Challenges in Modern Radiation Therapy Physics

The purpose of this article is to report on the joint AAPM-ISEP/IOMP Therapy Course that took place July 3–7, 2018 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The course was given in collaboration with the Institute of Oncology in Ljubljana and Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Ljubljana. The Ljubljana Institute of Oncology and its associated hospital are modern, well equipped institutions. The Faculty of Mathematics and Physics runs a dynamic educational and research program of medical physics and many future medical physicists thrive in its stimulating environment.

The title of the course, "Challenges in Modern Radiation Therapy Physics," well reflected the topics that included modern radiation dose calculation algorithms, treatment modalities including proton and heavy ion beams, imaging, and dosimetry. The course directors were Joanna Cygler, Božidar Casar (local arrangements) and Robert Jeraj (scientific content).

Lectures were given by several faculty sponsored by AAPM: Thomas Bortfeld, Joanna Cygler, Saiful Huq, Rock Mackie, and David Rogers. They were supplemented by three local speakers from Ljubljana Institute of Oncology: Božidar Casar, Robert Jeraj, and Ignacio Mendez.

Special guest lectures were delivered by Stine Korreman (IGRT), Bert van der Kogel (radiobiology), and Slavik Tabakov (medical physics global workforce).

You can find more information about the course program on its web page.

The course progressed very smoothly, which no doubt was due to the excellent Local Committee work, especially the energetic and ever-present Maruša Turk and her fellow medical physics PhD students, Fig.7.

The course had a truly international flair, as its 80 participants came from over 20 different countries from four continents. The attendees enjoyed the lectures and interactions with the faculty during coffee breaks and lunches consisting of excellent local food and pastry. The pastry was truly irresistible and caused me a noticeable weight gain.

All had fun at the social picnic held at a farm-like venue outside the city, where the good local food and beer were served and the faculty were challenged in volleyball and basketball competitions. All lectures and events were diligently recorded by the official course photographer, Ana Marin.

Overall the course got excellent evaluations not only for scientific content and quality of the lectures, but also for its organization. What is also important, everybody had fun learning and playing together. I am sure we will all cherish memories of Ljubljana, hoping we will return there some day.