Medical Physics

Course Structure

1. On-site, full-day clinical training in external beam modalities (Megavoltage photons, electrons, superficial x-rays) including equipment selection, radiation protection, acceptance/commissioning, calibration, quality assurance, and treatment planning. Theoretical basis and use of the various detectors and dosimeters associated with external beam modalities. Topics in ethics and professionalism are also covered.
2. On-site, full-day clinical training in intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated radiation therapy (VMAT), and brachytherapy. Training in quality assurance, calibration, inverse planning, IMRT/VMAT delivery, and radiation safety. Radionuclides and sealed sources in brachytherapy, clinical applications of the sources, treatment planning, and quality assurance. Topics in leadership are also covered.
3. On-site, full-day clinical training in the principles of computed tomography (CT) simulator, associated radiation protection/design considerations, CT protocols. Understand the physics of imaging modalities, image guided radiotherapy, and perform quality assurance on CT, MRI, ultrasound, PET as related to radiation therapy, and treatment planning. Training in image archiving and communication systems.
4. On-site, full-day clinical training covering physics concepts and implementation of standard radiation treatment (RT) techniques for common cancer treatment sites, routine quality assurance associated with patient specific RT and planning, special RT procedures, quality assurance of RT planning systems, monitor unit calculations, patient safety with respect to radiation therapy, and treatment planning.