SCMPCR PTW supports the future of medical physics

PTW supports the future of medical physics: SCMPCR's latest activities at a glance

PTW has been sponsoring the SCMPCR (South Asia Centre for Medical Physics and Cancer Research) for many years, supporting education and training in the field of medical physics and radiation medicine in South Asia. In 2023 and 2024, the SCMPCR organised various initiatives and events to further increase the quality and reach of its activities. An overview.

A key element of the SCMPCR's training work is the annual e-learning programme, which took place in November 2023. There are always between 80 and 100 participants online, most of them from South Asia, but also some from African and European countries. The 2023 programme focused on "Radiation Dosimetry: External Beam Radiotherapy and Brachytherapy" comprising eight lectures by experienced medical physicists from European and Asian countries. The programme was accredited by the IOMP and covered 16 CPD points.

The SCMPCR is also planning its annual e-learning programme for 2024, which will take place from November 1-22. The lectures will cover the topic "Brachytherapy Practices for Medical Physicists and Radiation Oncologists: Intracavitary and Interstitial Procedures". For the first time, this programme will be aimed not only at medical physicists but also at radiation oncologists, with three lectures specifically designed for each of them.

Regular on-site events

SCMPCR 2024 — In February 2024, more than 50 participants met for the hands-on workshop programme and networking in Kolkata, India.

Another key offering provided by the SCMPCR is the hands-on workshop programme, which brings together medical physicists from all over South Asia for a four-day intensive course. From February, 1-4, 2024, more than 50 participants met at a hospital in Kolkata (Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre and Research Institute), India, for two days of theoretical training, followed by a practical training day, and an examination, evaluation and participant feedback day. In addition to training, providing networking opportunities within the community is always an important part of the event. Both the hands-on training units and the e-learning programmes are EFOMP and IOMP certified, so that participants receive valuable CPD points.

This year, the course focused on the topic "Quality Assurance in High Precision Radiotherapy". PTW employee K. Kanakavel took part as a lecturer, using PTW measuring equipment available on site. Professor Golam Abu Zakaria, founder and director of the SCMPCR, emphasises: "PTW's dosimetry courses are an integral part of our hands-on workshop programme and are highly appreciated by the participants because they are so practice-orientated."

The next hands-on workshop programme, which is scheduled for March 13-16, 2025, will take place in Chitwan, Nepal. The SCMPCR is already working with its experts, some from PTW, to develop a tailored programme for this event. As with the 2024 e-learning programme, the hands-on workshop will address both radiation oncologists as well as medical physicists.

Education and prevention for the population

Awareness campaigns, which are organised four times a year, are also an important part of SCMPCR activities. The aim of these campaigns is to educate the population about breast cancer and gynaecological tumours and, if necessary, to refer them to suitable hospitals. Particularly in countries such as Bangladesh, where there is no comprehensive health insurance, screening and early diagnosis can significantly reduce treatment costs and facilitate access to the necessary medical care.

Big plans for the future

The District Administrator of Oberbergischer Kreis, Jochen Hagt, honoured Professor Zakaria with the Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany on behalf of the Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

In the medium and long run, the SCMPCR aims to develop into a broad education and training centre for medical physicists, radiotherapists and other professions in cancer research and treatment in the region. Programmes are also planned for radiographers (radiologic technologists) to ensure that those who work directly with patients also receive profound training. The SCMPCR is hoping for great support from home and abroad.

Professor Zakaria honoured for his outstanding achievements

Professor Golam Abu Zakaria's many years of commitment were recently honoured. In March 2024, he received the Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his contribution to improving training and care in the field of medical physics and radiotherapy, as well as for his other projects in Bangladesh, such as the establishment of a primary and secondary school and a mother and child health centre.

With these diverse activities and long-term goals of the SCMPCR, there was no question for PTW to continue its long-running sponsorship in 2024.

Further information regarding the SCMPCR’s e-learning programmes can be found here: https://scmpcr.org/e-learning-program/

Would you like to make a donation to support the SCMPCR’s work? More information can be found here: https://alobhubon.org/scmpcr/