PHYSICISTS DESCEND ON ALEXANDER CITY New GE Lightspeed CT Scanner Machine Commissioned
CLINICAL SPOTLIGHT PHYSICS
PHYSICISTS DESCEND ON ALEXANDER CITY New GE Lightspeed CT Scanner Machine Commissioned
By : Rodney Sullivan , Ph . D . | Medical Physics Resident
On January 18th , a group of young , eager medical physicists took a leisurely stroll down to Alexander City to assist with the installation of the newly acquired GE Lightspeed 16 Slice CT Scanner at the Russell Medical Cancer Center .
" With this technology , we are offering UAB level quality of care to patients while enabling them to stay close to home for their cancer treatments ," said Dr . Boggs .
The trip was headed by the brilliantly talented dynamic duo of Dr . Rex Cardan and Dr . Elizabeth Covington while tagging along in their shadows were the ambitious and trusty residents Dr . Jesse Snyder and Dr . Rodney Sullivan .
During their visit , the physicists performed checks and calibrations on the Hounsfield units which will be used in dose calculations in the treatment planning system .
In addition to Hounsfield unit calibrations , a shielding survey was performed to ensure that the room where the CT scanner resides was properly shielding the radiation in nearby corridors , bathrooms , and offices .
While in Alexander City , the group explored the area on a brief tour as they traveled to a local Chinese restaurant to have lunch and collect their thoughts . All throughout traveling and recording and analyzing data , the physics group engaged in humorous but meaningful conversations that strengthened the group ’ s comradery , understanding of medical physics , and knowledge about the facts of life .
After completing a successful day of medical physics routines , the young , energetic group headed back to Birmingham to report to Dr . Popple , an omniscient juggernaut behind UAB ’ s vibrant medical physics empire .
“ The new simulation CT with 4D capability was essential for our continued development of a robust breast and lung cancer program here at Russell Medical Center ," said Dr . Hunter Boggs , Assistant
Professor .
" This technology ensures high quality assessment of tumor motion and allows us to reduce dose to the heart and lungs in many patients with breast and lung cancers . It is also useful for treating patients with cancers of the upper gastrointestinal system such as the esophagus , pancreas , liver , and stomach ."
TOP LEFT : Physics Residents , Dr . Rodney Sullivan & Dr . Jesse Snyder . TOP RIGHT : Angie Larae ( Therapist ), middle Christy Smith ( Nurse ), & Dr . Hunter Boggs . BELOW : Physics Residency Program mentors , Dr . Elizabeth Covington , & Dr . Rex Cardan .
13 | RAYS OF HOPE