G a M P E R: A Novel Open-Access Platform for Advancing Medical Physics Education, Research, and Capacity Building In Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the scalability and impact of the Global Alliance for Medical Physics Education and Research (GAMPER), an open-access hybrid platform addressing critical medical physics workforce shortages in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where deficits in trained professionals limit access to safe radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, and diagnostic imaging.
Methods
GAMPER deploys a hybrid model centered on five pillars: (1) accredited educational programs, workshops, and monthly webinar series with CPD credits; (2) multinational collaborative research projects; (3) open-access digital resources including an e-learning platform and GAMPER MedPhys Library; (4) structured mentorship linking early-career professionals with global experts; and (5) region-specific hands-on capacity-building placements. Strategic partnerships with Global Health Catalyst, Global Oncology University, Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, and BeamHub enable shared resources and training placements. Impact was assessed through post-webinar satisfaction surveys using validated 5-point Likert scales, pre/post knowledge assessments, clinical competency evaluations, and thematic qualitative analysis. Statistical analysis employed paired t-tests with Cohen's d effect sizes.
Results
Within seven months of launch (June 2025), GAMPER enrolled 6,983 participants from 93 countries (94% from LMICs). Post-webinar surveys (N=1,247) showed >92% rated programs ≥4/5 for topic relevance (4.80±0.32/5.0), structure (4.71±0.38/5.0), and knowledge gain (4.74±0.35/5.0). Pre/post knowledge assessments (N=156) demonstrated significant improvement from 62.3±12.1% to 81.7±9.8% (p<0.001, Cohen's d=1.8). Clinical competency evaluations (N=47) showed 34% mean improvement (p<0.001). Structured mentorship strengthened professional networks, enhanced clinical decision-making capabilities, and fostered leadership development. The GAMPER MedPhys Library established over 200 curated open-access resources for the medical physics community.
Conclusion
GAMPER demonstrates that hybrid platforms can achieve rapid global scale while maintaining quality and measurable outcomes. The freely accessible materials and partnership-based model enable institutional replication with minimal infrastructure investment, strengthening clinical competency, patient safety, and equitable cancer care—aligned with SDGs 3, 4, 10, and 17.