10/16/2026
Our next 2026 Distinguished Award winner is someone who knows just how much compassion can mean to a patient. 🏆
Brett Palestra, RT(T)(CT), of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, is the recipient of the 2026 ACMS Benjamin Rush Individual Award.
For the past 15 years, Mr. Palestra has made it his mission to help patients navigate some of the hardest moments of their lives. As Lead Brachytherapist at UPMC Magee-Womens, a role he has held since 2017, he takes time to build trust, put patients at ease, and bring a little laughter into an otherwise difficult experience.
But his path to healthcare wasn’t exactly a straight line. Before becoming a radiation therapist, Mr. Palestra worked as a police officer. When a female coworker was diagnosed with breast cancer, seeing what she went through inspired him to change careers and return to school. He wanted to be there for people during some of life’s most vulnerable moments, and he found a way to do just that.
Today, Mr. Palestra understands that even small moments can make a meaningful difference in a patient’s journey. He approaches each interaction with care and compassion, recognizing what a privilege it is to support people during such a vulnerable time.
His dedication is a reminder that compassionate care goes beyond treatment. It’s also about the people who show up, build trust, and help patients feel a little less alone.
Congratulations, Mr. Palestra, on this well-deserved honor! 👏🏻
