On the International Day of Medical Physics (IDMP), the global medical physics community came together to celebrate advancements in the field and commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Master of Advanced Studies in Medical Physics (MMP) program. This special event was organized in collaboration with several prestigious institutions, including the International Center for Theoretical Physics, UNESCO, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), MMP Alumni Association (MMPAA), and Università degli Studi di Trieste (UNITS). The event served as a remarkable platform for fostering professional growth, networking, and knowledge-sharing among medical physicists worldwide.
A Decade of Excellence in Medical Physics Education
The IDMP is an annual global celebration dedicated to recognizing the role of medical physicists in healthcare and scientific advancements. This year, the event was particularly significant, as it marked the 10th anniversary of the joint UNITS-ICTP Master of Advanced Studies in Medical Physics program. Since its inception, the program has played a pivotal role in the training of medical physicists, particularly in developing countries, by providing high-quality education and research opportunities in medical physics. The programme aligns with the vision of the ICTP, promoting scientific excellence and international collaboration.
This year’s theme, “Inspiring Next Generations of Medical Physicists,” underscored the importance of supporting young professionals in this field and fostering continuous learning. This event brought students, alumni, and esteemed professors to share their experiences and insights into the evolving landscape of medical physics.
Distinguished Speakers and Key Discussions
The event featured a distinguished lineup of speakers from various international institutions, each providing a valuable perspective on medical physics education, research, and professional development. Notable speakers included the following.
Opening Remarks
Speakers: Atish DABHOLKAR (ICTP), Renata LONGO (UNITS), Slavik TABAKOV (King's College), Carlo CAVEDON (AIFM), Luciano BERTOCCHI (ICTP)
An Opening Video
Speaker: Farah BEN HAMMOUDA (Master in Medical Physics Alumni Association)
An Overview of the MMP Program
Speaker: Renato PADOVANI (ICTP, Italy)
An Alumna's Success Story
Speaker: Xhulia DOSTI (MMP student from the 8th cycle) (Royal Berkshire Hospital, United Kingdom)
Impact of the MMP Program in Guatemala
Speaker: Kirk Douglas NAJERA CASTILLO (MMP student from the 1st cycle) (Guatemalan Association of Radiological Protection, Guatemala)
Impact of the MMP Program in Kenya
Speaker: Kapis OTIENO (MMP student from the 6th cycle) (Nairobi Hospital, Kenya)
Global Hub for Medical Physics Research at the ICTP
Speaker: Marco ESPOSITO (ICTP, Italy)
Trieste Medical Physics Department: The Contribution to the MMP Teaching Process
Speakers: Paola BREGANT and Maria Rosa FORNASIER (ASUGI, Italy)
Monte Carlo Methods for Radiotherapy: Teaching and Research Experience
Speaker: Francesco LONGO (UNITS, Italy)
ICTP Portal Introduction
Speaker: Charlotte PHILLIPS (ICTP, Italy)
Fostering Collaboration and Future Prospects
This event underscored the vital role of networking and collaboration in medical physics. The MMPAA, which connects graduates of the MMP programme, has been instrumental in creating a global network of professionals dedicated to advancing medical physics education and research. The association actively organizes webinars, conferences, and collaborative projects that support its members’ career development.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, discussions also focused on the future goals of the MMP programme. Key initiatives include expanding research collaboration, integrating emerging technologies into the curriculum, and strengthening international partnerships to enhance training opportunities for young medical physicists.
A Heartfelt Acknowledgment
The success of this event was made possible by the efforts of numerous individuals and organizations. Special gratitude was extended to Prof. Renato Padovani, whose unwavering dedication has significantly contributed to the establishment and growth of both the MMP program and MMPAA. Additionally, sincere appreciation was given to Farah Ben Hammouda for her leadership and commitment to fostering a thriving alumni network. Finally, a warm thank you was extended to all speakers, attendees, and organizers who participated in the event. Their contributions and engagement will continue to inspire the next generation of medical physicists, ensuring sustained growth and innovation in the field.
The International Day of Medical Physics and the 10th-anniversary celebration of the MMP program reaffirmed the importance of education, research, and international collaboration in shaping the future of medical physics. The event served as a testament to the remarkable progress achieved over the past decade and set the stage for continued advancements in the coming years.
About MMPAA
The Medical Physics Alumni Association is a community of professionals who have graduated from ICTP – University of Trieste master medical physics program. Members of the association are committed to staying connected with their peers and advancing the field of medical physics through research, education, and collaboration.