Scientific Program

Scientific Session - Comprising the bulk of the scientific program, scientific sessions are where the accepted proffered abstracts are orally presented. The presentations are shorter than those in the other sessions of the conference, and are often within a specific scientific topic. The oral presentations are supplemented by electronic poster presentations (see Electronic Poster Presentation below).

Symposium - A symposium is a topical session or sessions focusing on a current topic related to research or practice of medical physics. The symposia often include multiple speakers, some of them invited, to speak on the topic. Some symposia will include a panel discussion aiming to define the current state of the field and to distill the thinking of the experts.

Workshop - A workshop is a hands-on session aiming to provide practical "how-to" experience or demonstration about a particular topic. Most workshops include lecture materials as well as an opportunity to see how a particular task is accomplished. The topics are often highly applied, e.g., how to test a medical display device.

Forum - This category offers sessions dedicated to a specific topic of interest. A forum session is topical, similar to a symposium, but the session is less structured. The format ranges from lectures, to panel discussions, to question and answer periods, to debates.

New and Basic Science Sessions - These sessions are comprised of invited, extended lectures designed to complement areas of submission of the Scientific Program. New and Basic Science Sessions aim to educate our members about the science that is foundational to our field. Such materials are often needed to be mastered before the material covered in the Scientific Sessions or Symposia can be appreciated.

Moderated Poster Session - This category is focused on a group of scientific posters with a brief verbal overview given during the session. This is equivalent to an oral presentation, but allows more audience and author discussion/interaction. Authors will be present during the scheduled session.

Standard Poster Presentation - This category includes scientific abstracts that are not associated with oral or moderated poster presentations. Even though there are no set presentation times for these posters, the materials are judged to be of high scientific quality and merit presentation at the annual meeting.

Electronic Poster Presentation - This category includes supplemental electronic postings associated with the oral presentations presented in the scientific sessions. The electronic posters may be viewed in the "Electronic Poster Viewing Areas" located in designated areas in the exhibit hall.

Educational Program

Education Council Symposium - This symposium is designed to update our members on the various activities of the Education Council. Emphasis is placed on the resources and programs that are available to enhance the skills of our members as well as resources that are available through the Association to assist our members when presenting programs to related health professionals and the public.

Continuing Education Courses - Courses that are often repeated, representing topics that new members entering the field of medical physics will always need to know or topics of major practical importance. These courses include basic mammography, standard ultrasound physics, clinical IMRT, State of the Art IMRT, Brachytherapy, etc. These courses would be relevant for the practicing medical physicist to know in order to obtain or maintain certification and licensing.

Educational Poster Session - Moderated Poster Session, however the presentations are educational in content rather than scientific.

Professional Program

Professional Council Symposium - This symposium is focused on current topics that involve the professional practice of medical physics. Subjects may range over aspects of practice such as legal issues, government affairs, research and clinical funding, economics, practice management, peer relations, standards and guidance and ethics.

Professional Workshops will be held for specific purposes that require multi-hour programs such as government mandated training and education, time intensive professional issues, or programs that involve attendee participation.

Professional Sessions - Sessions where the top submitted proffered professional abstracts are orally presented. The presentations are shorter than those in the other sessions of the conference, and are specific to professional topics. The oral presentations are supplemented by electronic poster presentations (see Electronic Poster Presentation below). In addition a number of sessions, each devoted to specific issues in our profession, will highlight invited experts and panelists.

Note: Presentation Identifiers
* - Where indicated, denotes Presenting Author