To determine experimentally the intrinsic energy response, kbq , of EBT3 GafChromic® radiochromic film with kilovoltage x rays, 137 Cs, and 60 Co in therapeutic diagnostic dose ranges through direct measurement an accompanying mathematical approach to describe physical processes involved.The was irradiated known doses using Co, 13 NIST-matched x-ray beams. Seven levels, ranging from 57 7002 mGy, were chosen for this work. Monte Carlo methods used convert air-kerma rates active layer each...

Abstract Purpose To promote diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), an educational presentation hands‐on session was organised to raise awareness of STEM career opportunities among high school girls introduce the students field medical physics. Materials Methods The study involved 65 first‐year Senior High School girls, aged 13–16, pursuing general science Accra, Ghana. This initiative, by Girls Excellence Movement (GEM) collaboration with a United States (US)...

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to validate the use a model‐based dose calculation algorithm (MBDCA), Acuros BV, for high rate brachytherapy treatment planning community‐based hospital with Bravos afterloader. Based on published AAPM recommendations, work details practical approach clinics complete initial validation in order add MBDCA TG‐43 based program. Methods Source dimensions and materials used BV source models were compared physical source. TG‐186 testing completed...

New in vivo dosimetry methods would be useful for clinical HDR brachytherapy. An implantable MOSFET Dose Verification System ® designed by Sicel Technologies, Inc. was examined use with applications. This investigation demonstrated that varying the dose rate from did not change detector response. The detectors exhibited a higher sensitivity to energies than energies. A nonlinear accumulated effect characterized three third‐order polynomials fit data placed at different distances source. were...

Abstract Five complete MR‐conditionally approved ring sets, including fifteen tandems, and two additional rings, were commissioned at an institution intending to use them in MRI planning environment with a Bravos HDR brachytherapy remote afterloader. Channel length, radiograph, autoradiograph, offset, treatment interrupt measurements performed, applicators assessed both CT MRI. During commissioning, one was found be defective returned the manufacturer for replacement. The eventual applicator...

Abstract In the context of radiation oncology, exposure from therapy simulation, image guidance, and procedures can have severe adverse biological effects on a developing embryo or fetus. Patients who may be pregnant are screened for possibility pregnancy to prevent unnecessary excessive in utero. Some patients whom test is indicated elect decline test. addition, some found upon screening decide, with their attending oncologist, continue treatment. A oncology department policy was developed...

Abstract Within the landscape of medical physics education, residency programs are instrumental in imparting hands‐on training and experiential knowledge to early‐career physicists. Ensuring access educational opportunities for physicists with disabilities is a legal, ethical, pragmatic requirement programs, considering that significant proportion United States population has disability. Grounded conceptual frameworks competency‐based education social model disability, this work provides an...

Abstract Lesson plans were developed to present concepts of medical physics and radiation therapy a middle school audience. These workshop learning units relied on hands‐on participation collaboration within student groups acquaint students with computed tomography simulation treatment planning processes. lesson delivered at two different educational outreach programs targeted that have traditionally been underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, mathematics ( STEM ) fields. The...

Over the past several decades, a medical physics service group covering 35 clinical sites has provided routine monthly output and energy quality assurance for over 75 linear accelerators. Based on geographical spread of these clinics large number physicists involved in data acquisition, systematic calibration procedure was established to ensure uniformity. A consistent measurement geometry collection technique is used across all machines every calendar month, using standardized set acrylic...

A new high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy program was initiated in a community hospital setting, with the goal of using magnetic resonance (MR) images implant place during planning process. Physics acceptance testing and commissioning completed for key components, including multiple applicators. To image applicators MRI-based prior to use patients, agar gel doped copper sulfate created simple, MR-safe household materials as practical inexpensive alternative custom-machined precision phantoms....

An anthropomorphic phantom has been developed by Varian Medical Systems for commissioning multileaf-collimator (MLC), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatments on TrueBeam and Edge linear accelerators. Northwest Physics Center (NMPC) collected end-to-end data these machines, at six independent clinical sites, to establish baseline dosimetric geometric criteria SRS measurements with this phantom. The is designed accommodate four interchangeable target cassettes, each a specific quality...

Abstract A hands-on learning activity was developed to introduce young learners concepts and careers in health medical physics. Inexpensive materials were used create a work station with tools that designed be approachable accessible for this audience. Visitors local independent, nonprofit science museum may interact the learn basic information regarding radiation everyday life hear about sciences. Approximately 60 volunteer hours have been contributed associated activity. Interested...

Purpose To achieve stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) dose distributions with sharp gradients using orthovoltage energy fluence modulation inverse planning optimization techniques. Methods A pencil beam model was used to calculate from an unit at 250 kVp. Kernels for the were derived Monte Carlo methods. Genetic Algorithm search heuristic optimize spatial distribution of added tungsten filtration gradients. Optimizations performed depths 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 cm, cone sizes 5, 6, 8, 10 mm. In...

A journal club program was initiated in a clinically focused, geographically distributed medical physics therapy residency program. This currently supports two residents at different clinical sites, who regularly present the new club. For one of sessions, were assigned to on topics related broad themes equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) context physics, radiation oncology, or oncology. As other responsible for choosing their respective articles within required criteria with approval from...

In this article, we will explore the way radiation can be used to treat cancer. Radiation for cancer therapy consists of high-energy particles or light that damage living cells, including cells. beams generated using a special machine, called linear accelerator, and they are precisely aimed at patient’s When is located near lungs, moves around as patient breathes in out. Hitting with beam hard when does not stay still. It little like trying hit moving target video game. case, there some...

In this article, we will talk about a special treatment that doctors can use to help people who have cancer. This kind of is called brachytherapy. Brachytherapy uses little pieces materials give off radiation treat cancer from the inside out. We explore what is, it means when something radioactive, and why be used for treatment. discuss different types brachytherapy, because sometimes small, implanted capsules they robot. Toward end see how kinds cancers.

Abstract This case report describes a 45‐min active learning lesson plan that engages 4th–5th and 6th–8th grade school students in spatial reasoning through review of medical imaging. The reviews different planar orientations cross‐sections computed tomography (CT) images familiar objects. is designed to introduce the idea scientists are key contributors healthcare, including imaging technologies facilitate visualization internal structures patients without invasive procedures. demonstrates...

Purpose: To determine the dose response of implantable DVS MOSFET dosimeters to kilovoltage x‐ray radiation compared irradiation from a source. Method and Materials: Sicel Technologies, Inc. has developed Dose Verification System (DVS®), using that are read telemetrically by an inductively coupled antenna. Three Virtual Water™ phantom cassettes, each containing four dosimeters, were irradiated in Water with source for five doses 200 cGy. These used as controls compare fourth cassette was...

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to examine the trade-off between prescription isodose and dose gradients in orthovoltage stereotactic radiosurgery. Methods: Point energy deposition kernels (EDKs) describing photon electron transport were calculated using Monte Carlo methods. EDKs generated from 10 250 keV, keV increments. converted pencil beam used calculate profiles through isocenter a 4π isotropic delivery all angles circularly collimated beams. Monoenergetic beams an polyenergetic...

As part of a public education outreach effort, an introduction to the health effects ionizing radiation and field medical physics was developed by clinical physicist. The presentation delivered broad audience in 2019 (prior COVID-19 safety concerns) through community science literacy program that pairs popular films with educational material. is collaboration between local center movie theater, includes content keynote guest scientist screening film. film chosen for curriculum “Mad Max: Fury...