IOMP President’s Message
John Damilakis, PhD
President, IOMP
EMPHub, International events, IOMP workshops
Dear Colleagues,
Emerging Medical Physicists Hub (EMPHub)
The IOMP has decided to establish the ‘Emerging Medical Physicists Hub (EMPHub)’, a platform dedicated to supporting the next generation of medical physicists. EMPHub will address several critical needs within the profession: mentorship, professional development, networking, and resource accessibility.
Networking is an essential component of career advancement in any field, and medical physics is no exception. EMPHub will provide a platform where early career physicists will be able to connect with peers and potential collaborators from around the world. These connections can lead to collaborative projects, job opportunities, and the sharing of best practices. EMPHub will not only broaden the horizons of its individual members but also contribute to the collective progress of the medical physics community.
For many emerging medical physicists, especially those in resource-constrained environments, access to cutting-edge research, tools, and technologies can be limited. EMPHub aims to democratize access to these vital resources. The platform will offer a centralized repository of medical physics resources, ensuring that all members, regardless of their geographical location, have the necessary tools to excel in their careers.
EMPHub will serve as a conduit for professional development by offering a plethora of resources, including educational opportunities tailored to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. This portal will offer guidance on research methodologies, paper writing, and grant applications. This will ensure that emerging medical physicists are well-equipped to handle the latest advancements in the field.
Early career professionals often navigate a labyrinth of academic, research, and clinical responsibilities. Without proper guidance, the risk of misdirection is significant. EMPHub will connect young physicists with experienced mentors who can provide personalized advice, share valuable insights from their own careers, and help mentees set realistic and achievable goals. This mentorship will not only accelerate professional growth but also foster a culture of support and continuous learning within the medical physics community.
I’m confident that the EMPHub represents a significant leap forward in supporting early-career medical physicists. Its proper development demands a considerable amount of time and effort. I’ll keep you updated on the progress of this initiative through my articles published in this newsletter.
International events relevant to medical physicists
Several important scientific meetings relevant to medical physicists will be organized during the coming months. The 24th Asia-Oceania Congress of Medical Physics (AOCMP) in conjunction with the 22nd South-East Asia Congress of Medical Physics (SEACOMP) will be held at the Wembley – A St Giles Hotel in Penang, Malaysia from 10th to 13th October 2024. For more information, please visit https://aocmp2024.com The AAPM 66th annual meeting and exhibition will be held in Los Angeles, USA, July 21-25, 2024, please visit https://w4.aapm.org/meetings/2024AM/index.php The IRPA international meeting will be organized in Orlando, USA 7-12 July, 2024. More information can be found at https://irpa2024.com/ The IOMP will be actively present at these events, and we’ll be happy to meet you there!
IOMP Workshops
Training and education both play important roles in the development of medical physicists, each offering distinct but complementary benefits. Education provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the complex principles of physics, biology, and medicine, equipping medical physicists with a deep theoretical understanding. This is crucial for innovation, research, and the advancement of medical technologies. On the other hand, training emphasizes practical application and hands-on experience, allowing medical physicists to hone their skills in real-world settings, such as hospitals and clinics. Together, education and training ensure that medical physicists are not only well-versed in theoretical concepts but also adept at applying these concepts to improve patient outcomes and advance the field of medical physics. The IOMP will organize two workshops soon, one on radiotherapy and another on CT dosimetry and machine learning, with an emphasis on training while also including a theoretical background in the program. For more information, please stay tuned.