Close Menu

Physics and Medicine Unite on Radiation Protection

In a bid to support the new Nuclear Medicine and International Radiology Facilities at UHWI, the premier regional workshop on radiation protection in medical imaging led by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), was hosted at the Mona Visitors Lodge and Conference Centre on July 15 - 19, 2019. The theme of the workshop was “Strengthening Human Capacities of Caribbean Countries in Radiation Medicine”. A total of 14 participants, comprised of radiologists, radiographers, medical phycists and nuclear medical practitioners were facilitated from Caribbean territories such as Belize, Barbados, Guyana, St. Lucia, Antigua and Jamaica. 

Pertaining to the 5-day intensive program, trainees expressed gratitude for a heightened sense of awareness of the importance of observing protocol especially within the respective territories where the culture was generally described as more laxed in terms of enforcement. The sessions were found to be insightful, particularly on the subjects of nuclear medicine and radiology protection.  UHWI representatives noted that the training was beneficial in light of the fast approaching launch of the Nuclear Medicine Department. All persons in attendance conveyed a level of confidence in being able to apply much of what was taught on quality assurance and control.

The IAEA teaching duo from overseas along with Professor of Applied Nuclear Physics from the Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI Mona - Prof. Mitko Voutchkov expressed pleasure in leading the regional cohort who were engaged and receptive. Other highlights mentioned were the favourable climate and setting as well as good communication due to little to no language barriers in comparison to other regions such as the South East Asian region where a variety of languages are spoken. The team expressed a desire to host the workshop in the Caribbean again, in the near future.

For more information on radiation safety, visit the International Centre for Environment and Nuclear Science (ICENS) here: https://www.mona.uwi.edu/fst/departments

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Published on 07 Aug, 2019

Top of Page