Radiological Science in the Context of Radiological Terrorism


held at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda
in Bethesda, MD on September 30, 2009

 

Program Description

This course has been tailored to educate people at all levels who may be called upon to respond to a radiological event, particularly in the context of current radiological terrorism issues. The curriculum does not assume any previous knowledge of radiation effects and has been designed to encourage the exchange of information with a format of lecture presentations from representative experts in the various disciplines required to understand the risks and prepare a response for a radiological terrorism event. To enhance the objectives, time will be given for audience participation.

 

Target Audience

 

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, participants will understand:

 

Accreditation/Designation of Credit

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University and the Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics of the National Cancer Institute. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons designates this educational activity for a maximum of 5.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The American College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) and The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accept AMA/PRA category 1 credit from organizations accredited by the AACME. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) accepts AMA/PRA category 1 credit toward recertification requirements.

 

Program

8:30  - 9:00  

Registration

   
9:00  - 9:10  

Introduction

  Martha Linet (National Cancer Institute)
9:10  - 10:00   The nature of radiological terrorism   David Brenner (Columbia University)

This topic will describe a) the physical nature of radiation and b) the various possible scenarios, including “dirty bombs” that may be involved in a radiological incident.

10:00  - 10:20  

Break

   
10:20  - 11:10  

Basics of radiation biology

This topic will discuss the types of damage induced in DNA and other cellular compartments by ionizing radiation, how cells process this damage, and how to detect this resulting damage.

  Sally Amundson (Columbia University)
11:10  - 12:00  

Radiation epidemiology

This topic will survey the information on radiation-induced cancer in human populations from high and low doses and will describe techniques to obtain risk estimates for radiation-induced cancer from population studies.

  Elaine Ron (National Cancer Institute)
12:00  - 1:00  

Lunch break

   
1:00  - 1:50  

Acute somatic effects of radiation

This topic will review the types of damage induced in DNA and other cellular compartments by ionizing radiation, and how cells process this damage.

  John Little (Harvard University)
1:50  - 2:40  

Long-term radiation effects

This topic will discuss the long-term effects of radiation. Effects to be discussed include carcinogenesis, hereditary effects, cataractogenesis, and consequences to the developing embryo and fetus.

  Eric Hall (Columbia University)
2:40  - 3:30  

Anticipated psychological impact of radiological terrorism

Psychological trauma probably is one of the greatest risks for individuals in a "dirty bomb" scenario. This topic will highlight the symptoms and treatment modalities in the context of a radiological terrorism event.

  Ann Norwood (University of Pittsburgh
Medical Center)
3:30  - 3:50   Break    
3:50 - 4:40  

Emergency Preparedness

This topic will survey the general aspects of preparedness for unexpected emergencies, based on the “all-hazards” approach. The relationship between healthcare providers and public health, planning considerations, inter-organizational relationships, and the concept of incident command/incident management will be discussed.

  Stephen Morse (Columbia University)
4:40       Adjourn    

Course Director: Eric J. Hall, D.Phil., D.Sc., F.A.C.R., F.R.C.R., Higgins Professor Emeritus of Radiation Biophysics, Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University

 

Faculty

Sally A. Amundson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University

David J. Brenner, Ph.D., D.Sc., Higgins Professor of Radiation Biophysics and Director, Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University; Director, Center for High-Throughput, Minimally-Invasive Radiation Biodosimetry

Martha S. Linet, M.D., M.P.H., Chief and Senior Investigator, Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health

John B. Little, M.D., James Stevens Simmons Professor of Radiobiology, Emeritus,  Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health

Stephen S. Morse, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University

Ann Norwood, MD, COL, USA, MC (Ret.) , Senior Associate, Center for Biosecurity, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Elaine Ron, Ph.D., M.P.H., Senior Investigator, Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health

 

Meeting Location

Hyatt Regency Bethesda

One Bethesda Metro Center

Bethesda, MD 20814

Directions (Mapquest link, enter starting address)

Lodging information

 

 

Disclosure

Before the program, all faculty will disclose the existence of any financial interest and/or other relationship(s) (e.g. employee, consultant, speaker's bureau, grant recipient, research support, stock ownership or any other special relationship) they might have with a) the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) to be discussed during their presentation and/or b) any commercial contributor to this activity. When unlabeled uses are discussed, these will also be indicated.

 

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons fully complies with the legal requirements of the ADA and the rules and regulations thereof. Any participant with special needs must submit a written request to our office at least one month prior to the course date.

 

Additional Information

For additional information contact:

Lilian Oling
Center for Radiological Research

Columbia University Medical Center

630 West 168th Street, VC 11-201

New York, NY 10032

Telephone: (212) 342-1095

Fax: (212) 305-6271

Acknowledgement

This course is jointly sponsored by Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Radiation Epidemiology Branch of the NCI. This course is supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Grant U19 AI067773 to the Columbia University Center for High-Throughput Minimally-Invasive Radiation Biodosimetry.


Last modified by CE on October 14, 2009 .