Tsai 1 Kevin Tsai February 10, 13 Professional Issues Guest Lecture Summary The American Association of Medical Dosimetrists

(AAMD) is an international society established to promote and support the Medical Dosimetry profession.1 AAMD has played a big part in the advancement in medical dosimetry. They provide great services and information to help dosimetrist further their knowledge in the always-changing field. For this society to continue to grow and improve each year, there must be a leader that have the same vision. That leader this year is AAMD 2012-2013 president Keitt Mobile, MS, RT(R)(T), CMD. Keitt Mobiles road to a medical dosimetrist is similar to a lot of dosimetrist today. He started out in radiography (1986), became a radiation therapist (1988), got On the Job Training for medical dosimetry, became Medical Dosimetry Certification Board (MDCB) certified in 2002, and got his masters degree at University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse (2011).2 My father also took the same route to become a Certified Medical Dosimetrist (CMD). It is exciting and motivating to see someone from our program as the president of AAMD. It shows that UW LaCrosse is one of the top medical dosimetry programs in the country. The AAMD board of directors are mostly certified medical dosimetrist. It is good to have experienced medical dosimetrist running the society because they have been in the field and know what we need and want. Some of the great benefits of joining the AAMD society are their journals, professional resources, awards/recognition, administrative services, networking, member rates for meetings, and continuing education initiatives.2 AAMD also offers a cheaper student membership that has all the same benefits and more. These member benefits are great for furthering medical dosimetrist knowledge. Many of the benefits can be found conveniently on their website at http://www.medicaldosimetry.org/. Ever since singing up for the AAMD membership, I have used many of the student benefits. Everyday I would go on the website to search for open dosimetrist positions or other career services they provide. Throughout the year, AAMD offers annual and regional meetings for medical dosimetrists.2 I would really like to go to one of these meetings and enjoy the experience and knowledge.

Tsai 2 There are a lot of big changes coming to our medical dosimetry profession. One of the changes is the route of eligibility to take the MDCB exam. These changes will take effect in 2011 and is recommended by the AAMD.2 I completely agree with AAMD and MDCB with these changes because it will improve the quality of medical dosimetrist in the future. Students will be required to have at least a bachelors degree and graduate from an accredited program to be able to take the exam in 2017. In 2015, UW LaCrosse dosimetry program will only accept students that have a bachelors degree going for their masters degree. With all the new changes, I believe future medical dosimetrist will have a bigger role in the radiation oncology department. The future of medical dosimetry looks promising and exciting. I am very thankful that Keith Mobile took the time to share with us a little about AAMD. I learned a lot from his power point slides and notes. It has convinced me to stay on the AAMD society even after graduating from the program because of all the benefits it offers. I learned that in the $200 annual payment, $54 goes towards the journal and the $146 goes towards paying the staff, daily operations, promotions, and studies.2 Now I know exactly where my money is going. The questions at the end of the presentation are also very informative. I had many of the same questions and they are now answered. After learning about AAMD, I will take full advantage of the student benefits by getting involved in committees, scholarships, and educational activities.

Tsai 3 Reference: 1. General Information - AAMD Mission Statement. American Association of Medical Dosimetrists Web site. http://medicaldosimetry.org/generalinformation/mission.cfm. Accessed February 10, 2013. 2. Mobile K. American Association of Medical Dosimetrist (AAMD). [PowerPoint]. Accessed February 10, 2013.