Admissions

Please visit the UC Department of Radiaton Oncology website
for the most updated information about our
Graduate Program in Medical Physics:
http://www.med.uc.edu/radiationoncology/Education/MedicalPhysics.aspx

Dear Prospective Student:

The admission process for Fall 2012 entry is now closed.
The program will begin accepting applications
for Fall 2013 entry on July 1, 2012.

The next deadline to apply is February 1, 2013.

We are delighted that you are considering the University of Cincinnati’s graduate program in Medical Physics! The program’s accreditation by CAMPEP (accrediting body of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine) is a big step for this well-established program, and the faculty are pleased that students can now rely on external validation of their studies for a more secure future in their careers as medical physicists.

Please visit the new website for Unviersity of Cincinnati Department of Radiation Oncology for all the details about how to apply to the program:
http://www.med.uc.edu/radiationoncology/Education/MedicalPhysics/HowtoApply.aspx

A career in Medical Physics is challenging and rewarding. For a listing of "Where UC Alumni Work," scroll down to the foot of this blog.

Sincerely,

Howard R. Elson, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
GRADUATE PROGRAM IN MEDICAL PHYSICS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1) PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS. What do I need to know in order to apply for the University of Cincinnati Graduate Program in Medical Physics?

Feel free to call or email us anytime, with questions about admissions. You will find answers to common admissions questions at the posting below, for prospective students:
http://ucmedphys.blogspot.com/2009/07/admissions-for-2010-prospective-student.html

2) SENIOR THESIS AND FINAL GRADES. The application deadline is Feb 1. However, by Feb 1st, I won’t have final grades yet for my winter or spring courses. How do you deal with that? Also, I have some one full year courses (ex: undergraduate honors thesis). My honors thesis may be significant factor for my application package, but it won't be completed before the Feb 1st. Can I still send what I have by that time, eg, proposal?

Regarding final grades, most applicants in their senior year of undergraduate study will be in your situation, and this is not a problem. The faculty will base their admission decisions on the grades available by Feb 15. Students who are admitted must submit final transcripts to this program when they graduate.

You may certainly send your senior thesis proposal (it should be brief, the length of an abstract. Look in any peer-reviewed journal to get an idea of the format for an abstract).

In fact, you might consider asking your advisor to help you submit your proposal as an abstract for presenting at a conference, or for publication in a journal. Preparing research for presentation or publication and simply submitting it is a significant step to take in academic work; the faculty here would view it favorably, even if it’s not accepted.

3) ADMISSION CRITERIA. What are the faculty looking for, in applicants to the program? Can I include any extra activities and experiences which the committee may find it interesting? If so, should I present those in a resume or should I mention those in the personal statement?

Prerequisites: The program admits students with the expectation that following graduation, they will sit for the American Board of Radiology certification exams in Medical Physics. To that end, students must meet the following minimum course requirements:

• Physics: at least 2 years of calculus-based Physics (not algebra-based):
  


• Intro to Physics (level 1), 3 quarters or 2 semesters, 10 semester-15 quarter credit hours.



• Intermediate Physics (level 2), 3 quarters or 2 semesters, 10 semester-15 quarter credit hours; and
  


• Mathematics: calculus through differential equations (level 4 or 5), 6 quarters or 4 semesters, 12 semester-18 quarter credit hours.

The program is designed for students who have completed a major in undergraduate Physics (bachelor's degree), or at least a minor in Physics.

The faculty are seeking to fill the program with the strongest possible candidates, who have a commitment to service and an excellent background in physics (for physics majors, as distinct from physics for engineering or health physics, which are different courses), with advanced math courses to support the study of physics.

Yes, you may include information about your extra-curricular activities and experiences that may be of interest to the committee. It would be your decision how to present that information. Listing them briefly on a resume would be fine; if you mention them in your personal statement, please explain what you learned from them, or why they were important in preparing you for your chosen future career.

Clinical medical physics is a service-oriented career, so service-oriented activities will be more relevant than purely recreational activities. And, like undergraduate applications, activities that demonstrate maturity, reliability, responsibility, and leadership will favorably support your application.

You should also keep in mind that since UC is now accredited by CAMPEP, the pool of applicants is growing larger and more competitive. Think about what will make you stand out to the committee.

While extracurricular activities are potentially valuable in shaping a person's character and values, the faculty must base their decision primarily on the following criteria:

• academic preparation and excellence (physics and math courses that meet ABR standards; see item number 8 below);
  


• comparing GPA and GRE scores within the applicant pool;
  


• personal statement of purpose;



• letters of recommendation (Note: these letters should be requested from THREE (3) physics professors, other faculty who have supervised your research, or medical physicists with whom you've worked or volunteered--professionals who can speak to your preparation and potential in the areas of academic performance, research, and clinical skills).

Other considerations may include:

• exposure to the field of medical physics, in one of several ways:
  


• assisting in research (either collecting data or helping physics faculty to prepare a study or article);



• learning about the profession by observing or assisting in the clinical setting with board-certified medical physicists;
  


• original research and publishing, especially in material related to medical physics; but original research in any field of physics will be viewed favorably;
  


• attending an academic meeting or conference and/or presenting a paper.

4) WAITING LIST. Is there "waiting list" for the program? After the admission decisions have been made, if someone declines an offer of admission to the program, by any chance, is there waiting list so you can give a spot to the next person on the list?

Yes, there is essentially a waiting list during the admissions process; the program does not officially give it that name. All applicants are ranked, and offers are tenured to the strongest candidates. Some may decline the UC offer, and the faculty then proceed through the ranked list, making offers to other applicants.

5) CAMPUS VISIT. I would like to visit University of Cincinnati for the facility tour, and to experience the city of Cincinnati as a place to live. Can you help me plan my visit?

You'd be very welcome to visit! The best time to visit is when classes are in session; you can check the academic calendar online at UC's OneStop website: http://www.onestop.uc.edu/

Please provide at least 2 weeks' notice, with your exact travel dates. We can then prepare a schedule with faculty & students, to see what you might be able to observe in the classroom, lab, and clinical setting. You could meet with the program director and current students, tour the College of Medicine's Academic Health Center and the Barrett Cancer Center facility, and check out the city of Cincinnati.

The Graduate Program in Medical Physics is part of both the Graduate School and the College of Medicine. Here are some links that may be helpful to you in planning a visit, and learning about the city.

UC Graduate School student life page, with practical information:
http://www.grad.uc.edu/grad-life.aspx
UC Graduate School link for planning a campus visit, found on the page above:
http://www.grad.uc.edu/visiting-campus.aspx

UC College of Medicine website visitor guide:
http://health.uc.edu/visitorguide/visitorguide.cfm
College of Medicine information about the City of Cincinnati:
http://www.med.uc.edu/graded/aboutcincy.cfm

6) MEDICAL PHYSICS. How can I learn more about the field of Medical Physics?

• The American Association for Medical Physics (AAPM) is the national professional organization of Medical Physicists. Visit the AAPM website: http://www.aapm.org/ Their website has links that explain every aspect of this career: http://www.aapm.org/?medphys=o


• Ask your physics faculty & academic advisor what they know about Medical Physics and see if they have any helpful contacts or guidance for you.


• Meet ABR-certified Medical Physicists in the radiation oncology department of the hospital nearest you. Introduce yourself and ask if you can shadow them and learn about their daily work, or participate in their research.


• Click on any of the links below in the section "Where UC Alumni Work," to find out about the places where you might work once you are trained as a Medical Physicist.
  

7) CAMPEP-ACCREDITED PROGRAMS. How do I choose the program that's right for me?

The AAPM has established an accrediting body, CAMPEP, to evaluate and accredit academic programs that train medical physicists. They provide a complete listing of CAMPEP-accredited programs at their website, along with the criteria for accreditation: http://www.campep.org/

Graduation from a CAMPEP-accredited program will soon be a requirement for professional practice as an ABR-certified Medical Physicist. Read about these changes at the ABR website:

ABR RADIOLOGIC PHYSICS EXAMINATION FUTURE REQUIREMENTS (CAMPEP)

Addendum to 2002 Policy

This is a new requirement for eligibility to take the ABR initial certification examination in radiologic physics with linkage to CAMPEP (Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs) accredited education programs starting in 2012. This policy statement was developed by the Radiologic Physics Trustees as a followup to the August 17, 2007 ABR/CAMPEP Summit in Dallas, TX. The policy as recommended was approved by the full ABR Board of Trustees on October 13, 2007.

• Beginning in 2012, in order to take the American Board of Radiology Part 1 examination in Radiologic Physics, candidates must be enrolled in or have graduated from a CAMPEP accredited education program (e.g., MS, PhD, or residency).


• Beginning in 2014, in order to take the American Board of Radiology Part 1 examination in Radiologic Physics, candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a CAMPEP accredited residency program.


• ABR procedures require application submission by September 30th of the year before the examination.


• This policy is subject to amendment from time to time. Candidates and Diplomates are advised to check the ABR web site periodically for the most current version.

Source: http://theabr.org/ic/ic_policies.html

8) ABR BOARD CERTIFICATON. What is required for a Medical Physicist to become "board certified"?

Every medical physicist aims to become "board certified." This means that she or he meets the professional standards set by the American Board of Radiology. There are several steps involved, beginning with undergraduate study.

The American Board of Radiology specifies foundational undergraduate coursework, in order for a medical physicist to pursue the process of becoming board certified. If one completes a master’s degree without these undergraduate courses, one is not eligible to apply for board examinations. Hence, this program takes care to not admit any applicant who cannot meet ABR standards. You may wish to read more about ABR standards at their website: http://theabr.org/forms/ic_rp_requirements.pdf

Explore this blog and the UC website, and any of the links above. Feel free to contact the UC Graduate Program in Medical Physics academic office for more information or with any questions that remain unanswered!

Tel. (513) 584-5668.
Email: ucmedphys - at - gmail.com

Wishing you all the best as you explore the field of Medical Physics, and in your search for a program with a great fit for you!

UC is now CAMPEP accredited!

The Department of Radiation Oncology in

the University of Cincinnati

College of Medicine

is proud to announce that

the Graduate Program in Medical Physics

(Radiological Sciences) is

now fully accredited by CAMPEP

Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs,

effective January 1, 2009

to December 31, 2013.

Congratulations to the faculty and students

for their commitment to excellence in graduate education

and their many professional achievements!

See right sidebar for links and contact details

or call (513) 584-5668 for more information.

Program graduates, project titles & current professional role

Program graduates, degree date, research project, and current professional role:

Carlos Bohorquez, M.S.
Degree/date: M.S., June 2012
Research project title: Comparison of traditional linac vs helical tomotherapy for lung SBRT
Current institution:
Certification: N/A

Eric Cochran, M.S.
Degree/date: M.S., June 2012
Research project title: Implementing an Incident Learning System
Current institution:
Certification: N/A

Mark DiMascio, M.S.
Degree/date: M.S., June 2012
Research project title: MR Spectroscopy of the Prostate: Quantifying Absolute Metabolite Values Using LCModel
Current institution:
Certification: N/A

Meredith Semon, M.S.
Degree/date: M.S., June 2012
Research project title: Dosimetry of Small Animal PET/CT
Current institution:
Certification: N/A

Brian Casto, M.S.
Degree/date: M.S., June 2011
Research project title: White Matter Sequalae of Radiation Therapy: A pediatric case study of the progression of subacute neurotoxicity (poster presentation at AAPM local chapter meeting, 3/11)
Current institution:
Certification: N/A

Chris Mart, M.S.
Degree/date: M.S., March 2011
Research project title: Measurement of Low Energy Backscatter Factors Using Gafchromic EBT2 Film and Optically Stimulated Luminescent Dosimeters
Current institution:
Certification: N/A

Jimmy Stringer, M.S.
Degree/date: M.S., August 2011
Research project title: A comparison of whole prostate dose to integrated dose boost escalation for an intra-prostatic lesion in radiotherapy
Current institution:
Certification: N/A

Meghan Shanks, M.S.
Degree/date: M.S., June 2011
Research project title: Comparison of Three Commercial Electron Treatment Planning Systems
Current institution:
Certification: N/A

Ahmad Amoush, M.S.
Degree/date: M.S., June 2010
Research project title: Near Source Dosimetry of HDR Base of Tongue Treatments Using BrachyVision , Monte Carlo simulation , & GafChromic HD-810 Film
Current institution:
Certification: N/A

James Armstrong, M.S.
Degree/date: M.S., June 2010
Research project title: Comparison of Positional Accuracy for kVkV, kVMV, and CBCTOBI for Cranial Localization (presented at ORV AAPM 3/10, accepted AAPM poster 7/10)
Current institution:
Certification: N/A

Andy Bergan, M.S.
Degree/date: M.S., June 2010
Research project title: Evaluation of 3 IMRT QA techniques todetect MLC positioning errors (presented at ORV AAPM 3/10, accepted AAPM poster 7/10)
Current institution:
Certification: N/A

Chris Gerrein, M.S.
Degree/date: M.S., June 2010
Research project title: Dosimetric Analysis of Matching Photon and Electron Fields for the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancers (accepted AAPM poster)
Current institution:
Certification: N/A

Katherine Magat, M.S.
Degree/date: M.S., June 2010
Research project title: Evaluation of Respiratory Gating of ROI Definition on the Accuracy of SUV in F18-FDG PET Imaging (presented at ORV AAPM 3/10, accepted ASTRO poster)
Current institution:
Certification: N/A

Benjamin Cooper, MS
Degree/date: MS 3/2009
Research project title: Properties and Clinical Usefulness of Methacrylic-acid based Gel Dosimeters
Current institution:
Certification: N/A

Marcus Luckstead, MS
Degree/date: MS 3/2009
Research project title: Near Source Dosimetry of HDR Base of Tongue Treatments Using TPS, Film and Monte Carlo
Current institution: Northwest Medical Physics Center, Lynnwood, WA

Nathan Papalia, MS
Degree/date: MS 3/2009
Research project title: Evaluation of the Positioning Accuracy in Helical Tomotherapy for Intracranial Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Current institution:
Certification: N/A

Kevin Shay, MS
Degree/date: MS 3/2009
Research project title: Comparing Electron Dose Distribution Using Film and Treatment Planning Computer
Current institution:
Certification: N/A

Jared Weatherford, MS
Degree/date: MS 3/2009
Research project title: A Dosimetric Analysis of IMRT Used to Replace and Mimic HDR Brachytherapy in the Treatment of Cervical Cancer.
Current institution: Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, IN
Certification: N/A

Brian Bennett, MS
Degree/date: MS 6/2008
Research project title: Comparative Analysis of Peripheral Doses from Base of Tongue Treatment between Linac IMRT and Tomotherapy
Current institution: United Hospital, Clarksburg, WV
Certification: N/A

Vivek Jeevan, MS
Degree/date: MS 6/2008
Research project title: Effect of rectum diameter on inter-fraction prostate motion as determined by Tomotherapy’s daily image-guided CT
Current institution: Samaritan Regional Cancer Center, Corvalis OR
Certification: N/A

Rich Seier, MS
Degree/date: MS 6/2008
Research project title: A Study of the Sensitivity of Exit Beam Dosimetry to Variations in Patient Position & Thickness
Current institution: Shore Regional Cancer Center, Easton MD
Certification: N/A

Nate Schneider, MS
Degree/date: MS 8/2008
Research project title: Dosimetry of craniospinal axis (CSA) irradiation: a comparison of conventional and helical tomotherapy hi-art based treatment plans
Current institution: Wuest & Schneider Consulting, Perrysburg, OH
Certification: N/A

Eric Dick, MS
Degree/date: MS 6/2008
Research project title: A Survey of CT Phantom Considerations for the Study of Blooming Artifacts as Observed in CT-Angiography Studies: A Preliminary Study
Current institution: Consulting Group, FL
Certification: N/A

Scott Dodd, MS
Degree/date: MS 6/1/2007
Research project title: A Method for Total Skin Electron Therapy on a Varian 21EX Linear Accelerator
Current institution: Tammy Walker Cancer Center, Salinas KS
Certification: NA

Steve Moeckly, MS
Degree/date: MS 6/1/2007
Research project title: Respiratory motion effects upon whole breast tomotherapy
Current institution: Medical X-Ray Center, PC; Sioux Falls SD
Certification: ABR-Part 1

Sanja Cico, MS
Degree/date: MS 8/1/2006
Research project title: Gage R&R study for monthly photon energy output of a Varian 21EX linear accelerator
Current institution: MRP, Inc Cincinnati OH
Certification: N/A

Samer Jaber, MS
Degree/date: MS 8/1/2006
Research project title: Total Body Radiotherapy Using IMRT Techniques
Current institution: St. Jude Children’s Hospital; Memphis TN
Certification: N/A

Steven Parfitt, MS
Degree/date: MS 8/1/2006
Research project title: In-field and out-of-field neutron dose from standard and IMRT 18 MV fields
Current institution: US Air Force
Certification: N/A

Todd Bernath, MS
Degree/date: MS 3/1/2006
Research project title: Evaluation of optimal treatment parameters in the initiation of total
Current institution: Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton OH
Certification: ABR-Part 1

Joseph Ott, MS
Degree/date: MS 3/1/2006
Research project title: Dosimetry of Small Pulmonary Nodules: A Comparison Between Treatment Planning Calculations and In-Phantom Measurements
Current institution: Parkview Comprehensive Cancer Center; Fort Wayne IN
Certification: ABR-Part 1

Dan Robisch, MS
Degree/date: MS 3/1/2006
Research project title: Investigating Using IMRT Convert Parameter Settings to Improve the Agreement Between Planned and Delivered Dose Distributions
Current institution: Sacred Heart Medical Center; Spokane WA
Certification: N/A

Nitin Kumar, MS
Degree/date: MS 6/1/2005
Research project title: Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for the Treatment of Whole Spines
Current institution: The University Hospital; Cincinnati OH
Certification: ABR-Part 2

David Roesener, MS
Degree/date: MS 6/1/2005
Research project title: Analysis of the effect of contrast enhancement on treatment planning dose calculations
Current institution: The University Hospital; Cincinnati OH
Certification: ABR-Part 1

Yingkang Zhou, MS
Degree/date: MS 12/1/2004
Research project title: Confirmation of IMRT Dosimetry using EDR Film
Deceased

Benjamin Anderson, MS
Degree/date: MS 6/1/2004
Research project title: A computer model investigation into the clinical relevance of MLC leaf width and dose grid in the IMRT treatment of three common cancers
Current institution: Lankenau Hospital; Wynnewood PA
Certification: ABR-Therapeutic Radiologic Physics

Jeffri Love, MS
Degree/date: MS 6/1/2004
Research project title: Extracranial Radiation Therapy: Measurement of Setup Variability Using a Stereoscopic X-Ray System
Current institution: 21st Century Oncology; Ft Walton Beach FL
Certification: ABR-Part 1

Louis French, MS
Degree/date: MS 3/1/2002
Research project title: Dosimetric Evaluation o f Kodak EDR2 Film and XV Film
Current institution: University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston TX
Certification: ABR-Therapeutic Radiologic Physics

Lawrence Slate, MS
Degree/date: MS 3/1/2002
Research project title: A Monte Carlo Brachytherapy Study for Dose Distribution Prediction in an Inhomogenous Medium
Current institution: N/A
Certification: ABR-Therapeutic Radiologic Physics

Michael Davis, MS
Degree/date: MS 6/1/2001
Research project title: Planned vs. Achieved Isodose Distribution of a 3-D Conformal Radiation Treatment
Current institution: The University Hospital; Cincinnati OH
Certification: MDCB: Certified Medical Dosimetrist and ABR: Therapeutic Radiologic Physics

Kenneth Imhoff, MS
Degree/date: MS 6/1/2001
Research project title: Verification of small-field dosimetry determined by X-Plan Treatment Planning System
Current institution: Radiation Physics, Inc.; Coconut Creek FL
Certification: ABR-Therapeutic Radiologic Physics

Michele (Teeters) Verst, MS
Degree/date: MS 6/1/2001
Research project title: The Effect of Linac Isocenter Variation on the Radiosurggical Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Current institution: Union Hospital Radiation Physics; Terre Haute IN
Certification: ABR-Therapeutic Radiologic Physics

Jamone Williams, MS
Degree/date: MS 6/1/2001
Research project title: Evaluation of Treatment Plans Using Normal Tissue Complication Probability in External Beam Prostate Therapy
Current institution: Parkview Comprehensive Cancer Center; Fort Wayne IN
Certification: ABR-Part 2

Nathan Anderson, MS
Degree/date: MS 6/1/1999
Research project title: Development of an Improved Technique to Accomplish Electron Beam Treatment of the Scalp
Current institution: UPMC; Souderton PA
Certification: ABR-Therapeutic Radiologic Physics

Stephen Johnson, MS
Degree/date: MS 6/1/1999
Research project title: A Comparison on Treatment Planning of Stereotactic Using Collimator jaws (in conjunction with circular collimators) vs. Circular Collimators Alone
Current institution: Greenwich Hosptial; Norwalk CT
Certification: ABR-Therapeutic Radiologic Physics

Sheri (Berkowitz) Weintraub, MS
Degree/date: MS 6/1/1999
Research project title: Comparison of Measured Dose with Computerized Dosimeter Treatment Planning System (Based on Close Cone Convolution Algorithm) in Regions of Electronic Disequilibrium
Current institution: Massachusetts General Hospital; Qunicy MA
Certification: ABR-Therapeutic Radiologic Physics

Steven Delucia, MS
Degree/date: MS 3/1/1998
Research project title: A Comparison of Two Breast Irradiation Techniques on the Dose to the Contralateral Breast
Current institution: Holy Name Hospital; Teaneck NJ
Certification: ABMP: Radiation Oncology Physics

Christopher Gouin, MS
Degree/date: MS 3/1/1998
Research project title: Evaluation of a 3-D Treatment Planning System via Thermoluminescent Dosimetry in a Humanoid Phantom
Current institution: Premier Medical Physics; South Bend IN
Certification: ABMP: Radiation Oncology Physics

Gregory Abell, MS
Degree/date: MS 8/1/1997
Research project title: Dosimetric Confirmation of Breast Missing Tissue Compensators
Current institution: N/A
Certification: ABR-Therapeutic Radiologic Physics

John Morrison, MS
Degree/date: MS 6/1/1997
Research project title: Isodose distribution in the prostate after I125 seed implants
Current institution: Varian Brachytherapy; Charlottesville VA
Certification: N/A

Joseph Butts, MS
Degree/date: MS 3/1/1997
Research project title: Electron-photon field matching
Current institution: Ball Memorial Hospital; Muncie IN
Certification: ABR-Therapeutic Radiologic Physics

The UC Accelerator - Medical Physics News

Newsletter of the University of Cincinnati’s
Graduate Program in

Medical Physics

(Radiological Sciences)

College of Medicine

Department of Radiation Oncology

May 2008

Medical Physics program accomplishments 2007-08
+ Master of science degree granted to six students
+ Three student poster presentations accepted for AAPM summer meeting
+ One student project accepted as a platform presentation
+ One student project published in a recent issue of Medical Physics.

Letter from the Director
Howard R. Elson, Ph.D.

The University of Cincinnati’s graduate program in Medical Physics (Radiological Sciences) has recently prepared an application for CAMPEP accreditation. As part of the documentation, we were required to list the program graduates for the last 10 years. Having accomplished that, we aim to reconstruct the entire alumni listing, including the Ph.D. graduates in affiliated programs and the alumni of post-doc positions.

You will find our attempt at the complete listing attached. I would ask you to do the following:
1) review the list and confirm, alter, or amend your contact information.
2) if you know of any missing individuals or can provide contact details, please notify us.

The faculty hopes to promote interactions between the program’s enrolled students and its alumni, and to that end, this is the program’s first “newsletter.”

The program is proud to announce that CAMPEP accreditation documentation is in the hands of the reviewer, and we are awaiting notification of the progress of the review. We expect further communication after the summer meeting and prior to the RSNA meeting in November 2008.

The program is thriving and growing. The medical physics graduate program faculty consists of:

• Hsu-Hsuan (Irene) Chen, Ph.D., imaging physics


• Howard R. Elson, Ph.D., therapy physics


• Michael Lamba, Ph.D., therapy physics


• Lisa Lemen, Ph.D., imaging physics


• William Kassing, Ph.D., radiation biology and therapy physics.

Further, the students are privileged to gain clinical training from staff of The University Hospital & Precision Radiotherapy:

• Michael Davis, MS, therapy physics


• Nitin Kumar, MS, therapy physics


• David Roesener, MS, therapy physics


• Ranasinghage Samaratunga, Ph.D., imaging physics


• Arthur Morton, MS, radiation safety


• Brian McGill, MS, therapy physics.

Administrative support for the program is furnished by Staff Assistants, Mary Kay Rehard and Lydia Wocher. Email the program office by clicking here.

Professional placement following graduation is an ongoing challenge. At the present time, three of our recent program graduates are still seeking professional employment in the field. If you know of potential positions, I would be happy to share information about these promising students.

Likewise, alumni are encouraged to assist the program in recruiting new students. Looking to the future, the program has accepted five students to matriculate in the fall of 08, has six continuing students in the master’s degree program, and three continuing students in the medical physics option of nuclear engineering’s doctoral program.

At the AAPM meeting in Houston, a great deal of emphasis will be placed on the history of the organization. If you have appropriate historical photographs, please forward digital images to Michael Lamba.

Speaking of the meeting in Houston, would you like to hold a “get-together” for UC program alumni? Please find attached a brief questionnaire that will facilitate arrangements for such an event. You may return the questionnaire below (and any missing information for the alumni directory) by post, or respond by email at the address noted on the slip. Obviously, time is very limited in planning such an event, so a prompt response is requested to ensure a good turn-out at the Houston Meeting. Thank you for any and all assistance with the Houston meeting and future support of the UC Medical Physics alumni activities!

--Howard R. Elson, Ph.D., Director of Graduate Studies


Focus on 2008 Program Graduates

Titles of 2008 student projects are listed below. Here we feature some of the graduates in their own words, with highlights from their studies at UC and future plans.

Brian Bennett
After two years at the University of Cincinnati, I can look back and confidently say I am proud to be a UC alumnus. Medical Physics is becoming popular, with the rise in radiation oncology centers. A full year of didactic lecture sets the foundation for the medical physicist. The second year consists of formalized rotations with clinical medical physicists provides the hands-on training component that many programs do not have. Along with rotations, the graduate students are actively involved in a master’s project which promotes research and publication. Other skills, such as treatment planning and calibration, are strongly infused, as they help make us better physicists. Degrees are only awarded once each student has proven him or herself academically and clinically.

But it is not just for these reasons that I feel confident about UC’s Medical Physics program. The department is home to some of the most knowledgeable and helpful faculty I have ever seen. The faculty strive to create rich learning environments that promote teamwork and, most importantly, patient care. If I have learned anything, I have learned how important proper patient care is and my responsibility as a medical physicist to provide it.

Upon obtaining a position as a junior physicist, I hope to gain the experience necessary to become board certified. I hope I am able to be part of team that provides excellent patient care, perhaps becoming a chief physicist one day.

Vivek Jeevan
I have loved my experience of studying Medical Physics at UC. I truly believe this is one of the best programs in the nation. Three outstanding features make me feel this way:
1. Extensive hands-on, diverse, direct clinical experience. This is exactly what employers are looking for and is key to landing that first job.
2. The radiation oncology staff and department are extremely cohesive, supporting, and nurturing. I feel free to go to any medical physicist, dosimetrist, radiation therapist, or physician, and know that they will answer all my questions and then teach me more.
3. The professors are amazing. I am learning from great men and women in this field who possess the gift of teaching.

This program has given me a strong foundation that will serve me well. Three months before graduation I found a position at a cancer center with Good Samaritan Health Services in Corvallis, Oregon. I look forward to beginning a new and promising career there.

Nate Schneider
I liked the solid course load and teaching quality of the program. I have cherished the opportunity to work and have an office in the Barrett Cancer Center. Finally, the people—therapists, dosimetrists, staff, professors, residents, attending physicians—are all so nice and willing to help out.

Once I graduate I plan on traveling through seven countries in the Middle East before starting my career. I am interested in obtaining a doctorate in Medical Physics. I look forward to the day I am closely involved in patient treatments, and am reminded of the quotation: “A healthy man has a million wishes; a sick man has only one.”

Rich Seier
I really liked UC’s Medical Physics program. I gained excellent clinical experience, had great professors that truly loved to teach medical physics, and had a lot of fun going to UC football and basketball games. My future plans are to continue to be a medical physicist and become board certified as soon as possible.


Recent Presentations
UC Abstracts Accepted for 2008 AAPM Meeting
July 27-31, Houston TX

Radiation dose to the female breast in 64-slice computed tomography
L Lemen1 *, M Lamba1 , H Chen1 , C Alsip2 , R Samaratunga1 , M Mahoney1 , (1) University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, (2) Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH,
Moderated Poster Discussion Session

A quantitative evaluation of the effect of CT scanning parameters on CT number to density calibration and dose calculations
S Refaei1 *, M Lamba2 , H Elson3 , (1) University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, AF, (2) University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, (3) University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
General Poster Discussion Session

Photon energy spectrum prediction of a medical linear accelerator using scatter radiation analysis
M Hawwari *, M Lamba, H Spitz, H Elson, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
General Poster Discussion Session

Comparison of mapcheck and EDR2 film for IMRT QA
TT Takele*, M Lamba, H Elson, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
General Poster Discussion Session

Comparative analysis of peripheral doses for base of tongue treatment by linear accelerator and helical tomotherapy IMRT
B Bennett*, M Lamba, H Elson, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Oral Presentation

Organ and effective dose in pediatric patient in 64-slice computed tomography
H Chen1 *, M Lamba1 , C Alsip2 , L Lemen1 , (1) University of Cincinnati, cincinnati, OH, (2) Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, CINCINNATI, OH
General Poster Discussion Session

Recent Publications
In addition, one of last year’s abstracts was recently published as a full article in Medical Physics:

Respiratory motion effects on whole breast helical tomotherapy
Steven R. Moeckly, Michael Lamba, and Howard R. Elson
Med. Phys. 35(4), 1464-1475, April 2008

UC faculty and students submitted the following abstracts to the 2007 American Association of Physicists in Medicine, held in Minneapolis, MN, last July:

Characterization of respiratory motion of the breast
M Lamba *, R Lavigne

Evaluation of different simulation and dosimetry techniques in smallfield relative measurements
Y Feng*, M Lamba, H Elson, W Kassing, H Spitz

A Monte Carlo simulation and deconvolution study of detector responsefunction
Y Feng*, M Lamba, H Elson, W Kassing, H Spitz

Dosimetry of small pulmonary nodules: a comparison between treatmentplanning calculations and in-phantom measurements
J Ott*, M Lamba, H Elson

* denotes principal investigator

Ride Cincinnati
The Barrett Cancer Center’s Radiation Oncology staff is participating in this year’s Ride Cincinnati fundraising event, under the leadership of medical physics student, Vivek Jeevan. A resolute cycling commuter, Viv often arrives in his bicycle helmet. He is using his bicycling know-how and his commitment to cancer education and treatment to assemble the Barrett Center’s “Accelerators,” a volunteer team of staff cyclists.

Ride Cincinnati, held for the first time in 2007, is the first cycling event to raise funds for breast cancer research in the Greater Cincinnati area. It is a non-competitive ride open to participants at all levels of skill. Ride Cincinnati was founded by Dr. Harvey Harris, Ronald Stern, and Craig Cowit, three Cincinnatians whose families have been touched by breast cancer. This event is dedicated to the life of Marlene Harris and all others who have, and continue to be, affected by this terrible disease.

Breast Cancer Research
All proceeds from Ride Cincinnati benefit the Barrett Cancer Center at the University of Cincinnati. The mission of the Barrett Cancer Center is to transform cancer care in our region by providing the most advanced and compassionate patient care built on a foundation of innovative research and education. They are working to become the preeminent cancer care resource delivering the highest quality patient and family-centered care in a collaborative environment with an emphasis on education and community outreach.

Founder Harvey Harris
When Cincinnatian Marlene Harris, 63, died of breast cancer in 2005, she left behind three children, four grandchildren and a request for her husband, Harvey: Help fund a cure for the devastating disease.

Harvey had plenty of reasons to honor his wife’s wish. After all, the 65-year-old dentist had also watched his daughter, Allison Harris-Gordon, 37, successfully endure two bouts with breast cancer. Not to mention, the wives of his two best friends are both survivors.

“Cancer is horrific, a terrible disease,” says Harvey. “We have to find a cure for this — and we will one day.” Thanks to his efforts, that day may come a little bit sooner.

In June 2007, Harvey launched the first annual Ride Cincinnati, a noncompetitive, day-long bicycle trek to raise money for breast cancer research. The event drew nearly 1,000 participants of all skill levels, eager to traverse four rides of varying lengths, as well as enjoy a wealth of family-friendly entertainment that included clowns, inflatable rides, live music and a mile-long jaunt for children across the Purple People Bridge (which connects Ohio and Kentucky).

Pedaling along right next to all the participants were Harvey, an avid cyclist, and the two best friends who’d also been touched by breast cancer, Ron Stern and Craig Cowit — both of whom helped plan the event…. The final tally: $132,000, all of which went to the University of Cincinnati’s Barrett Cancer Center.

“It just turned out to be above and beyond…all [our] expectations,” he says.

The success has motivated Harvey to raise $200,000 for the 2008 Ride Cincinnati — an impressive goal for an event that will only be in its second year.

To learn more, visit http://www.ridecincinnati.org/

Admissions
Spread the News about UC Medical Physics
Please pass on this newsletter to a colleague or prospective student. For more information about the program, contact the Director of Graduate Studies:

Howard R. Elson, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies in Medical Physics
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Radiation Oncology
234 Goodman Ave., ML 0757
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0757
Email: ucmedphys - at - gmail.com
Phone: (513) 584-9092
Fax: (513) 584-4007