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Bangladesh Medical Physics Society (BMPS) celebrates IMPW 2023: Emphasizing the Vital Role of Medical Physicists in Modern Medicine
International Medical Physics Week:
The International Organization for Medical Physics (IOMP) celebrated International Medical Physics Week (IMPW) from 24th to 28th April 2023, with the aim of promoting and fostering activities that advance medical physics globally. The Bangladesh Medical Physics Society (BMPS) actively participated in this momentous event by organizing a series of online webinars. The webinars brought together medical physicists, researchers, and professionals from around the world to share insights and knowledge on cutting-edge topics in the field of medical physics.
The BMPS organized an enriching online webinar series that spanned five days, covering a diverse range of topics in medical physics. Each webinar, comprising a one-hour presentation followed by a 15-minute interactive Q&A session, provided valuable insights into the critical role of medical physicists in various aspects of healthcare and radiation treatment.
In the opening webinar of International Medical Physics Week 2023, Md. Jobairul Islam, Secretary of BMPS, delivered impactful introductory remarks that ignited passion and commitment among participants. Emphasizing the pivotal role of research and academics, his words resonated with the audience, setting the stage for an enlightening series of webinars. He announced BMPS’s commitment to organizing future scientific sessions, further fueling excitement and dedication to advancing the field of Medical Physics. The inspirational address laid a strong foundation for subsequent webinars, reinforcing BMPS’s dedication to promoting medical physics both nationally and internationally.
Webinar 1: Role of Medical Physicists in Radiation Protection
The inaugural webinar, titled “Role of Medical Physicists in Radiation Protection,” was presented by the esteemed Dr. Pradip Deb, a Senior Researcher in Medical Radiation and RSO at RMIT University, Australia. Dr. Deb emphasized the vital responsibilities and expertise of medical physicists in implementing effective radiation protection measures. He highlighted the significance of ongoing education and training to keep medical physicists up-to-date with the latest advancements in radiation protection techniques. The webinar underscored the indispensable contributions of medical physicists in safeguarding patients, healthcare professionals, and the public from unnecessary radiation exposure during medical procedures. The session was moderated by Dr. Md. Anwarul Islam, Medical Physicist Co-Ordinator from Square Hospital Limited, Bangladesh.
Webinar 2: Surface Guided Radiotherapy – Implementation and Experience
The second webinar focused on “Surface Guided Radiotherapy” and was presented by Abdul Sattar Khalid, a Medical Physicist at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCR), Qatar. The presentation showcased the practical application and benefits of SGRT technology in guiding radiation treatment delivery. Real-world experiences were shared, demonstrating how SGRT has positively impacted patient care and treatment outcomes in radiation therapy centers. The session was moderated by Sadia Afrin Sarah, Medical Physicist from Delta Hospital Limited.
Webinar 3: Plan Evaluation for High Precision Radiotherapy Treatment
K. M. Masud Rana, a Senior Medical Physicist cum RSO at Life Gaborone Private Hospital, Botswana, delivered the third webinar. The presentation focused on methodologies and techniques used to assess the quality and accuracy of treatment plans, ensuring optimal radiation delivery to target areas while sparing healthy tissues. The webinar provided valuable insights into the latest advancements in plan evaluation methods, aiming to enhance the overall quality of radiotherapy treatments and improve patient outcomes. The webinar was effectively moderated by Kamanzi Jean D’amour from Rwanda Cancer Centre (RCC), Rwanda.
Webinar 4: Establishing an Image-Guided SRS and SBRT Program
The fourth webinar, presented by Dr. Sakil Zuberi, a Senior Clinical Scientist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, UK, delved into the implementation of advanced image-guided techniques in Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). The session highlighted the intricacies and challenges involved in setting up such programs, emphasizing the importance of state-of-the-art imaging technology and precise treatment planning. Image-guided SRS and SBRT were showcased as effective approaches to deliver highly targeted doses to tumors with increased accuracy, while minimizing the impact on surrounding healthy tissues, leading to improved patient outcomes and quality of life. The webinar, moderated by Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman from Evercare Hospital Chattogram, Bangladesh.
Global Participation and Acknowledgments
Fig: BMPS-IMPW Webinar Live Program: Speakers and participants
The success of the IMPW 2023 webinar series was evident from the overwhelming response it received. A total of 367 participants from 43 countries, spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America, actively engaged in the sessions. The organizers express their deepest gratitude to all participants, including speakers, moderators, and the entire team responsible for organizing these enlightening webinars.
Webinar Evaluation Reports
After each webinar session, participants were encouraged to provide feedback through evaluation reports. These reports allowed attendees to express their thoughts on various aspects of the webinar, including the content, presentation, and overall organization. The valuable feedback gathered through these reports will play an essential role in refining future events, ensuring they cater to the specific needs and expectations of the global medical physics community.
Certificates of Achievement
In recognition of the participants’ commitment to learning and professional development, BMPS awarded certificates of achievement to all attendees who completed the evaluation report for each webinar they attended. These certificates serve as a testament to their active involvement in the enriching discussions and their dedication to advancing their knowledge in medical physics.
Conclusion: The impact of these webinars is expected to resonate beyond the event, influencing advancements in medical physics globally and ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare systems worldwide. As the week-long celebration drew to a close, participants were left inspired and motivated to continue their pursuit of excellence in medical physics, shaping a brighter and healthier future for humanity. The IOMP and BMPS look forward to future editions of IMPW, further elevating the prominence of medical physics in the international healthcare community