Med Phys
-
Medical ultrasound has long been used in clinical applications both as a primary modality and as a supplement to other diagnostic procedures. The basis for ultrasound imaging is the transmission of high frequency (megaHertz) sound waves that propagate through tissue. These sound waves backscatter from the interfaces between tissue components with different acoustic properties and are detected by the imaging system, allowing the creation of images based on tissue characteristics and spatial location. ⋯ This course covers the basic principles of contrast agents used in ultrasound imaging including their stability, shell properties and their behavior within an acoustic field. In addition, we will cover many new techniques that are being evaluated in preclinical studies including: p er fus ion-based techniques, molecular imaging, gene therapy, drug delivery, and acoustic angiography. Finally, basic safety concerns and biological effects will be reviewed.
-
The AAPM has signed two formal Educational Exchange Agreements with the Spanish (SEFM) and the Russian (AMPR) medical physics societies. While the primary purpose of the Agreements is to provide educational opportunities for young medical physicists, the Agreements also contemplate holding joint sessions at scientific congresses. The purpose of this professional AAPM/SEFM/AMPR Joint Symposium is to explore the challenges that medical physicists in the three countries face when new external beam radiotherapy technologies are introduced in their facilities and to suggest potential solutions to limitations in testing equipment and lack of familiarity with protocols. ⋯ The Symposium presentations and the country-tailored recommendations drawn will be made available to each society for inclusion in their websites. The WGNIMP, the AAPM Work Group charged with executing the AAPM/SEFM and AAPM/AMPR Agreements, will follow up on the commitments made by the AAPM. Di Yan's research on adaptive radiotherapy has been financially supported by: 1) NIH Research Grants, 2) Elekta Research Grants 3) Philips Research GrantConflicts of interest for Cedric X Yu: 1) Board Member of Prowess, Inc., 2) Shareholder of Xcision Medical Systems, LLC, 3) Inventor on patents licensed by Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
-
The accuracy of dosimetric analysis and outcome comparison between conventionally fractionated radiation therapy(CFRT) and stereotactic body radiotherapy(SBRT) requires reliable radiobiological modeling. The aim of this work was to further improve the multi-mode model(MMM) for both CFRT and SBRT. ⋯ MMM offers a superior description of the mammalian cell survival curve in both conventional and ablative dose ranges, which can be used for designing new fractionation schemes and predicting and understanding treatment outcomes for both CFRT and SBRT.
-
To compare the dosimetric benefits of Rapidarc (RA) combined with deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) with those of other standard techniques, including free breathing (FB) during fixed-field intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and dual arc RA, in the treatment of patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma (EC). ⋯ Compared with conventional FB, RA combined with DIBH significantly reduced cardiac and pulmonary doses without compromising the target coverage and may reduce treatment toxicity, enabling dose escalation in future prospective studies of patients with EC.
-
As a new member of the AAPM, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the size and complexity of the association and to be unaware of the benefits and opportunities available to members. At this year's AAPM national meeting in Charlotte, we will host a New Member Symposium, where you can learn more about the organization, member resources, opportunities to get involved, and about topics of particular interest to new professionals. We encourage you to take advantage of this great opportunity to learn valuable information and to grow your professional network. ⋯ Medical Physics Workforce, Staffing, Supply & Demand, and Limited Residency slots. Registered attendees will receive a raffle ticket for entry in a drawing to win a complimentary registration for the 2013 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis. In addition, all new members who register for the Symposium will receive a drink ticket good for one complimentary beer served after the New Member Symposium during the social with committee chairs from 4 AAPM Councils: Science, Education, Professional, and Administrative.