in the delivery of radiotherapy, including Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT). As doses of radiation can be delivered more quickly and precisely to target tumors with VMAT, it is estimated that over one million cancer patients around the globe will benefit from Otto's innovations. His early contributions to the cancer treatment are significant in improving the quality of care for patients around the world.

Work and Achievements

  • Has employed his skills as a Medical Physicist at a number of institutions, including the Ottawa Valley Regional Hospital, Shaw Regional Cancer Center, MDX Medical Inc., and the BC Cancer Agency.
  • Developed Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), a growing standard for cancer treatment.
  • VMAT is a technology residing in Varian’s RapidArc, a leading technology providing fast and user-friendly image-guided Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) treatments.
  • Harold Johns Award, Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine (2003).

Acclaim

"Due to his capacity for innovative research and development, Karl Otto has created new technology for cancer treatment that improves the quality of care for patients around the world. Given the current level of demand, it is likely that globally over one million cancer patients will benefit from Karl's innovations over the next 5 years."
- Dr. Samuel Abraham, VP Strategic Relations, Technology Development Office, BC Cancer Agency

Individual Media Kit | PDF

Photo credit: Gary Schwartz