Introduction to medical radiation physics

Learning objectives of the course

1.           Ionizing radiations in medical physics

• Order the regions of the electromagnetic spectrum by increasing photon energy and explain the main types of interactions each region can have with water
• Explain the concepts of absorbed dose and effective dose, discuss their usefulness in a medical context, and estimate typical dose levels encountered in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic procedures
• Describe the main stochastic effects and tissue reactions associated with ionizing radiation exposure, and calculate an approximate indicator of possible risk based on the effective dose
• Describe the operating principles of an ionization chamber and a semiconductor detector, and cite examples of their applications in medical physics

2.           Production of x-rays and image quality

• Describe the image formation chain in X-ray imaging, from X-ray production (tube physics, beam shaping) to detection and digital image display
• Interpret the key image quality parameters (contrast, resolution, noise) and relate them to acquisition parameters.
• Discuss the trade-offs between image quality and patient dose in the task-based approach

3.           2D projection x-ray imaging

• Describe the physical principles and technical components of radiographic, mammographic and fluoroscopic systems
• Define and interpret common dose quantities such as dose area product (DAP), entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) and average glandular dose (AGD)
• Identify the basic principles of time, distance and shielding in radiation protection scenarios and explain the connection between radiation protection for patients and for personal.

4.           3D computed tomographic imaging

• Describe the physical principles and technical components of computed tomography systems.
• Interpret the influence of the acquisition and reconstruction parameters on the image quality.
• Define dose quantities such as CTDI and DLP and explain their significance and impact on dose management.

5.           Advanced techniques and research in x-ray imaging

• Briefly describe the most promising advanced techniques in x-ray imaging
• Details to be provided during the lecture

6.           Radioisotopes and biokinetics in nuclear medicine

• Distinguish between the different types of radioactive decay and their potential use in nuclear medicine
• Illustrate the mechanisms of action of a radiopharmaceutical product and their methods of production
• Explain the concept of biokinetic models and internal dosimetry formalism and use them in applied settings.

7.           Gamma-camera/SPECT and dosimetric devices

• Explain the main components of a gamma-camera/SPECT device and its functioning
• Explain the working principle of different dosimetric devices (activimeter, dose rate meter, spectrometer, contamination monitor)
• Identify the different fields of clinical and radiological protection applications

8.           PET and radionuclide therapy

• Explain the main components of a PET device and identify the different fields of clinical applications
• Explain the workflow required to perform dosimetry in nuclear medicine
• Apply internal dosimetry concepts to real clinical scenarios

9.           Advanced techniques and research in nuclear medicine

• Briefly describe the most promising advanced techniques in nuclear medicine
• Details to be provided during the lecture

10.         Treatment machines and patient flux in external radiation therapy

• Explain the objectives of radiation therapy
• Describe the general workflow of a patient in radiation therapy
• Describe the functioning of a medical linear accelerator

11.         Treatment planning system and dosimetry

• Present the process and aims of treatment planning
• List the key components of a treatment planning system
• Cite and describe the main dose calculation algorithms

12.         Imaging and motion management in external radiation therapy

• Explain the different uses of imaging in radiation therapy
• Compare different imaging modalities and explain their specific interest for radiation therapy
• Describe the principle of tracking, gating and motion management

13.         Advanced techniques and research in external radiation therapy

• Briefly describe the most promising advanced techniques in x-ray imaging
• Details to be provided during the lecture

14.         Non-ionizing radiations in medicine and the job of medical physicist

• Explain the function of the main components of an MRI system and describe the basic principles involved in acquiring an MRI image
• Describe the path of an ultrasonic wave in a medical imaging system, from the transmitter to the detector, and explain how this information is used to generate an image
• Identify and describe several medical applications of optical radiation in both diagnostics and therapy
• Explain the role of a medical physicist in a hospital, describe their typical responsibilities, and identify the qualifications required for employment in a clinical setting