AAMD

=**American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD)**=

Authors: Dustin, Kevin, Erin, Holly , Lindsey , Megan, Spencer, Pablo, Brandon, Faleesa, Jake.

** AAMD Mission Statement **
“The American Association of Medical Dosimetrists is an international society established to promote and support the Medical Dosimetry profession. We provide opportunities for education, a forum for professional interaction and a representative voice in the healthcare community. The Society seeks to promote an ideal of professional conduct to which its members should aspire and endorses the highest standards of patient care.” 1

** What has the organization done for the profession? **
The American Association of Medical Dosimetrist (AAMD) is largely responsible for shaping the scope and practices of the medical professionals and the care they provide in radiation oncology as well as influence the way the health industry sets standards. As a strong advocate, the association provides information and services to medical professionals as well as the general public, including a website, seminars and printed materials that support awareness of the medical dosimetry field. Professional resources include online forums where members can discuss ideas and issues, salary and workforce surveys for comparing salaries to submitted surveys, career services center, where you can look for a new job or employers can search candidates and industry updates, a voice for medical dosimetry in the healthcare community. With an active government affairs committee, AAMD monitors regulatory affairs that impact patient care and the profession. 2 Education and accreditation for current and future dosimetrist is part of their mission, having established education standards for the medical dosimetry programs. The association also offers grants and scholarships to help current dosimetry students. Continuing education for its current members is offered through conferences, meetings, newsletters and the publication of the Medical Dosimetry Journal. 2 The AAMD reaches beyond the borders of the United States, serving to unite the medical dosimetry community for the betterment of providing a safe and knowledgeable healthcare profession to serve the greater good in radiation oncology.

** Benefits of AAMD Membership **
AAMD offers many advantageous opportunities for members. Continuing education is crucial and members are given many options for educational development. 3 Each year, AAMD holds an annual meeting, as well as regional meetings. Both of these offer courses to earn CE credits, along with great networking opportunities. A benefit of credits earned through AAMD, is that they are both MDCB and ARRT approved. Another way to earn CE credits and to obtain educational development is through Medical Dosimetry, the official journal of AAMD that all members receive a subscription to. This journal contains information on new developments in Medical Dosimetry. The journal also contains quizzes that may be completed for CE credits. New in 2012, is the membership option of being a member plus. Lectures from the annual and regional meetings are recorded and available online to members who are not able to attend the actual meeting. AAMD also offers live webinars on various topics in Medical Dosimetry. All of these online modules are available to members, however the plus members benefit from these at no additional cost. AAMD distributes an electronic newsletter quarterly to members that contains information on AAMD events, membership benefits, industry news, and more. AAMD also awards and recognizes individuals for their accomplishments in Medical Dosimetry. This is done through an Award of Excellence and an Annual Writing Competition. These are only given to members of AAMD.

Being a member of AAMD offers many benefits and is an important organization to be a part of to ensure both educational and professional development in the field of Medical Dosimetry.

** Benefits of Student Membership **
Check out the benefits you can experience by becoming a member of the AAMD as a student! As a student member, you can enjoy the following benefits: 4
 * Reduced membership rates- 2013 student membership is only $60.00
 * Subscription to Medical Dosimetry
 * Continuing education offered through these directed readings, annual and regional meetings, and online modules
 * Access to quarterly newsletter, eMonitor
 * Career center offering the latest job opportunities and salary/workforce surveys
 * Resources for scholarships, writing competitions, and MDCB exam information
 * List of accredited educational programs
 * Networking through online forums and open discussions

** Scholarship Fund for Students **
Scholarship opportunities for medical dosimetry students are provided by the AAMD Education and Research Foundation. The awards are based on academic performance as well as leadership and commitment to the medical dosimetry profession. 5 Applicants are required to be enrolled in a JRCERT accredited medical dosimetry education program. According to the mission statement of the Education and Research Foundation, “The AAMD Education and Research Foundation will enhance cancer care and quality of life for patients receiving radiation therapy by promoting the critical role of the medical dosimetrist in the cancer community through support and advancement of education and independent research for medical dosimetrists”. Scholarships from the AAMD are:

1. The Gunilla Bentel Scholarship - Awarded to an applicant recognized for their academic excellence and leadership along with reasonable commitment to the medical dosimetry profession. Applicants for this award must be CMD, maintain good standing as an AAMD member and enrolled in an advanced course of study with a 3.2 GPA.

2. The AAMD Founders Scholarship - Honors founding members of the AAMD in 1975. Students applying for this award must be enrolled full time in a JRCERT accredited medical dosimetry program, in good standing as a member of the AAMD and holding a 3.2 GPA. Applicants must show academic excellence.

3. Special Recognition Scholarship - Student is selected for this award based on special merit and recognition.

4. Rudi J. Bertrand Veterans Student Scholarship - This award is given to veterans in the medical dosimetry field. The United States Military Veteran must be enrolled in a JRCERT accredited program full time with a 3.2 GPA and a member of the AAMD in good standing.

The AAMD website offers more information and applications for these scholarships. These awards provide great opportunities and recognition for hard working, dedicated and successful medical dosimetrists. The AAMD is an important organization in the radiation therapy field, and this is one way they show their appreciation and commitment to professionals in medical dosimetry.

** What is the CARE bill and how does it affect the profession? **
The CARE bill, or the Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility, and Excellence (CARE) in medical imaging and radiation therapy bill, has been established to enforce and amend the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health & Safety Act of 1981 (CPRHSA). This Act was established to ensure that the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would develop regulations specifying the education and credentialing of many health care workers. Such health care workers include sonographers, radiographers, radiation therapists, dental radiographers, and nuclear medicine technicians. Unfortunately, after 15 years of pushing this bill and it finally being accepted, the enforcement mechanism was stripped from it, leaving non-abiders penalty free. Although some states have upheld the Act that standardizes education and credentialing in these professions, other states tend to function far below the federal recommendations level. This is where the CARE bill is needed. In 1985, efforts were restructured and channeled into what we now know as the CARE bill. The CARE bill establishes the level of federal certification required for payment from the Medicare program. 6 So, if medical imaging and radiation therapy personnel within a facility are not certified, payment for services will not be received through Medicare.

As current healthcare employees in these professions, we are naturally concerned about the impacts of changes to federal and state regulations influencing our ability to earn. Under the CARE bill, a healthcare professional working without a current state license will have to obtain one to receive payment from Medicare. 6 The states themselves are responsible for upholding established federal regulations, thus no federal licensure is required. Or, the healthcare worker can demonstrate their achievement of federal regulations, thus retaining potential for Medicare payments.

Instead of rewriting CPRHSA, amending it to become the CARE bill is far more feasible. This rewritten bill would encompass not only penalties associated with noncompliance to the federal regulations of licensure, but it would establish more applicable standards for today’s health care environment. An example of such changes to standards would be the requirement for medical dosimetrists to obtain their CMD (Certified Medical Dosimetry) credentialing. Attaining the CMD credentialing is associated with a minimum educational standard set for the medical dosimetry discipline. 7

What involvement does the AAMD have in this bill? The AAMD’s (American Association of Medical Dosimetrists) involvement in the CARE bill is one of advocacy. The strengthening of the profession is closely associated with the education of those involved. With the standardization of this education, comes structure and integrity. Also, the AAMD promotes involvement in our governing and legislative bodies. It frequently asks for outreach and support in key issues such as the CARE bill. Activism is a large part of the advancement of the field, and being a member of these societies gives professionals a voice.

**What do you think is the goal of our profession?**
The goal of our profession in medical dosimetry follows that we produce high standards of medical practice, conduct oneself in a skilled and proficient manor while representing the profession, and also being a valuable member by contributing to the society of medical radiation oncology.

We as individuals within this profession will always be responsible and trustworthy within the occupation of radiation treatment planning. This also reflects that we as medical dosimetrists will provide the best possible recommendation, advice, and clinical care in relation to planning radiation treatments towards cancer patients. 8 These standards of practice should not only be upheld within our society, but we should also be driven to achieve the highest possible care towards patients.

One of the most influential factors in the goal of our profession is the idea of representing something bigger than oneself. Although we work as both individuals and members of a radiation oncology team, we also work together as fellow dosimetrists in the field. This view only adds to the fact that while our society continues to grow, the ideas, goals, and representation of the profession will remain close at hand.

While every practicing medical dosimetrist is has shown competency in the field, they must also be well valued and contribute towards making this profession into more than just a job. This may be exhibited through completion of continuing education requirements (CE), participating and contributing in national and regional meetings, and also following the Scope of Practice guidelines initiated by the AAMD (American Association of Medical Dosimetrists).

** What continuing education credits are offered? **
There are many healthcare professions that require individuals to keep up with industry innovations, new technologies, and maintain a certain standard of education, which can be accomplished with continuing education (CE) credits. The Medical Dosimetry profession is no exception. In order to maintain your credentials as a Certified Medical Dosimetrist it is necessary to accumulate a number of these CE credits. The Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) is the body that establishes certification and CE standards as it is stated in its mission statement. 9 The MDCB requires Medical Dosimetrists to complete 50 CE credits in a five year period. 10

The American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD) provides a number of ways that its members can earn credits that are approved by the MDCB. They provide Directed Journal Readings and quizzes, CE modules, Webinars, as well as its annual meeting.

“Medical Dosimetry” is the official journal of the AAMD and its quarterly publication provides its members with the latest information and developments in the field of Medical Dosimetry. This publication includes articles from radiation oncologists, physicists, radiation therapists, Dosimetrists, as well as other healthcare leaders in the industry. 11 It offers directed reading quizzes that participants can use to earn credits in order to maintain their certification.

This publication, its directed journal readings, and quizzes can be accessed online at the AAMD website and/or by mail. Participants can earn CE credits by taking the directed reading quizzes and submitting them accordingly. Another way to earn the required CE credits is by conveniently completing online CE modules. These modules consist of viewing a presentation and completing the corresponding quiz. Online CE modules are available to AAMD members for purchase through the AAMD online store.

Another way to earn CE credits is by taking part in webinars. These are published in the AAMD website at the beginning of the year giving the participants the option to plan ahead. Depending on the type of membership the user has, the webinars may be purchased by AAMD members and nonmembers alike, and may even be free of charge. The AAMD meeting is an event held annually in different parts of the country. This meeting provides an opportunity to learn the latest developments with various educational modules and exhibits. Attendees who are members also earn CE credits by taking part in this event.

The AAMD offers a variety of ways its members can keep up with the latest developments and technologies. This approach will help participants earn their CE credits which will ensure that their member’s certification remains in accordance with the MDCB standards.

** Why would I need a Medical Dosimetry Journal anyways??? **
There are a variety of benefits that members of the AAMD can attain through the Medical Dosimetry Journal. First of all, Medical Dosimetry is the official journal of the AAMD and all its members’ receive a copy each time a new issue is released. 12 Medical Dosimetry is released quarterly throughout the year: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter and it is a key source of information on new developments throughout the field of radiation oncology. It also features original contributions from other dosimetrists in the field as well as reviewed articles. The journal also offers medical dosimetrist the opportunity to attain CE credits for those dosimetrists that do not get the opportunities to attain lectures or conferences throughout the year. Medical Dosimetry is easily accessible through the AAMD website and can even be accessed online with your AAMD username and password.


 * But I am a student, how will the journal help me? **

As a student, //Medical Dosimetry// offers many great benefits to young or aspiring dosimetrists: 12
 * Information on technology that is new and exciting to the field of radiation oncology
 * Original contributions and reviewed articles by others in the field, such as: dosimetrists, radiation oncologists, physicists, and therapists
 * Job openings around the country
 * Upcoming events and conferences
 * New members that have recently joined AAMD
 * Gives insight on how others around the country may be treating similar cases with different technology
 * Great way to prepare oneself for a job shadow or future internship

What other publications are offered and how do they benefit the profession?
Dosimetrist must rely on resources from several publications in order to grow both professionally and educationally. The Medical Dosimetry Journal is an excellent publication, but broadening our reading of other journals is necessary. In the strive to be the best professional possible, dosimetrist should review scholarly journals/magazines from other subcategories in radiation oncology. Examples of these journals are: Several magazine/trade publications are also available such as: The field of radiation oncology is highly technical and very quickly changing. 13 It is imperative for a dosimetrist to maintain a high level of expertise and awareness of the changes and advances to remain current in his/her field which is why continual review of publications is necessary. Professional publications offer a dosimetrist the tools necessary to advance his/her professional knowledge.
 * Medical Physics
 * Journal of Applied Medical Physics
 * Clinical Oncology
 * International Journal of Radiation Oncology
 * The Radiation Therapist
 * Radiologic Technology
 * Advance for imaging & Radiation Oncology
 * RT Image
 * Radiology Today
 * Advanced for Administrators of the Laboratory
 * Scanner

** How you can help the AAMD organization? **
The AAMD is always looking for help to keep the organization and information moving forward, updated, and strong. There are several things we can do to help our organization. The first and most obvious thing we can do is to join and keep our memberships current. Then we can encourage and show others how to become active members of the AAMD. A solid membership base keeps any organization running strong.

Once we are members, we help keep the AAMD strong by living by the code of ethics, actively participating, and attending meetings. Our suggestions and input help leaders to see multiple views and opinions. The resources available to members vary from research to salaries and are developed with the help and input of current members. There are also opportunities for leadership positions, board of trustees, and joining a variety of committees. By filling out a simple volunteer application, members can join any one of the 14 committees created by the AAMD. 14 The AAMD also has opportunities for planning speakers, the introductions of speakers, and presentations at various meetings and seminars. Finally, we can donate to help fund research and education for future medical dosimetrists and programs. // Join a committee to volunteer with AAMD //
 * Administrative Conference Committee[[image:uwlmedicaldosimetry2013/board-clip-art.gif width="340" height="197" align="right" caption="Reprinted from The Coalition for Physician Enhancement 17"]]
 * Awards Committee
 * Career Services Committee
 * Continuing Education (CE) Committee
 * Directed Journal Reading Committee
 * Formal Education Committee
 * Historian Committee
 * Human Resources Committee
 * Information Technology Committee
 * Membership Committee
 * Nominations Committee
 * Protocol and Ethics Committee
 * Public Relations Committee
 * Writing Competition Committee

After graduation, we plan to continue to be involved in this organization by renewing our memberships, attending regional and national meetings, using the continuing education resources to comply with licensure and state requirements, and participating in the online forums. Medical dosimetry is a rapidly changing field with many changes in technology and health care procedures and we believe that these resources will equip us for success. We trust the information provided on this site for use over other websites. After we become more established, some of us plan to join a committee to become even more involved in the dosimetry network and/or trying get our writings published as journal articles. We are also interested in growing our profession by educating and assisting other students who are just getting their careers started. Overall, it seems the AAMD website is organized, resourceful, and informative. We would like to see job postings for medical dosimetrists in each region and also these regions be represented by chapters that could focus on specific needs for that area while addressing issues on a national level as well. We support the AAMD as they continue pushing towards licensure for all dosimetrists, but we believe in establishing a system for select dosimetrists to be grandfathered in to prevent these knowledgeable dosimetrists without licensure from being eliminated. We want to keep up with the world technologically by making mobile apps available for Android, iOS, Windows Phone OS, etc.

1. General Information - AAMD Mission Statement. American Association of Medical Dosimetrists Web site. http://medicaldosimetry.org/generalinformation/mission.cfm. Accessed January 22, 2013.
 * References:**

2. American Association of Medical Dosimetrists. Medical Dosimetry Web site. [] Accessed January 27, 2013.

3. American Association of Medical Dosimetrists. Medical Dosimetry Web Site. http://medicaldosimetry.org/membership/benefits.cfm. Accessed January 23, 2013.

4. American Association of Medical Dosimetrists. AAMD Web site. [|http://medicaldosimetry.org]. Accessed January 23, 2013.

5. American Association of Medical Dosimetrists. AAMD Web site. http://medicaldosimetry.org. Accessed January 24, 2013.

6. ASRT. Care Bill FAQ. ASRT website. []. 2012. Accessed January 22, 2013.

7. MDCB. Fall 2007 Newsletter. []. 2007. Accessed January 22, 2013.

8. American Association of Medical Dosimetrists. Medical Dosimetry Web site. [|http://medicaldosimetry.org]. Accessed on January 28, 2013.

9. Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board. MDCB Web Site. []. Accessed January 20, 2013.

10. Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board. MDCB Web Site. [|http://www.mdcb.org/faqs.htm#1]. Accessed January 21, 2013.

11. Medical Dosimetry Journal Information. MDCB Web Site. []. Accessed January 22, 2013.

12. American Association of Medical Dosimetrists. Medical Dosimetry Web site. [|http://medicaldosimetry.org]. Accessed on January 23, 2013.

13.American Association of Medical Dosimetrists. AAMD Web site.[|http://medicaldosimetry.org]. Accessed January 27, 2013.

14. Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board. MDCB Web Site. []. Accessed January 22, 2013.

15. Knowledge Network By and For Educators. Assess for Success. []. Accessed February 4, 2013.

16. Earn Mandatory WI CE Credits at RE/MAX Awards Celebration. Remax Sold Sign Blog. []. Accessed February 7, 2013.

17. The Coalition for Physician Enhancement. Current CPE Board Directors. []. Accessed February 4, 2013.