Chris Boyd
Technical Editor – Diagnostic Radiology Physics: A Handbook for Teachers and Students
Radiology medical physics education will soon welcome an important update to one of its most widely used teaching resources. As part of a renewal of all of its’ ‘A Handbook for Teachers and Students’ educational texts, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is releasing a second edition of its textbook ‘Diagnostic Radiology: A Handbook for Teachers and Students’. In addition to this, a new text ‘Foundations of Medical Physics: A Handbook for Teachers and Students’ will collate the introductory concepts from the first editions into a single resource, and free space for extended discussion of domain specifics in the other texts.
The diagnostic radiology handbook is a globally accessible foundation for medical physics students, registrars, and educators. Its’ practical curriculum framework, modular teaching approach, and emphasis on the core principles of physics, safety, image interpretation, and clinical application have made it a staple of residency programs and postgraduate teaching worldwide. Over the past decade however, diagnostic radiology has evolved rapidly—driven by advances in detector technology, hybrid imaging, dose optimisation strategies, and the growing integration of artificial intelligence and quantitative imaging methods.
The forthcoming second edition reflects these changes. Planned additions include MR safety, guidance on commonly encountered professional topics, dedicated focus on anatomy and physiology for medical physics, equipment management, and an entire chapter of software considerations for radiology. Educational design has also been revisited, with clearer learning objectives, updated figures, practical examples, and teaching tools intended to support both classroom and self-directed learning. The goal remains consistent with the original mission: to provide a freely available, high-quality, and globally relevant resource that supports standardized training in diagnostic radiology. Guided by a technical editor from each of AAPM, AFOMP, EFOMP, ICTP, and IOMP, the final text incorporates contributions from 85 authors from 27 countries, including 15 authors from within AFOMP.
Readers interested in learning more about the project will have an opportunity to engage directly at the European Congress of Radiology 2026. A dedicated poster presentation and accompanying talk will outline the new structure, key additions, and implementation strategies for educators seeking to incorporate the handbook into their teaching programs.
Further details on release timelines and access will be shared as development progresses, with the final text being made available as a free download from the IAEA once complete. Educators, trainees, and program directors are encouraged to watch for updates through IAEA, IOMP, and AFOMP communication channels for what promises to be a timely and valuable revision of this trusted educational cornerstone.