A hands‐on introduction to medical physics and radiation therapy for middle school students

Abstract

Lesson plans were developed to present concepts of medical physics and radiation therapy to a middle school audience. These workshop learning units relied on hands‐on participation and collaboration within student groups to acquaint students with computed tomography simulation and treatment planning processes. These lesson plans were delivered at two different educational outreach programs targeted at student groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The lesson plans are scheduled to be delivered at a third program in the future. The activities were used to introduce occupations in medical physics and radiation therapy as possible career opportunities for students, and to generate enthusiasm for continuing STEM education. Lesson plans are available upon request for educators interested in exploring medical physics educational outreach activities in their communities.

A framework for developing community‐focused medical physics outreach programs

“…Fagerstrom et al demonstrated active-learning outreach lessons geared toward middle school students that can easily be implemented in community settings (e.g., science fairs). 18 This work showed increased interest in STEM in the majority of participants (75%). Informal educational experiences such as these have been identified as pivotal toward forming one's STEM identity, help maintain URM persistence in STEM, and are ultimately attributable to obtaining a STEM career; all of these appear robust to known barriers such as socioeconomic status.…”

“…Radiation therapy demos described by Fagerstrom et al., providing a treatment planning activity and discussion of immobilization devices, were also implemented. 18 For high school students, presentations focused on defining medical physics and the types of careers that exist in the field, specifically focusing on opportunities in academic, clinical, and industry settings. For all away events, various articles of UW–Madison Medical Physics promotional merchandise—such as pens, highlighters, flashlights, and notepads—were given away to all participants, serving as a reminder of what they learned about that day.…”

“…Fagerstrom et al. demonstrated active‐learning outreach lessons geared toward middle school students that can easily be implemented in community settings (e.g., science fairs) 18 . This work showed increased interest in STEM in the majority of participants (75%).…”

Hands‐on radiotherapy: Inspiring the next generation of STEM students

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We read with interest the article by Fagerstrom et al 1 which explored an outreach project aimed at increasing awareness of the role of medical physicists amongst middle school students.Despite being medical students in our penultimate year of study in the UK, we have incredibly limited knowledge of careers involving medical physics and radiation therapy. Only within the last few months have we had our first interactions with these healthcare professionals.

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“…We read with interest the article by Fagerstrom et al 1 which explored an outreach project aimed at increasing awareness of the role of medical physicists amongst middle school students.…”