To commemorate
International Day of Medical Physics (IDMP) & International Day of Radiology (IDoR)
30th November 2024
On 30th November 2024, a conference on Radiation Applications in Medicine with the theme ‘Inspiring the future generations of radiation professionals’ was organized by the Departments of Radiation Oncology and Radio Diagnosis Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana to commemorate the International Day of Medical Physics (IDMP) and the International Day of Radiology (IDoR) 2024. This conference was accredited with 4 credit hours by the Punjab Medical Council. The conference was held in the Lady Willingdon Assembly Hall, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana.
Contribution of Medical Physics in healthcare is multi-dimensional and it has improved the healthcare tremendously. The recent advancements in Medical Physics may it be in Radio diagnosis, Radiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine and various fields specially using ionizing radiation has made monumental sprints. To bring over it and recognize the contribution of Medical Physics to healthcare, International Organization for Medical Physics (IOMP) has started to celebrate 7th November, the birthday of Madam Marie Curie as International Day of Medical Physics (IDMP) since 2013. The main purpose of IDMP celebrations include motivating the organization of activities that result in the promotion of the subject of medical physics globally, increasing the visibility of the profession and outreach to fellow professionals and general public. Since the 7th day of November 2013, the very first International Day of Medical Physics, where various academic and teaching institutes showcased the contributions of medical physicists to healthcare globally and continues to be celebrated annually thereafter. Discovery of X-rays on 8 November 1895 by German physicist Prof Wilhelm Roentgen has revolutionized the medical diagnosis and treatment. The anniversary of this discovery is celebrated around the world as IDoR in recognition of the remarkable contributions made by radiological imaging and radiological treatment to health care, and the role of radiation professionals in providing quality care to patients.
Christian Medical College and Hospital Ludhiana has been always in the forefront to avail the best diagnostic and treatment facilities to treat patients since 1894. The teaching and training program for radiotherapy technologists in CMC Ludhiana dates to early 1960’s and the MD Radiation Oncology program at the institute completed 30 years. The departments of Radiation Oncology and Radio Diagnosis collectively decided to commemorate the IDMP and IDoR 2024 and more than 450 healthcare professionals and trainees attended the conference.
Honourable Sub Divisional Magistrate, Moga, Ms Swati Tiwana inaugurated the conference and addressed the gathering of more than 300 delegates from across Punjab and neighboring states. She highlighted the importance of creating awareness among general public and emphasized the immense contribution of Madam Marie Curie to the health sector. Professor Dr MK Mahajan, guest of honour, a senior radiation oncologist from CMC Ludhiana illuminated the contributions of Sir Wilhelm Roentgen with the discovery of X-Rays. Professor Karamveer Goel Member Punjab Medical Council congratulated the organizing team and announce four credit hours. Prof Dr William Bhati, Director CMC Ludhiana congratulated the organizing team and said that more such conferences need to be conducted to create awareness. Prof Dinesh Badyal, Vice Principal encouraged the conduct of academic programs and conveyed the wishes of Dr Jeyaraj Pandian Principal CMCH. Prof Dr Pamela Jeyaraj, Head, Department of Radiation Oncology and Organizing Chairperson mentioned about the contributions made by the founder Dame Edith Mary Brown and the services rendered to cancer patients and Prof Dr Mary Joan, Organizing Secretary extended the vote of thanks to the entire invited faculty, delegates and the team of support persons.
The theme of this year’s IDMP celebrations was ‘Inspiring the future generation of medical physicists’ and it inspires us to continue our collective commitment to improving patient care, advancing medical technology, and enhancing the overall well-being of our communities. The IDMP day is dedicated to raising awareness about the role of medical physicists in healthcare and their contributions to the well-being of patients. Medical physicists play a crucial role in areas such as radiation therapy, diagnostic imaging, and nuclear medicine, ensuring the safe and effective use of medical technology. The International Day of Medical Physics serves to highlight the importance of their work in improving the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and promoting the well-being of individuals worldwide. The rapidly evolving applications of physics in medicine demands new set of skills as well as outlooks to meet the challenges efficiently and successfully. This CME offered a forum for radiation professionals of various healthcare streams to come together and share invaluable experiences for improving the practice of applications of radiation in medicine. The scientific program included a key note talk by veteran radiation oncologist and former Professor and Head of Department of Radiation Oncology, CMC Ludhiana on the theme ‘Inspiring the future generations of radiation professionals’. He has emphasized not only the contributions of scientists and clinical medical physicists to the field of radiation oncology, but also reiterated the importance of the role of medical physicists in routine clinical activities of radiation oncology, academic and research work. The session was moderated by Dr Sandhya Sood, Radiation Oncologist, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital Ludhiana and Dr Pranay Pawar, Vascular Surgeon, CMCH Ludhiana. Following the keynote address, Dr Rajeshwar Sahonta, Associate Professor of Neurology and Interventional Neurology spoke about the ‘Mechanical Thrombectomy: CMC Experience, moderated by Dr Harpal Singh, Prof and Head, Dept of Gastroenterology, CMCH Dr Ishu Sharma, Radiation Oncologist, Mohan Dai Oswal Cancer Hospital Ludhiana.
A talk on Radiation accidents causes, consequences and preparedness by Dr Preety Negi, Radiation Oncologist, Capitol Hospital, Jalandhar was followed moderated by Dr Gurpreet Kaur, Senior Medical Physicist, Dept of Radiation Oncology, Baba Farid Government Medical College Faridkot and Mr. Alok K Yadav, Dept of Nuclear Medicine, Baba Farid Government Medical College Faridkot.
The next talk was ‘Liver SBRT by ExacTrac Gating’ by Mr Rakesh Kaul, Senior Radiotherapy Technologist, Max Hospital, New Delhi moderated by Dr Preeti Paul, Prof and Head, Dept of Pathology, CMC Ludhiana and Dr Tapasya Dhar, Prof., Dept of Genecology and Obstetrics, CMC Ludhiana. The next talk was on ‘Theragnostics: Present and Future’, by Dr Dhananjay Kumar, Medical Physicist, Dept of Nuclear Medicine, Yashoda Hospital, New Delhi moderated by Dr Parvez Haque, Prof and Head, Department of Surgery, CMCH Ludhiana and Mr Joy Anzer, Senior Radiology Technologist, CMCH Ludhiana. Following that the ‘Safe Practice in Radiotherapy’ was discussed by Dr Kamlesh Passi, Senior Consultant Medical Physicist, Dept of Radiation Oncology, Mohan Dai Oswal Cancer Hospital Ludhiana. This session was moderated by Dr Romikant Grover, Radiation Oncologist, Baba Farid Govt Medical College, Faridkot and Dr Vivek Kumar, Chairperson, Centre for Medical Physics, Punjab University, Chandigarh. A thriving discussion followed including various practical situations and challenges considering patient safety and patient doses. Next Talk was ‘Advancing Imaging and Diagnostics with ultra-sound’ by Dr DrChithra Krishnamoorthy, Medical Physicist, AMITY University, Noida moderated By Dr Shekhar Kapoor, Head, Oral Medicine and Radiology and Dr Neha Chitkara, Assistant Professor, Christian Dental College Ludhiana. Dr Parneet Singh, Radiation Oncologist, Panchkula deliberated on ‘Building a culture of Radiation Safety’ moderated by Dr Navneet Kumar, Prof and Head, Dept of ENT AND Dr Mary John, Prof and Head, Dept of Internal Medicine CMC Ludhiana. Dr Reena Sharma, Senior Medical Physicist, Dept of Radiation Oncology, PGI Chandigarh spoke on ‘Small Field Dosimetry’ moderated by Dr Narjeet Kaur, Prof and Head, Dept of Anesthesia and Dr Gurpreet Thiara, Head, Dept of Transfusion Medicine, CMC Ludhiana. Dr Gourav Goyal, Radiation Oncologist, Advanced Cancer Institute, Bhatinda spoke about ‘Radiation Protection in a Changing World’ moderated by Mr. Shashank Shukla, Medical Physicist, Kamla Nehru Medical College, Allahabad and Mr. Devaraju S, Senior Medical Physicist, HomiBhabha Cancer Hospital, Sangrur. Following that Mr Ramesh Chandra Sharma, Senior Technologist, SMS Medical College, Jaipur presented ‘Transportation of Radioactive Material’ moderated by Dr Jaspinder Kaur, Radiation Oncologist, Satguru Pratap Singh Hospital Ludhiana and Dr John Livingston, Dept of Cardiology CMC Ludhiana. The morning session concluded with a talk on ‘MR Linac- Early clinical experience in India’ by Dr Vivek Immanuel Radiation Oncologist, Fortis Hospital New Delhi moderated by Dr Abhishek Samuel, Dept of Orthopedics, CMC Ludhiana and Ms. Satinder Kaur, Senior Medical Physicist, Department of Radiation Oncology, PGI Chandigarh.
e-Poster presentations were followed after lunch on the theme ‘Radiation Applications in Medicine’ for the graduate and post graduate students to promote awareness and to nurture all round development.42 e-posters were presented by medical physicists, radiology MD residents and BSc technology trainees, radiation oncology MD residents and BSc radiotherapy technology trainees from various medical colleges and teaching institutions across Punjab. A major attraction was the 5 models prepared and presented by graduate students upholding the spirit of the IDMP celebrations. Ms. Nidhi Goswami, Mr Abhishek Sehrawat, Mr. Vikram Singh, Ms. Shivani Bhakal, Ms. Gunjann Sharma, Mr. Narender Sharma, Mr. Munish Sanhotra, Ms. Urvashi, Ms. Kushpinder Kaur, Mr. Randhir Singh Doad, Mr. Mirza Burhan, Ms. Eswari Vigneshwaran, Ms. Ripanpreet Kaur, Dr Kewal Aaditya, Ms. Rama Bhawani, Mr. Gurpreet Singh, Mr. Devaraju S; a panel of Medical physicists, radiologists, radiation oncologists and technologists from various institutions across Punjab moderated and judged the e-poster presentations and models.
Ms. Nimmi Mathew, HomiBhabha Cancer Hospital Sangrur won the 1stPrizefrommedical Physicists. Dr Harshit Chouhan, MD RT, Dr Guntas, MD RD and Dr Benhur Jojan MD RD won the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively from PG residents. Ms. Sejal Sharma, Ms. Kiran and Mr. Bhupendra Kothotiya won the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively from radiotherapy technology students. From Radiology technology students Ms. Tanvi, Ms. Anumeet and Ms. Rukhsah won the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes. In the model session, Mr. Sahil (RD), Ms. Harshpreet (RD) and Ms. Vaishnavi (RT)won the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes. Dr Maria Thomas, Associate Director, CMCH Ludhiana presented the awards (certificate, trophy and momento) to the winners during the valedictory function. Following the prize distribution, the conference came to an end with a vote of thanks and the ethos of IDMP and IDoR strongly reverberating in all participants.
