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[|DOS 421/521 Professional Issues Med Dos] University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse ﻿ Due Date: January 23, 2011

Purple Team: **Brenda**, Kim B., Greg, Jon, Lesha Red Team: **LaDonna**, Nicole, Lan, Katie Blue Team: **Curt**, Sarah, Duane, Kim A., Bernadette Green Team: **Scott**, Sooshi, Lisa, Eric, Luke

**﻿ ****//Introduction //** Medical dosimetry has been a vital part of radiation oncology's history. Early dosimetric calculations were based on the degree of redness of a patient's skin, an "erythema dose". Guided by medical physicists and the invention of complex measurement equipment, early dosimetrists learned to perform simple hand calculations of monitor units and exposure time. From there, they progressed to a visual depiction of patient dose by overlaying isodose lines on a hand drawn patient contour. Today, medical dosimetrists with access to high powered computers utilize sophisticated algorithms and CT, MRI and PET data to create complex treatment plans. Seeking further autonomy and representation in the industry, a group of medical dosimetrists formed the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD) in 1975. A report published in 2005 showed that there were approximately 2200 board certified and 1500 non-certified medical dosimetrists working in the field.1 Today, 2100 of those dosimetrists are members of the AAMD.2

**//Mission of AAMD //** The American Association of Medical Dosimetrists is an organization created in an effort to sustain and develop the Medical Dosimetry profession. This society connects the international community of medical dosimetry professionals and represents them in the health care arena. It provides a platform for peer communications and facilitates access to educational opportunities. The AAMD as an association encourages its members to aspire to professionalism and the highest standards of patient care.

**//What has the organization done for the profession? //** <span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">As an organization, the AAMD has strived to establish programs to promote the medical dosimetry profession. The AAMD has created an Educational Committee that works in conjunction with Joint Review Committee for Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Together, they have established accreditation requirements for medical dosimetry program curricula called the "Medical Dosimetry Curriculum Guide".3 A major benefit to the profession has been the development and implementation of educational standards for dosimetrists in training, as well as continuing education materials for certified medical dosimetrists. In 2005, the AAMD started the ASTRO Education and Development Fund and the AAMD Educational and Research Foundation. This foundation supports a program to subsidize the costs of initial and continuing programmatic accreditation for established dosimetry programs in the US.4 The AAMD has an education fund to provide money for educational activities, such as educational travel expenses and awards money for the AAMD's writing competition.

<span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The AAMD does more than just set educational standards for the profession. They have defined the scope of practice of a qualified medical dosimetrist. They help to push legislation to help improve the overall need to have minimum educational and licensure requirements, i.e. the Care Bill. They developed a professional journal that is helpful in the advancement of the profession by scientific/naturalistic proof of clinical findings of other dosimetrists and physicists. They provide members with salary and workforce surveys that help others seeking employment in other regions of the country. They have an online directory that helps with networking to find employment along with a career service center that allows one to post a resume and view potential job opportunities. The AAMD has helped to solidify the existence of medical dosimetry as a recognizable career field and is furthering medical dosimetry field credibility by trying to raise the educational requirements and pathways of the profession.

**//<span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Membership benefits of AAMD //**

Figure 1. AAMD Membership growth and benefits taken from: [|http://www.medicaldosimetry.org]

<span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The AAMD is an organization that offers many benefits and resources to people in the profession of medical dosimetry. The organization supports and promotes the profession of medical dosimetrists to the general public and the various organizations directly involved in Radiation Oncology. Involvement in the AAMD can include participation on the board of directors and various committees. This organization defines the role of a medical dosimetrist, their scope of practice, and the credentials needed to perform in the profession. The AAMD holds Annual Meetings that allow medical dosimetrists to stay current in the profession while providing opportunities for continuing education credits. A new feature for members has been added just this year that allows members to receive member rates at the AAPM regional meetings. Also new for members is access to online CE modules. Through directed readings and quizzes published in the Medical Dosimetry Journal, the AAMD offers access to over 20 continuing education credits each year. This feature is included as part of the membership dues. The AAMD also represents medical dosimetrists in certain government affairs involving the profession, including the CARE Bill and health care reform. The career services center available on the AAMD website provides members with postings for new jobs and salary/workforce surveys. A quarterly electronic newsletter provides information on AAMD upcoming events, membership benefits, and industry news. There are many member benefits available on-line at __medicaldosimetry.org__.

**//<span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Student benefits of AAMD //** <span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">As stated above, the AAMD has been a major player in the development and implementation of the educational standards for medical dosimetrists. Early in the organization's history, the AAMD Education Committee evaluated and recognized formal medical dosimetry programs to ensure that students received the best education based on these high educational standards. In 2004, after collaboration with the AAMD, the JRCERT took over this accreditation process. Furthering this work, the AAMD later formed a partnership with ASTRO to establish an award fund to help subsidize the accreditation process for medical dosimetry programs. This has promoted the formation of more formal medical dosimetry programs as well as college-based programs thus ensuring increased access to these programs.3 The AAMD has also looked for ways to help decrease the cost for medical dosimetry education. The AAMD set up scholarship funds including the Gunilla Bentel Scholarship Fund (GBSF) and the Founders Scholarship, to financially help students enrolled in an accredited medical dosimetry program.5 The AAMD also awards and provides student recognition by sponsoring a student writing competition and poster submission.

<span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The AAMD has extended special benefits for student dosimetrist through membership that includes the waiver of the application fee and reduced annual membership dues. Student membership entitles the participant to all obligations, rights and privileges of full membership, but without the ability to hold office or vote. Participation on committees is encouraged in an advisory capacity. The AAMD has also negotiated reduced meeting rates and membership dues for organizations such as ASTRO and the AAPM.

**//<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Student scholarship funds //** <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">One of the ways that the AAMD sustains the medical dosimetry profession is by providing medical dosimetry students with financial support to complete their education. Two of the AAMD sponsored scholarships are the Gunilla Bentel Scholarship Fund (GBSF) and the Founders Scholarship. Other organizations linked to the radiation therapy field, such as the Twin Cities Radiation Therapist (TCRT) and the ASRT also provide scholarships for medical dosimetrist students. Without these additional funds, some very qualified students would not be able to financially complete their studies. These scholarships fuel the passion of aspiring dosimetrists and enable them to attain their dreams of becoming a member of the medical dosimetry profession. The AAMD annually offers a total of $30,000 in scholarships to dosimetry students who enroll in accredited medical dosimetry programs. The Gunilla Bentel Scholarship Fund grants five scholarships of $5,000 each. The Foundation Board awards two AAMD Founders Scholarships of $1,000 each. In addition, the Foundation Board also awards one scholarship of $3,000 for Special Recognition to one medical dosimetry student who desires to represent the professions of medical dosimetry and the field of radiation oncology in his home area.5 Annually, TCRT offers two $500 scholarships to TCRT student members.6 The American Society of Radiologic Technologists Education and Research Foundation-Siemens Clinical Advancement Scholarship annually offers four scholarships of $5,000 to students who pursue a bachelor's or master's degree in radiologic sciences. This includes the specialty disciplines such as CT, MRI or sonography and certificate programs in radiation therapy or dosimetry.7,8

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">**//CARE Bill//** <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The CARE bill stands for "Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility and Excellence" in medical imaging and radiation therapy Act of 2007.9 This bill will require states to develop education and credentialing standards which must be met in order to participate in and be eligible for any federal health program for reimbursement. The ASRT began working on this bill in 1998 as an amendment the voluntary Public Health Service Act of 1981 in order to establish standards to ensure safety and accuracy in medical imaging and radiation therapy, by ensuring that individuals performing these task have successfully proven compliance, completed certification and shown competence through examination and obtained licensure in their respective medical imaging modality and/or radiation treatment.7, 10

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The CARE bill affects our profession in a profoundly positive way. First of all, by adhering to a federally-enforced set of standards, a checks-and-balances system is created within our profession. Inherent within such standards would be consequences to those institutions and individual who fail to uphold these standards. It is always better to have a quality assurance program already in place that supports organizational rules and regulations to prevent outside attacks from those looking for weakness within the governing body. "For the purposes of this subsection, the Secretary shall select recognized expert advisers to reflect a broad and balanced input from all sectors of the health care community that are involved in the provision of services of the type described in paragraph (I) to avoid undue influence from any single sector of practice relating to the content of such standards".11 The patients will be the ones to profit the most from the assurance that "quality information is presented for diagnosis and that quality radiation therapy treatments are delivered, leading to accurate diagnosis, treatment, and cure."9, 11 Another positive result from the bill would be the reduction of the cost of health care due to repeat examinations. Lastly, radiation can be dangerous if misadministered. Rules and regulations controlling the approved users can only provide gains for everyone involved.

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, "Radiologic technologists throughout the country support the establishment of minimum standards by the federal government for personnel who perform medical imaging exams and deliver radiation therapy treatments".27 <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The AAMD has continuously worked with the ASRT as a member of the Alliance for Quality Imaging and Radiation Therapy since 1998. As an Alliance member it promotes the profession's interest to elected members of congress and senate and solicits its AAMD members to become actively involved in legislation by contacting their respective Senators and Representatives in support of the CARE bill.

**//<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Goal of Medical Dosimetry Profession //** <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Medical dosimetry is an ever changing field.12 This type of environment can create a gap in education level with differing technologies and treatment techniques. As medical dosimetrists, it is our responsibility to perform our duties ethically. Principles of Ethics outlined by the AAMD include maintaining a high standard of compentance.13 Creating standards in education level for medical dosimetrists is expressed as a goal in both The Scope of a Medical Dosimetrist and the CARE Bill.9, 14 The AAMD pays close attention to these two papers in the definition of a "Qualified Medical Dosimetrist". <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Understanding many different subjects within the scope of radiation oncology is vital to the performance of medical dosimetrists. A list of these subjects includes: radiation biology and physics, anatomy and physiology, radiation safety, computers, and other equipment.14 It is promoted by the AAMD's Scope of Practice that medical dosimetrists work toward achieving standards clinically, along with professional and quality performance. It is the goal of our profession that these standards would be met by setting a minimum education and certification level in medical dosimetry.

**//<span style="color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Continuing education credits offered //** ** In order to maintain CMD credentials, CMDs must complete 50 MDCB approved continuing education credits.15 By being a member of the AAMD, you have access to Directed Journal Readings which allow you to earn CE credits via submitting DJR quizzes for credit. These quizzes can be accessed online at the AAMD website: www.medicaldosimetry.org/publications/djr_readings.cfm. There are select numbers of eRADIMAGING articles that are available for credit as well. Students have access to Stanford University Cancer Center's web-based Dosimetry Training Tool which can be used to enrich their educational experience and to obtain CE credits. Finally, by being a member of the AAMD, CMDs have access to information concerning the regional meetings as well as the national meeting. At these meetings CE credits can be completed via attending the various educational presentations and workshops.13 **

** // Benefits of Medical Dosimetry journal // **

Figure 2. Medical Dosimetry journal. [|http://www.medicaldosimetry.org] <span style="background: white; color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The Medical Dosimetry journal has many benefits that medical professionals such as medical dosimetrists, medical physicists, and radiation oncologists can use throughout their practice. Medical Dosimetry is the official journal of the AAMD. When people become a member of the AAMD, they receive a subscription to this journal. The journal contains very important information on new developments in the field of radiation oncology available for use by the medical dosimetrist.16 It also offers many articles and quizzes that are available for medical dosimetrists to use for continuing education credits. This journal is published quarterly, so it provides opportunities to obtain these credits multiple times throughout the year.3

<span style="background: white; color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Medical Dosimetry is practical and comprehensive in what it covers. It features review articles along with the original contributions that are completed by medical professionals such as radiation therapy technologists, medical dosimetrists, physicists, and oncologists. These articles contain information on clinical applications and techniques of external beam, along with interstitial, intracavitary, and intraluminal irradiation dealing with cancer management. Any articles that deal mainly with physicists are reviewed by a team that is specifically made up of experts in the field.17 The content of these articles is very beneficial because it aims to add to or improve the working knowledge of a medical professional or to the field of radiation oncology. Articles that do not meet the requirements mentioned will be thrown out and returned without review.18 These journals provide a great way for medical professionals to stay current on new information in the field of radiation oncology.

<span style="background: white; color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The Medical Dosimetry journal can help future dosimetrists in several different ways. The journal gives them opportunities to learn and develop into future professionals. There are many different areas covered in the articles ranging from technical studies to workplace related issues. The articles presented in the journal are very educational and reliable because they are well researched and reviewed by qualified professionals with many years of experience in the field. These articles give future dosimetrists a glimpse into the field that they may not receive otherwise. It also gives them a chance to see how current dosimetrists and medical dosimetry professionals handle issues that may be encountered once they enter the field. The journal and its articles may also provide the basis for future areas of research or innovation in an area already established. The journal can provide some of the tools needed to become well rounded, educated, and conscientious dosimetrists.

**//<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Other publications that benefit the profession //** <span style="color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">In addition to the Medical Dosimetry Journal there are various other publications offered by AAMD that benefit members. Other publications offered through AAMD are the following: the //e//monitor newsletter, The Curriculum Guide, Salary and workforce surveys, ASTRO workforce survey, Annual reports, directed journal readings and the Online Continuing Education Modules (CEM). The AAMD's quarterly newsletter, //e//monitor is published to inform its members of what is happening in the world of Medical Dosimetry. The //e//monitor includes various meetings of interest, education opportunities and scholarship/writing competition opportunities. In addition to these great benefits the //e//monitor offers, it also gives the latest news and updates from ASTRO and ASRT. 19 The Curriculum Guide is the AAMD's professional curriculum and it offers valuable information regarding educating Medical Dosimetrist. It outlines important professional content areas related to the profession. 20

<span style="color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The Salary & Workforce Surveys offer information annually regarding salary, employment, educational background and workforce details of medical dosimetrist. They trend typical salary ranges for both non-certified and certified medical dosimetrists. Included in the surveys are duties, workplace, years of experience and benefits. 21 The survey highlights important salary information that can prove to be valuable when negotiating wages as a Medical dosimetrist. Employers could also use these surveys to ensure they are competitive and keeping up with other employers in the field. There is no charge to members of the AAMD. There is a charge for non-members of the AAMD. The ASTRO workforce is published by the workforce committee. Their survey is used as a tool to assess the needs of its members. It is used in the development and enhancement of programs related to various radiation oncology workforces. 22

<span style="color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The Annual Reports cover committee reports, business reports and AAMD financial reports. The annual committee reports document various topics that include but are not limited to education, government relations, membership, information technology, ethics and public relations. 23 The business reports document various items such as: Organizational collaboration, government relations, grants, education and research and financial statements.24 Annual reports are the yearly business and financial records of the society. It is a federal tax form that includes information about financial data, application guidelines, grants information and names the AAMD's board, officers and trustees. 25

<span style="color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The directed journal readings come directly from the Medical Dosimetry Journal (DJR).26 Accesses to the DJR quizzes are found on the AAMD website and can be taken online. MDCB credits are awarded after completion with passing grades. The credits from the quizzes are part of members "continuing education record". The Online Continuing Education Modules (CEM) is a new addition for AAMD members. It offers a convenient way to earn continuing education credits. The modules include a power point lesson that includes embedded audio recordings from the AAMD's Regional and annual meetings. Each module is MDCB approved for 1 credit. 27

**//<span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Helping Medical Dosimetry organization //** <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Becoming an active member in the AAMD inspires personal growth and professional development; volunteering is one way to support the AAMD. The AAMD offers various opportunities to volunteer within the organization. There are 12 different committees in which to volunteer.28 <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">These committees include: <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">1. Administrative Conference <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">2. Awards <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">3. Career Services <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">4. Directed Journal Reading <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">5. Education <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">6. Historian <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">7. Human Resources <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">8. Information Technology <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">9. Membership <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">10. Protocol and Ethics <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">11. Public Relations <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">12. Writing Competition

<span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Please visit the following link for more information regarding each committee and a volunteer application. AAMD Committee and Volunteer Application. []

<span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Volunteering is a great way to contribute to the AAMD. However, this may be difficult due to time restraints from personal and professional commitments. Participation in AAMD membership forums is an additional way to help the AAMD. Posting to the discussion threads in the open forums increases awareness to relevant issues in the profession. Sharing one's knowledge and experience of the medical dosimetry field creates constructive discussions and new solutions to troubleshoot problems. To get more involved today click on the link, AAMD Membership Forum and sign in to the website to start contributing. [].

<span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Recruiting fellow colleagues to join the AAMD organization is a way to further help promote and expand the medical dosimetry profession. <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Becoming involved in the AAMD offers benefits not only to the organization but also to your individual goals and growth in the medical dosimetry field.

**//<span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Planned professional involvement after graduation //** <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">After graduation from a program in medical dosimetry there are many opportunities to continue involvement in the AAMD. The first opportunity is to join the professional organization as a member. There are many levels of membership offering a variety of benefits commensurate with the level of membership.29 By joining you would help the organization financially allowing it to continue to offer its members great benefits as well as advancing the profession. As a member of the society, the opportunity to help the organization as a committee member becomes available.28 Some of the committees available to join are: Administrative Conference Committee, Awards Committee, Career Services Committee, Directed Journal Reading Committee, Education Committee, Historian Committee, Human Resources Committee, Information Technology Committee, Membership Committee, Protocol & Ethics Committee, Public Relations Committee, and the Writing Competition Committee.28 Another way to contribute to the organization is to donate to the Education & Research Foundation. The Education and Research Foundation directly supports the giving of a scholarship to a student enrolled in a recognized medical dosimetry program.30

<span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The class of 2011 at the University of Wisconsin Lacrosse intends to maintain its involvement through both continued membership and involvement on committees. Approximately 68% of the UW Lacrosse Dosimetry class of 2011 responded to a brief questionnaire about their future involvement in the AAMD. The following results were recorded: 92% intend to maintain membership, 46% of the class respondents plan on being involved on a committee, 24% of the class respondents are undecided about involvement on a committee and 30% are not interested in serving on a committee.31 <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Another great way of staying involved in our professional organization would be to attend certain cancer awareness events. There are plenty of organizations out there that create these campaigns in hopes to spread the awareness of cancer. These events also raise money to help fight against cancer. A particularly large event called "Relay for Life" is a fundraising event created by the American Cancer Society. Their goal is to bring together all those who had experienced cancer or had family and friends that suffered from cancer. The purpose is to celebrate those who have survived and remember those who had lost to this disease. "The events are held overnight to represent the fact that cancer never sleeps".32 Many organizations are looking for people that are willing to volunteer, make donations, and fundraise. As a medical dosimetrist we should participate in as many cancer awareness events to show our support for those who are suffering from this disease. For example, the month of October is the National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and a way to participate may be wearing the color pink. Players from the National Football League would also show support by wearing pink accessories. This is something small, but it keeps people informed and aware of getting early checkups.

**//<span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Suggested Improvements to professional organization sites //** <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The AAMD is a very useful and interesting website. After searching through the different links and traveling around all of the different pages within the site there are a few ways that it could be improved. The first improvement would be to change the layout and colors of the website. The website should be using the center of the screen and not the far left. The color scheme is all the same and it should be different like the ASRT.org website.33

<span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Another improvement that should be added is a scrolling window on the homepage for forum discussions. This would allow people to see the questions/topics after logging in without having to actually go into the forum itself. This would facilitate participation and increase repsonses to questions/topics by simplifying the process of finding the forum quickly and eliminating the need to search through the site--a process that many busy dosimetrists simply don't have the time for. It would also be helpful to send an email alert to the members that a new question/topic has been posted in the forum. This is very similar to a yahoo group called "meddos".34

<span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">On the main page there is a scrolling window on the top of the screen that appears to be plans or isodose lines, but its small size makes it difficult to see. While this is a great concept, it would be more evident and would enhance the layout if it were in a larger window on either side of the main page. The website could also be improved if it displayed new technologies and planning equipment that are in development by various vendors such as Varian or Tomotherapy. 35, 36

<span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The final improvement that could be made to the site is an area for members to share treatment plans/techniques with other members (with all identifying patient information removed). These plans could include prostate, breast, brachytherapy, brain, SRS, etc. This would be an incentive for dosimetrists to become AAMD members so they can view the different techniques that other dosimetrists utilize. This type of networking would be beneficial not only to the members but also to the patients we treat.

<span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The AAMD website supports members by providing a wealth of information for the working dosimetrist as well as news of upcoming meetings and seminars. As we all know, attending the AAMD meetings are a great way to advance your skills, establish relationships with fellow AAMD members, earn CE credits and much more. Attending the meetings in person is definitely the best experience for a dosimetrist to grow professionally. While the AAMD offers meetings annually, the busy schedules of many dosimetrists prevent them from attending these events. One suggestion for the website is to offer a link to posted videos of the past meeting material or stream it live through webcasts. The American Brachytherapy Society (ABS), offers something similar to this idea by something they call a live learning center.37

<span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The Medical Dosimetry profession is one of the most technologically advanced careers today. A very nice link on the AAMD website is the Member Forum where members can post discussion topics about anything from general daily dosimetry questions to more technical questions that are on the minds of the dosimetrist. Another suggestion for the site would be to make it more interactive by utilizing software like Skype to communicate. Skype has become popular for its additional features which include instant messaging, file transfer and video conferencing.38

<span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Relating back to the time constraints of the busy life of a dosimetrist, another suggestion for an addition to the AAMD website would be a tool that provides information from various websites that applies to the dosimetry professional. This would allow the dosimetrist access to this information without having to surf through them each individually. A website that utilizes a tool like this is the American College of Radiology (ACR) website. Their website applies a RSS reader that stands for "Really Simple Syndication" that gives headlines and brief summaries of websites and would update members each time an update is detected thought their emails or update on website main page.39

<span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; text-align: center;">References ** 1 **** Pusey, Damien B.S., R.T.(T), Smith, Lisette R.T.(T), Zeman, Elaine M. Ph.D. and Adams, Robert Ed.D. ** //<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">A History and Overview of the Certification Exam for Medical Dosimetrists //<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">. [|Medical Dosimetry] [|Volume 30, Issue 2], Summer 2005, pp 92-96. Article available online at: __http://www.rt-image.com/__0219AAMD

<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">2 Cagle, Susan, BS, CMD (RT) (T). //Full Speed Ahead�American Association of Medical Dosimetrists' Membership Growth//. Image, 2/19/07. Available at: __[|http://www.rt-image.com]__.

<span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">3 Lenards, N. (n.d.). So You Want to Become a Dosimetrist...Taking the Road Less Traveled. //R-T Image//. Available at: []. Accessed January 12, 2011.

<span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">4 American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD)//. Help for Medical Dosimetry Program Directors.// Available at: []. Accessed January 12, 2011.

<span style="background: white; color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">5 American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD)//. AAMD Foundation scholarship awards.// Available at: []. Accessed January 9, 2011.

<span style="background: white; color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">6 Twin City Radiation Therapist, (TCRT). (n.d.). //Education//. Available on TCRT website: []. Accessed January 9, 2011.

<span style="background: white; color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">7 American Society of Radiologic Technology (ASRT). //Position Statement//. Available on ASRT website at: []. Accessed January 9, 2011.

<span style="background: white; color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">8 ASRT Foundation. (2011). ASRT Education and research foundation. //Scholarship and awards//. Available on ASRT foundation website at: []. Accessed January 9, 2011.

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">9 Balasa, Donald A. JD, MBA. (2007). //CARE bill introduced in House of Representatives//. CMA Today-Public Affairs. 2007; Vol. 40, Issue 3 May/June. Available on American Association of Medical assistants website at: []. Accessed January 9, 2011.

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">10 American Society of Radiologic Technology (ASRT). //Care Bill//. Available on ASRT website at: []. Accessed January 9, 2011.

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">11 United States House of Representatives. (n.d.). //Authenticated U.S. Government Information GPO, 111th Congress 2D Session, S.3737//. Available on the House of Representatives website at: []. Accessed January 9, 2011.

<span style="background: white; color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">12 Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB). (n.d.). Organization official website available at: [|www.mdcb.org]. Accessed January 11, 2011.

<span style="background: white; color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">13 American Association of Medical Dosimetrist (AAMD). (n.d.) Organization official website available at: www.medicaldosimetry.org. Accessed January 12, 2011.

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">14 American Association of Medical Dosimetrist (AAMD). (n.d.). //Scope of Practice//. Available at: []. Accessed January 12, 2011.

** 15 **** Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB). //Maintenance of Certification//. Available at: http://www.mdcb.org/confidential/MDCB-10-CertHandbook-D5_website.pdf Accessed January 16, 2011 **

<span style="color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">16 American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD). (n.d.). //Enjoy the benefits of AAMD membership//. Available at: []. Accessed January 13, 2011.

<span style="color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">17 Medical Dosimetry. //AAMD Information//. Available at: [|www.meddos.org/home]. Accessed January 13, 2011.

<span style="color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">18 Medical Dosimetry. //AAMD Information//. Available at: [|www.meddos.org/authorinfo]. Accessed January 13, 2011.

<span style="color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">19 E monitor American association of medical dosimetrists. Available at: []. Accessed January 14, 2011.

<span style="color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">20 The //AAMD professional curriculum//. Available at: []. Accessed January 14, 2011.

<span style="color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">21 Chu, Raymond. (2009). //AAMD 2009 Salary Report//. Available at: []. Accessed January 14, 2011.

<span style="color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">22 ASTRO Workforce Committee. (2002). //2002 Radiation Oncology Workforce Study: American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology//. Available at: []. Accessed January 16, 2011.

<span style="color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">23 Moore, Christopher, et al. (2010). //2010 Annual Reports//. Available at: []. Accessed January 16, 2011.

<span style="color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">24 Lenards, Nishele, et al. //Annual Business Report 2008-2009//. Available at: []. Accessed January 16, 2011.

<span style="color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">25 Annual Reports. Available at: []. Accessed January 16, 2011.

<span style="color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">26 AAMD Direct Journal Readings. //DRJ//. Available at: []. Accessed January 15, 2011.

<span style="color: #002060; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">27 AAMD Online Continuing Education Modules. //CEM.// Available at: []. Accessed January 15, 2011.

<span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">28 American Association of Medical Dosimetrist (AAMD). //Volunteer with AAMD.// Available at: []. Accessed January 18, 2011.

<span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">29 American Association of Medical Dosimetrist (AAMD). //Join AAMD. Membership information and online application//. Available at: []. Accessed January 18, 2011.

<span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">30 American Association of Medical Dosimetrist (AAMD). //Education and research foundation//. Available at: []. Accessed January 18, 2011.

<span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">31 Personal communication via class on line group discussion With the Class By Eric Kusmaul.

<span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">32 Relay for Life. (n.d.). //American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Celebrate.// <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">//Remember. Fight back//. Available at: []. Accessed January 18, 2011

<span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">33 American Society of Radiology Technology (ASRT). (n.d.). Society official website available at: []. Accessed on January 12, 2011.

34 <span style="background: white; color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Meddos. (n.d.). //Medical dosimetry list server//. Available on Yahoo website at: []. Accessed on January 12, 2011.

35 <span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Varian Medical Systems. (n.d.). //Radiation Oncology//. Available on Varian website at: []. Accessed on January 12, 2011.

36 <span style="background: white; color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Tomotherapy. (n.d.). Available on Tomotherapy website at: []. Accessed on January 12, 2011.

<span style="background: white; color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">37 American Brachytherapy Society (ABS). (n.d.). Society official website available at: []. Accessed on January 12, 2011.

<span style="background: white; color: #4f6228; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">38 Wikipedia. (n.d.). //Skype//. Available at: []. Accessed on January 12, 2011.

39 American College of Radiology (ACR). (n.d.). ACR News RSS feed. What is RSS? Available at: []. Accessed on January 12, 2011