AAMD+Organization

=Professional Issues 2012= =UW-La Crosse: Medical Dosimetry Program=

Red Team: **Anna Z.**, Joon H., Signe D., Nik W., Krzysztof K. Blue Team: Robert B., Issac B., Divya D., **Heather S.**, Ben W. Green Team: Tammy B., Kevan G., Angela K., **Jackson L.**, Robert R.

** Introduction **

Medical Dosimetry is a newly emerging health care profession designed to support physicians who are radiation oncologists (the use of radiation to treat cancer). Medical dosimetrists are part of the medical physics group and, with the medical physicist and the radiation oncologist, design treatment plans for cancer patients. Since all the calculations are derived from diagnostic scans (X-ray, CT, MRI, PET, //etc.//), the medical dosimetrist works primarily with computers to develop the treatment plans but this was not the case not too long ago. In the early days of 1900, radiation was found to exist in hot spring waters which were reputed for their curative powers; it was marketed as a wonder cure for all sorts of ailments in patent medicine. It was believed by medical science that small doses of radiation would cause no harm and the harmful effects of large doses were temporary. Therefore, early dosimetric calculations were based on the degree of redness of a patient's skin, an "erythema dose". The initial simulation took nearly all day, while the patient was positioned on the simulator table. The contours and calculation were all performed by hand. Thankfully, technology, the medical dosimetry field, and the foundation of the AAMD have attributed to great improvements in this process. Since its inception, the AAMD has now become a community and a driving force of continual improvement for the field for medical dosimetry.

** Mission of AAMD **

The American Association of Medical Dosimetrists is an international community of professional individuals that strive to further improve the Medical Dosimetry profession by empowering its members with educational opportunities and representation within the healthcare vocation. It champions on pushing for the best practices of patient care and professionalism by encouraging member interaction and enlightenment.

** What has the organization done for the profession? **

Since its establishment, the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD) has helped to promote awareness, cohesiveness, and advancements in the profession of medical dosimetry. It provides information and services to the lay public, educators, and working professionals. The association has been strongly committed to raising awareness for the Medical Dosimetry profession throughout the community and among other health care professionals. It continues to make this their mission by providing an easily accessible website, outreach brochures, and career seminars. The organization also promotes National Medical Dosimetrist's day, celebrated annually on the third Wednesday of August.1 AAMD supports the growth of the dosimetry field by its involvement with accredited educational programs. They have helped to establish the standards of education that are currently utilized in medical dosimetry programs nationwide. It provides educational resources, curriculum formats, and support to JRCERT to help ensure quality education and achievement of future dosimetrists. It also offers grants and scholarships to help current dosimetry students.1 The AAMD not only encourages the education and participation of students, but it also offers many opportunities for continuing education for working professionals. It organizes and holds national meetings, conferences, and seminars while also publishing the Medical Dosimetry Journal.1 In addition to the journal and newsletters, on-line forums and discussions are also available for presently working dosimetrists. All of these resources and tools are established and utilized in hopes to maintain a more current and cohesive medical dosimetry community. Overall, AAMD is the foundation and thread that binds the medical dosimetry profession.

** What benefits does the organization offer its members? **

Members of the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD) are offered many benefits through the organization, including continuing education (CE) credits, professional development, and networking.

Board certified medical dosimetrists are required by the Medical Dosimetrists Certification Board (MDCB) to earn 50 CE credits every five years.<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; vertical-align: super;">1 The AAMD offers members many ways for members to earn these credits. The AAMD annual meeting is a national meeting that presents the latest developments in dosimetry and educational sessions, along with an exhibit hall of vendors showcasing the newest products and services available. The AAMD also offers regional meetings in order to accommodate the needs of members who may be unable to attend the national meeting. The presentations that are given at the meetings are available as online CE modules and are available to all members. These presentations are followed by a short quiz that has been approved for MDCB credit. Continuing education credits are also available through the completion of directed readings published in the AAMD professional journal, Medical Dosimetry. This publication is included in the membership dues.<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; vertical-align: super;">2

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">In order to advance medical dosimetry as a profession, the AAMD is dedicated to representing the profession and advising on any governmental affairs that concern patient care and professional development. The AAMD offers online forums in which members can contribute to discussions regarding a variety of issues and ideas. As an additional benefit to members, the AAMD has a job listing service, collects data on salaries and workforce through surveys, and offers a membership directory to help members stay in contact.<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; vertical-align: super;">2

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">A “Members Plus” option is being offered beginning in 2012. For an additional, members will have the opportunity to earn a minimum of 20 CE credits per year through CE online modules and webinars. Options are also available for international members to take advantage of the online modules and a subscription to Medical Dosimetry

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">** What does this membership do to help you as a student? **

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Benefits of Student Membership <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Membership in the AAMD can benefit the student, academically and professionally, before they are eligible for the MDCB exam. Student membership types include those for the formal full-time student in a JRCERT accredited program and for the on the job trainee, both of which have lower dues than a standard membership.

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Academic Benefits <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Membership in the AAMD allows the student access to CE credits required for eligibility for the MDCB exam. Continuing Education credits can be received by attending classes at annual and regional meetings, online modules or directed journal readings. While the CE credits are required for the MDCB exam they also allow the student dosimetrist to expand their knowledge of the field.

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Access to Medical Dosimetry the official journal of the AAMD– This quarterly journal publishes papers by dosimetrists, physicists and oncologists from around the world. These papers can help increase a student’s knowledge of the field as well as provide them with an idea of how their peers are tackling problems common to many clinics.

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Scholarship and writing award opportunities – Scholarships are available through the AAMD and require membership. Additionally, a writing competition is in place for AAMD registered students to showcase their research in the field of dosimetry.

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Professional Benefits <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Reduced membership rates to related radiation therapy associations - Membership in these organizations contains their own benefits and provides opportunity for increased knowledge, professional development and networking.

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">AAMD online forums - These forums give the student the opportunity to ask questions and network with other dosimetry professionals. <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Salary and workforce surveys - These surveys allow the student to know the current state of the dosimetry workforce and what kind of salary they can expect when their initial education has concluded.

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Reduced AAMD meeting registration fees – These meetings give the student a chance to view, or present, posters related to dosimetry as well as the opportunity to network with other dosimetrists.

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Volunteer opportunities – Students are welcomed and encouraged to volunteer for a number of AAMD committees. These opportunities allow the student to assist the AAMD in a number of areas including Education, History and Career Services.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">** Discuss the scholarship fund for students **

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The AAMD has long been a promoter of education. The pursuit of excellence in the field of Medical Dosimetry is a strong focus in this promotion of education. In order to reward and support students for their work, the AAMD has established three scholarships to help students enrolled in a JRCERT accredited medical dosimetry educational program further their quest for higher education. 5 They are as follows: <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Fine details and an application for all of these scholarships can be accessed on the AAMD web site in the research section. <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">This is a great resource for students of any income level. These days, anyone can use a helping hand with school expenses.
 * 1) <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">__The Gunilla Bentel Scholarship__ for $5000 is an academic and leadership scholarship that is attained by showing a dedication to medical dosimetry that might make Gunilla Bentel proud.
 * 2) <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">__The AAMD Founders Scholarships__ for $1000 is an academic scholarship set up to honor the 1975 founding members of the AAMD.
 * 3) <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">__The Special Recognition Scholarship__ for $3000 is based on outstanding merit and recognition in medical dosimetry.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">** What is the CARE bill and how does it affect the profession? **

<span style="background-color: white; color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The CARE bill is about enforcing the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health & Safety Act of 1981 and charge the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to spread the word for updated regulations specifying the certification requirements for the health care workers that perform the medical imaging examinations. 6 In addition, the CARE bill also applies for the healthcare workers that plan and deliver radiation therapy treatments. 6 The profession will be effective by the education programs that will require to restructure the qualifications required for certification. The professions such as radiation therapist, x-ray technician, and medical dosimetrist will be required to have minimal education in order to treat and operator for educational care. Additionally, the bill will push for more accredited institutions to offer training opportunities as well as more avenues to pursue advanced degrees. Furthermore, the current On the Job training (OTJ) programs will soon be transitioned out or eliminated completely due to the educational requirements of the bill. Therefore, the CARE bill will promote and enforce a minimal education for all health care professionals involved in medical imaging and radiation therapy procedure. 6

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">** What involvement does the AAMD have in this bill? **

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The AAMD fully supports the CARE Bill, and is doing its part to make certain that this bill maintains the standards for Medical Dosimetry. Medical Dosimetry should be supported and represented within the Bill. The Alliance for Quality Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (AQMIRT) is a group open to those that support the common endpoint of the CARE Bill-to increase the quality of patient care. 7 This Alliance displays that there are members in the society that are willing to stand up for and back the formulation of the Bill. Other responsibilities of the Alliance includes rallying at the level of the state to advocate the importance of the Bill to patients and the medical imaging professions, and to encourage the states to further take on the responsibility of creating laws for licensure that fulfill the standards designed at the federal level. 5 A major form of support by the AAMD is financial contributions from members and representatives. 7 Not only does this aid in the funding of the Bill, but it shows the backing of the Bill by those in the Dosimetry profession. This further demonstrates that those involved defend and encourage the Bill and its aim to improve a stronger foundation in regards to educational requirements. 7

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">** What do you think is the goal of our profession? **

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The goal of the medical dosimetrist like all in the field of radiation oncology is the treatment and cure of cancer in all patients with the use of radiation either from a brachytherapy source or machine delivering high doses to a specific volume or region. The role of a medical dosimetrist is to work with both physicians and medical physicist to devise a treatment plan that both treat the volume defined by the physician and is delivered safely according to the physicist. In order to do so the medical dosimetrist must possess knowledge of anatomical structures and regions along with characteristics of radiation being used for treatment.

<span style="background-color: white; color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">This is achieved when several components of a radiation oncology clinic work together in order to gather enough information to deliver an optimal plan for treatment. With the use of treatment planning software and digital images a dosimetrist can use a treatment technique that will best fit the patient taking into account both critical structures and tolerances of surrounding tissue treating the cancer and sparing the normal healthy tissue. <span style="background-color: white; color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">As with all medical treatments, there is an ethical responsibility and is the corner stone in the profession. There are certain factors that should be taken in to consideration when treatment plans are being created. As a medical dosimetrist you have to ask, will this plan be able to be delivered as well as possible with as few complications possible while under treatment? And how will this impact the precision of the plans developed. <span style="background-color: white; color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">As stated prior, the goal is to cure if not relieve pain caused by cancer, and a medical dosimetrist uses the knowledge of the physiological constraints and behavior of radiation to develop a treatment plan. They work along physicians and physicist to ensure the plan will achieve their goal, limiting dose to surrounding tissue and sparing critical structures in order to offer the patient a better quality of life.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">** What continuing education credits are offered? **

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD) hosts a plethora of ways to obtain continuing education (CE) credits. A certified medical dosimetrist must accrue 50 CE credits in 5 years in order to maintain their medical dosimetry certification. 7

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The AAMD website (www.medical dosimetry.org) hosts an online CE center. 5 From this CE center, there are several ways to earn CE credits. First, there are directed journal readings. With your AAMD membership comes the //Medical Dosimetry Journal.// Participants may take quizzes after the directed readings and submit them for grading. The amount of credits varies depending on the directed reading content.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Next, is the AAMD continuing education Modules (CEM). 5 Participants may earn up to 10 CE credits on-line. This is a self paced program with the quizzes being submitted for grading like the journal directed readings.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Another way to obtain CE credits through the AAMD is by way of webinars.<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; vertical-align: super;">5 Webinars are an excellent way to hear experts in the field discuss the latest topics all while earning CE credits from the comfort of your own computer. Webinars may be an additional fee and archived viewing is possible for some time after the live date.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Lastly, the AAMD offers an abundance of CE’s by attending the annual or regional meetings. 5 The amount of CE’s varies depending on how many classes are attended. This is a good way to obtain many CE’s in a short period of time and keeping up to date the latest trends in the field of medical dosimetry.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">As you can see, the AAMD offers many different and challenging ways to obtain CE credits in the field of medical dosimetry. All these ways can also be managed on the AAMD website.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** Explain the benefits of the medical dosimetry journal. How does this help future dosimetrists? **

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Medical Dosimetry is the official journal of the AAMD. The journal is one of the many benefits a membership with the AAMD has to offer. All members will receive a subscription of the journal, which publishes many original papers and articles written by a variety of authors, including dosimetrists, physicists, physicians and therapists.<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; vertical-align: super;">8 Many of these articles are directed journal readings, which are accompanied by a series of quizzes. These are available for medical dosimetrists to take and receive MDCB approved continuing education credits.<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; vertical-align: super;">8 The journal is published quarterly to provide members multiple opportunities to earn these credits. Every two years, certifying organizations require CE credits; therefore, the journal is a great way for members to meet those requirements.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">In addition to the journal providing opportunities to receive CE credits, the articles contained in the Medical Dosimetry journal are very practical and keep the reader informed on breakthroughs in the field of medical dosimetry. They are a key source of information on many new developments.<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; vertical-align: super;">8 These articles offer professionals in the field of radiation oncology the opportunity to continue to learn and improve patient care. They include research on clinical applications pertinent for treatment planning. For convenience, they can be accessed online, in addition to the print journal.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Publications such as the Medical Dosimetry journal can benefit future students in many ways. The articles are peer reviewed, giving students a reliable source to gain a well-rounded insight into the continually evolving field of medical dosimetry and radiation oncology. The journal can help individuals understand that medical dosimetry is an advanced medical career, in which the research possibilities are endless. It is exciting to get involved in a career where those involved are continuously striving to move forward in their profession and improve patient care. Not only is the journal beneficial for students, but for researchers as well. Researchers use the literature in these journals to build upon their current knowledge base, and stay current on new developments occurring in the field.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**What other publications are offered and how do they benefit the profession?**

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The medical dosimetry profession requires knowledge of different disciplines in radiation oncology. A successful medical dosimetrist should strive to master these disciplines, and there are a number of resources available to help achieve this goal. The AAMD is a great resource and should be utilized; however, there are many additional publications accessible to medical dosimetrists other than what is offered by the AAMD. These writings consist of scholarly journals and trade publications.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">__Scholarly journals include__:
 * <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The Radiation Therapist
 * <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Radiologic Technology
 * <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Scanner
 * <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics
 * <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Medical Physics
 * <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Journal of Applied Medical Physics
 * <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Clinical Oncology

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">__Trade Publications include:__
 * <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">RT Image
 * <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Advance for Imaging & Radiation Oncology
 * <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Advance for Administrators
 * <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Radiology Today

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">According to the AAMD, a medical dosimetrist “must demonstrate an understanding of topics including, but not limited to, cancer, radiation biology, radiation therapy techniques, radiation oncology physics, equipment technology, radiation safety and protection, anatomy, physiology, mathematics, and the psychosocial aspects of cancer”.<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; vertical-align: super;">9 The indicated publications contain pertinent information in regards to all of these topics, and for this reason are beneficial to the profession. Medical dosimetrists are not simply limited to external beam radiation therapy planning; their responsibilities are far greater. Much of the information contained in these publications is overlapping, which creates opportunities for dosimetrists to conduct research pertaining to different subjects.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** How could you help in your professional organization? **

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">There are multiple ways in which medical dosimetrists can help and be involved in the AAMD. There are many advantages for joining this organization, so encouraging fellow dosimetrists to join would be fairly simple.Through the forum located on the AAMD website, dosimetrists are able to discuss issues and ideas with other dosimetrists. The AAMD also has the opportunity to respond to the salary and workforce surveys. These are important because they give the dosimetrist a better assessment of their field. For additional information regarding the AAMD Forum, or the salary and workforce surveys, please click on the following link: [].

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The AAMD also promotes a writing competition, which may be utilized to submit manuscripts for publication in the //Medical Dosimetry Journal.//This writing competition may be accessed through the following link: [].

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Medical Dosimetrists can also help and support the AAMD by volunteering for a committee. There are 13 different committees, which include the following: <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">1. Administrative Conference Committee <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">2. Awards Committee <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">3. Career Services Committee <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">4. Directed Journal Reading Committee <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">5. Education Committee <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">6. Historian Committee <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">7. Human Resources Committee <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">8. Information Technology Committee <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">9. Membership Committee <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">10. Nominations Committee <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">11. Protocol & Ethics Committee <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">12. Public Relations Committee <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">13. Writing Competition Committee <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">These committees not only give you imput in your organization, they are an important networking tool. To view additional information about any of these committees, or to download an application, please click on the following link: [].

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** After graduation, how are you planning on being involved in your professional organization? **

There are many ways we can stay active in the dosimetry profession once we complete our educational training. Continuing to be a member of the American Association of Medical Dosimetrist (AAMD) will allow us to contribute to the profession. Joining committees, attending the annual and regional meetings, as well as staying active in the forums are all ways we can use the AAMD to stay involved in the dosimetry profession. The AAMD has many committees that we can join to stay involved including 5 :


 * Administrative Conference- oversees many of the administrative details for the annual and regional meetings.
 * Awards- maintain the recipient lists and insures the awards will be ready to be given during the annual meetings.
 * Career Services- focuses on providing members with employment information and opportunities by using both the AAMD website and e-mail.
 * Directed Journal Reading- works with the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) to provide continuing education opportunities.
 * Education- aids in the education of the medical dosimetry community, including continuing education, educational opportunities that are given through the AAMD, and collaborating with the MDCB.
 * Historian- responsible for archiving the historical data for the AAMD as well as currently working on a website to view all past AAMD information.
 * Human Resources- works with current salary and workforce information and helps incoming volunteers find committees.
 * Information Technology- keeps the AAMD current in the technology field as well as normal upkeep on the website.
 * Membership- works to increase the size of the AAMD community and welcome new members.
 * Nominations- monitor and control the candidates who are nominated to fill the many roles of the AAMD.
 * Protocol & Ethics- monitors the professionalism and behavior of AAMD members.
 * Public Relations- work to promote the profession and the organization to dosimetry professionals
 * Writing Competition- promotes education through the submission of manuscripts in the writing competition held by the AAMD

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** Improvements: What would you add to the site for improvements or information? What suggestions do you have for the organization in moving forward in our profession? **

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** Most professional websites not include a Listserv so memebers can talk to each other about topics or questions relating to their field. I would include this as it is a valuable resource to ask a question and get an almost immediate response. The benefit of a Listserv is that all of the questions and answers get e-mailed to you so it keeps you up to date in professional issues. **

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">After getting familiar with the AAMD website we have to admit that it is quite difficult to find areas for improvement. The website is easy to navigate and contains all the information that are necessary for medical dosimetrists. The website provides various professional resources that the organization provides, like the mission of the organization, how to become a medical dosimetrist, member’s benefits, meetings, continual education, and job opportunities.

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Even though a general design and a page layout is a matter of personal preference, the vertical approach is usually easier to navigate and, possibly, can contain more items. Therefore it could be beneficial to work on the page layout improvements and possibly adding more colors to enhance the aesthetics of the AAMD website.

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Another necessary improvement would be adding a Legislative and Regulatory link on the main page. It is especially important in the light of the CARE Bill legislation. If approved, the CARE bill could have significant impacts for those involved in radiation oncology including medical dosimetrists <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; vertical-align: super;">3 <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">. According to the ASRT <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; vertical-align: super;">4 <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">, which dedicates large portion of its website to Federal Law and Regulations, the CARE bill creates the need to require licensure, therefore decreasing medical errors, and furthermore decreasing healthcare costs. <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; vertical-align: super;">3 <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Since many individuals and organizations stand behind the CARE bill. It is important that the AAMD promotes education and a better patient care and is a part of that coalition.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The AAMD website contains an abundance of information and numerous links to other agencies and organizations regarding the medical dosimetry profession. It serves as a solid foundation for which many enhancements and improvements can be made to further develop and promote the profession.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Much literature has been written on using professional societies to help promote a culture of safety in radiation oncology.<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; vertical-align: super;">10 Besides the brief mention of medical errors in the Medical Dosimetry News Archives section and a note about upcoming initiatives on the AAMD website<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; vertical-align: super;">11, there can definitely be more information to call attention to and create awareness on patient safety within medical dosimetry. Including current research on contributing factors that influence errors or results from pilot studies, or establish yearly competitions to find the best solutions to reduce medical errors in the field, are just a few topics that can be incorporated in the website.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">As an international society, the AAMD website has no mention of any activities beyond the borders of the US. More comprehensive information regarding the various developments within the field, educational and career opportunities as well as meetings and conventions held in other countries would be beneficial.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Finally, in addition to the annual and regional meetings held throughout the year, informal activities such as community service and professional networking events typically found in affinity groups, can be held on a local level. Chapters within cities throughout the US can be established to serve as additional avenues to develop professional networks, cultivate leadership skills for those who wish to lead a chapter, promote camaraderie, and to establish mentorship programs for those in their early careers, all while helping the community and promoting the profession. A photo album can also be added to the website to showcase the various activities held in each chapter.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">__References__

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">1. [] Accessed January 24, 2012. <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">2. [] Accessed January 24,2012 <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">3. CARE Bill FAQS. American Society of Radiologic Technologists. . Accessed: January 22, 2012.[] <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">4. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. []. Accessed: January 22, 2012. <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">5. American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD), __ [|http://medicaldosimetry.org.] __ Accessed January, 26, 2012 <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">6. CARE Bill FAQs. American Society of Radiologic Technologists. 2012. Available at: [] Accessed January 24, 2012 <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">7. Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board. Available at: []. Accessed: January 30, 2012. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> 8. Membership. // American Association of Medical Dosimetrists //. []. Accessed January 24, 2012. <span style="color: green; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">9. Statement On the Scope and Standards of Medical Dosimetry Practice. //American Association of Medical Dosimetrists//. Available at: []. Accessed on January 30, 2012 <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> 10. Kohn LT, Corrigan JM, Donaldson MS. // To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System //. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press; 2000. <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">11. Medical Dosimetry News Archives. //American Association of Medical Dosimetrists//. []. Accessed January 21, 2012.