Source: IAEA
In its December bulletin focused on radiation medicine and technology, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) emphasized the importance of medical physicists in modern medicine. As radiation is sometimes necessary in order to perform a diagnosis or treatment for such ailments as cancer and heart disease, experts in applying physics in medicine are needed to ensure the safety of both caregivers and patients.
The role of medical physicists includes:
- Defining the technical specifications of new equipment to reflect a facility’s clinical requirements and ensure that the newly installed equipment operates as specified throughout its expected life
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
- Developing and establishing quality management systems on the use of radiation sources for medical treatment and applying specialized tools for quality control
- Collaborating with other clinical professionals for the commissioning and supervision of the implementation of new or complex clinical procedures
- Training the staff associated with radiation protection issues to ensure that safe and correct procedures are performed