General information

International Day of Medical Physics at Institut Curie (Paris)

Why ?  Which target audience ?

Medical Physics speciality is not well known. It involves an intersection between medical sciences and physical sciences. In France, it is a regulated and established profession for diagnostic or therapeutic use of ionizing radiations but, it is not well recognized for other domains. In addition the development of this speciality is still very limited at university and research is not well coordinated.

On the international scene, there are about 18 000 medical physicists, most of them with a high level university degree and an established professional qualification. These physicists are in charge of applying the scientific principles, methods and techniques to practice and research in the field of diagnostic and treatment of human illnesses. They belong to national associations affiliated to the International Organization for Medical Physics (IOMP).

This year (2013) is the 50th anniversary of its fundation and IOMP has chosen the 7th of November, birthday anniversary of Marie Curie, to celebrate, all over the world, the first International Day of Medical Physics. Within this general framework, a special event is organized at the very place where Marie Curie had her laboratory. Its aim is to promote Medical Physics and to share experiences and thoughts about international cooperation, professional issues, teaching and research issues, related to this speciality.

This special day is freely open to all, but it is more specifically directed to teachers and researchers who want to know more about Medical Physics. National bodies and institutions interested in this speciality should also benefit from the presentations to get more information.

Organized jointly by the French Society of Medical Physics (SFPM), by Cancer Centers of the Paris area, by Universities involved in the training of medical physicsts, this event was widely supported by several national and international institutions and associations. A special symposium, dedicated to International cooperation with low and middle income countries, is organized with the help of the NGO "physicien médical sans frontières" (Medical Physicist without Borders); it will involve the participation of several outstanding speakers from France and from abroad.

In addition visits will be organized at the Curie Museum and at the Curie Hospital.