Jordan University of Science and Technology

STATUS OF MEDICAL PHYSICS EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND RESEARCH PROGRAMS IN MIDDLE EAST


Authors:  Azam Niroomand-Rad , Slavik Tabakov , Ibrahim Duhaini , Rabi Mahdavi , Behrouz Rasuli , Nabaa Naji , Muthana Al-Ghazi , Areen Albashir , Ali H. Al-Akhras , Meshar Al-Nuaimi, Zakiya Salem Al-Rahbi, Ismail Abuawwad , Tarek Al-Kaissi, Huda AlNaemi, Abdollah Al-Haj, Belal Moftah, Osama Anjak, Hatice Bilge , Jamila Al Suwaidi, Alfan Al Ameri, Entesar Dalah, Abdo Al-Oubati

Abstract:  
Middle East Federation of Organizations of Medical Physics (MEFOMP) was established in 2009 initially with 12 participating countries: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Since then considerable efforts have been directed to establish medical physics society /association for Palestine. A Questionnaire was designed to compile the current status of medical physics in MEFOMP countries, focusing on the education, training, and research programs, as well as the year the society/association was established, approximate number of the members (male/female with PhD/MSc), graduate medical physics degrees granted (PhD/MSc), and equipment available for the programs. While there is a wide disparity among medical physics programs in Middle East, some programs have flourished since the inception whereas some programs have weakened due to the conditions beyond control of medical physicists and a few struggles to survive.