The world of medical physics has evolved from the early days of wire contours and manually programmed machines to a highly technical and sophisticated interlace of software and hardware intricately connected via complex networks.  From IMRT to respiratory gating to image guidance and beyond, radiation therapy has advanced exponentially over the past several decades. 

The tremendous growth has presented challenges in how to evolve with the changes.  How we meet these challenges is the pivot point in whether or not our program develops into one demonstrating clinical excellence or one that makes media headlines.  So what are the key factors to success?

• Education - having the requisite knowledge and experience is essential in providing a solid foundation
• Teamwork - having a team of dedicated professionals all committed to supporting a common goal and willing to work together to achieve success
• Resources - requisite funding for ancillary equipment and manpower to effectively handle the implementation of new technology
• Plan of Action - developing a clear road map that specifies how to grow a new start-up program, including all of the navigation steps in the process

While we may be faced with an abundance of challenges in our daily routine and have little time to devote to developing a new program or re-vamping an existing one, consultants can serve a vital role in relieving staff physicists from the burden associated with division of attention. 

Consultants can provide an invaluable contribution, including:

• Professional feedback and peer review
• Assistance with program accreditation
  
• New program project management
• Program planning, development, and implementation
  
• On-site training for new equipment and procedures
  
• Commissioning and acceptance testing services
• Short-term services such as vacation/conference coverage or performing annual quality assurance testing on accelerators
• Long-term services such as maternity and disability leaves of absence
• Shielding design and evaluation
  

Consultants can play a vital role in relieving the competing priorities and pressures.  Offering a cost effective solution to additional FTE staff, a qualified consultant can serve as a vital member of the team in times of growth or need.

 

One of the challenges facing many solo medical physicists is gaining collegial and professional feedback from respected peers. The peer review process is an invaluable service that can facilitate the strengthening of a program as well as pinpoint areas which may be in need of further development.  Peer review has long been an established practice in the radiation oncology community yet has not been fully realized in the medical physics world.

AAPM Task Group 103 provided a comprehensive overview of the peer review process for medical physicists in the 2005 report published in the Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics.  While the industry may be struggling with reduced reimbursements and cutbacks, the technology that we are responsible for commissioning and maintaining knows no boundaries and continues to advance to new levels.  Manpower issues coupled with a technology driven industry reaching new heights only strengthens the need for professional peer review to serve as a system of checks and balances.