THAM-A - Special Session: Workings of the Health Physics Society - A "How to" Training Session Centennial Ballroom 300A 08:00 - 12:00
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| Chair(s): Timothy Taulbee , Nichole Martinez
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THAM-A.1
08:00 Introduction
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THAM-A.2
08:05 Practical strategies to promote inclusiveness NE Martinez*, Clemson University, ORNL
Abstract: This presentation discusses practical strategies for improving accessibility and promoting inclusiveness, focusing on aspects relevant to the Health Physics Society. It will also highlight current related successes and challenges within the Society.
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THAM-A.3
08:25 Bylaws, Rules, and Standard Operating Procedures JS Braun*, Mayo Clinic
Abstract: Discussion of what constitutes the bylaws, rules, and standard operating procedures of the Health Physics Society. What is the difference between the three. Where are these documents located and who maintains them. Lastly, what is the procedure for changing these documents.
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THAM-A.4
08:45 The Health Physics Society’s Ask-the-Expert Feature: A Tool for Risk Communication EA Caffrey*, Radian Scientific, LLC
Abstract: A very large segment of the population is fearful of radiation, and sometimes rightly so. It’s a word that conjures up images of something dangerous and invisible, and is often associated with the real fears of nuclear apocalypse that permeated the cold war era. TV dramas such as HBO’s Chernobyl certainly fuel the fear response. Public response to radiological events ranging from true emergencies such as the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident in 2011 to benign events such as the bucket of uranium ore discovered at the Grand Canyon Visitor’s Center in early 2019 highlight the need for effective public communication strategies. All too frequently when an event is not considered dangerous by scientists, we fail to capitalize on the opportunity for public engagement. Public communication and empathy are some of the most important challenges that the health physics and radiation protection community face today. The ability to plainly explain the science must be coupled with an understanding of what the public or an individual is feeling about a particular issue.
The Health Physics Society (HPS) sponsors a public information and outreach feature called “Ask-The-Expert” or ATE. ATE originated in 1999, and has grown exponentially since then to become the HPS’s most successful public education endeavor, receiving over 1.5 million site visits annually. This presentation discusses the tools that ATE topic editors use to effectively communicate with the public, and teaches the audience how to use them. Examples of interesting and off-the-wall ATE questions will be used to illustrate each key tool.
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THAM-A.5
09:05 Transitioning from Student to Early Career Professional for the Health Physicist CA Wilson*, University of Missouri
; LD Cochran, Sandia; C Condon, PNNL
Abstract: The Health Physics Society works hard to help everyone as they make the jump from student to professional. From finding a job to studying for board exams the HPS has you covered. This presentation will cover some of the vital things you should know during this transition including how HPS tries to keep membership fees ALARA during this time, how to get matched with a mentor, the full scope of resources the society and the early-career professional section offers, recommendations to consider when applying for jobs, and how to get the most out of membership.
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THAM-A.6
09:20 Tips on how to prepare for the ABHP Exam TE Johnson*, Colorado State University
Abstract: Many Health Physicists are overwhelmed when applying and studying for the CHP exam. The goal of this session is to take away from of the mystery of the application process, as well as provide tips on how best to study for the Part1 and Part 2 exam. A brief overview of the Part 2 application, knowledge required for Part 1 and Part 2, as well as an effective study strategy will be discussed. Useful references and some ideas on studying will also be presented.
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THAM-A.7
09:45 HPS Membership Renewal and Upgrade Overview LD Cochran*, HPS Membership Committee
; J Joyce, HPS Membership Committee
Abstract: Thinking about upgrading your membership? Curious about other membership categories? Want to know more about the membership renewal process? If you’ve thought any of these questions, then this presentation is for you! From Student to Emeritus, the HPS Membership Committee will share important things for you to know about the membership renewal and upgrade process so that when that time of year comes around again, you’ll be ready.
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THAM-A.8
10:00 Break
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THAM-A.9
10:30 Getting the Most From Your Health Physics Journal Brant Ulsh*, Health Physics journal
Abstract: Every member of the Health Physics Society receives access to the Health Physics journal as a benefit of membership. This talk will present features of the journal many readers don’t know about, including topical collections, Published Ahead of Print, metrics of article impacts, page charge waivers, Supplemental Digital Content and more. I will also briefly discuss the journal’s scope, what kinds of papers we accept, and Instructions for Authors.
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THAM-A.10
10:45 Presenting at HPS Meetings: A Program Committee Perspective CG Shaw*, WCS
Abstract: I will be presenting the importance of Abstract preparation, submittal, and deadlines for abstract submittals. I will also cover the importance of reviewing the presentation guidelines, and if you are a virtual presenter, why you are required to practice before you will be allowed to present at the meeting. Finally, I will cover why presenters and session chairs have to check in to the program committees Ready Room and the importance to sticking to the schedule for Session Chairs.
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THAM-A.11
11:00 Awards and Scientific and Public Issues Committees EM Goldin*, Goldin & Associates
Abstract: The HPS past-president is responsible for two Committees – Awards and Scientific and Public Issues (S&PIC). The first has an obvious objective – present awards to deserving HPS members. The second is somewhat mysterious – the S&PIC, who are they and what to they do? This brief presentation will look at my experiences with these two committees and how they help you as a member and how you can help them.
The Awards Committee is composed of the president and four most recent past presidents of the Society with the immediate past president serving as committee chair. The committee accepts nominations for awards such as the Robley D. Evans Commemorative Medal, the Distinguished Scientific Achievement and Distinguished Public Service Awards, Elda E. Anderson Award for young members, the Founders Award for lifetime service to the Society and profession, and Fellow Awards for senior members. There are specific awards for lectureships at meetings, and recognition awards for science teachers and students. The nomination and selection process will be reviewed.
The S&PIC, on the other hand, is not well known but is responsible for the preparation of impartial scientific and technical statements. The president directs how, when, and to whom such statements are communicated. The committee is composed of five members: the president, the president-elect, and the three most recent past presidents. The major duties of the S&PIC are to prepare Positions, concise declarations relevant to radiation safety issues. Once a Position is approved by the HPS Board, the S&PIC works to develop a Position Statement, a document that explains in more detail, an issue relevant to radiation safety that can be communicated to the public, HPS members, Congress, and other stakeholders. In addition, the S&PIC reviews Fact Sheets that are generated by the Public Information Committee.
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THAM-A.12
11:15 HPS Continuing Education Programs: Past, Present, Future JM Mahathy*, ORAU
Abstract: Historically HPS has conducted short (1 and 2 hours) courses at HPS meetings, knows as PEPs and CELs. Prior to the virtual 2020 annual meeting these courses were delivered in person only. HPS has also offered longer courses, from a few days to a week, in their Professional Development School (PDS). Over time, PDS courses have been offered in conjunction with HPS meetings (usually before) in the same city and also independent of an HPS meeting, usually at a university. All PDS courses to date have been taught in person only. The last PDS was offered in Cleveland in conjunction with the 2018 HPS annual meeting.
Since 2020 PEPs and CELs have been offered in a hybrid format (in person and virtual) representing perhaps the start of a paradigm shift. The hybrid format allows more people to take courses as funding and travel constraints always limit the number of people approved by their employers to attend meetings in person.
The current shift in delivery formats has also presented opportunities to HPS. For one, HPS recently piloted a virtual course not connected to an HPS meeting. The Continuing Education Committee (CEC) is evaluating the delivery of the pilot in possibly planning for more virtual-only short courses not connected to a meeting.
A second opportunity involves looking into delivering PDS courses in hybrid, connected to HPS meetings, and virtual-only formats to offer more in-depth, topical courses during the year but not connected to a meeting. For example only, consider an external dosimetry course given 3 to 4 hours one or two days each week for 4 weeks. A third opportunity involves building a library of recorded courses, available on demand for people needing retaining or continuing education credits. The CEC and PDS committees are evaluating these opportunities to determine if they help HPS meet our strategic plan. The presentation will provide a status update of those evaluations.
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THAM-A.13
11:30 Radiation Biology for Health Physicists Brant Ulsh*, M. H. Chew Associates
Abstract: Radiation biology is one of the basic sciences informing radiation protection philosophy, but many HPs don’t deal with this topic on a daily basis, and haven’t kept up on current radiation biology developments. This presentation will briefly touch on the biological concepts health physicists should understand. I will discuss some of the latest radiation biology results, what they tell us about radiation protection, and what they don’t.
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THAM-A.14
11:50 Discussion
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