Shaping the Future of Medical Physicist Education in Brachytherapy: From Campep Standards to Emerging New ABS Consensus Guidelines
Description
Brachytherapy, as a specialized subfield within radiation oncology, demands rigorous education, hands-on training, and substantial clinical experience. Its technical complexities and the risks associated with treatment delivery underscore the need for standardized and comprehensive training for medical physics residents. This session will explore the current landscape and future direction of brachytherapy education, focusing on both high-dose-rate (HDR) remote afterloader and low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy modalities. The session will begin with an overview of current CAMPEP standards for residency programs. This will be followed by presentations on two forthcoming consensus guidelines developed by the American Brachytherapy Society (ABS): one addressing HDR remote afterloader training and the other focused on LDR brachytherapy. These guidelines aim to provide structured recommendations to ensure residents are adequately prepared for passing the board exam, and further, independent clinical practice. Speakers will discuss the rationale behind the guidelines, provide overview of their development, and highlight key training components. The session will also address practical considerations for implementation across diverse residency programs. Attendees will gain insight into how these guidelines can enhance training quality, promote consistency across institutions, and support the professional development of future brachytherapy physicists.