November 7 marks International Day of Medical Physics
Event Date: 11/07/2015
As November 7 marks the third International Day of Medical Physics, we want to recognize the medical physicists in our radiation oncology department at West Virginia University Medicine – John Kralik, Josh Hack, Nicole Bunda-Randall and Ramon Alfredo Siochi, Ph.D., director of medical physics.
This special day is organized annually by the International Organization for Medical Physics to raise awareness about the role medical physicists play for the benefit of patients.
Everyday, and often behind the scenes, these scientists fulfill a variety of roles that ensure the safe and effective delivery of radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging that directly impacts the health and lives of patients.
From the colon cancer patient undergoing external beam radiation therapy, to the retired grandfather having brachytherapy for prostate cancer, to the mother of two getting her yearly mammogram, and the five-year-old boy who fell off his bike and may have a broken arm. These are the experts in physics, which is central to radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer, and the development and advancement of medical imaging techniques.
For Dr. Siochi, the International Day of Medical Physics is a good reminder of the contributions he makes to patient care. “I moved to West Virginia last December to lead our growing medical physics group," Dr. Siochi, said. "Here at WVU medicine, where part of the mission is to improve healthcare for the state of West Virginia, I am also involved in providing better access to higher quality radiotherapy through evolving partnerships with other hospitals and clinics throughout the state.”