The New physician 

About: The New physician is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Poison control & Occupational safety and health. It has an ISSN identifier of 0028-6451. Over the lifetime, 105 publications have been published receiving 542 citations.

Medical radiation exposure.

Abstract: A discussion is presented of epidemiologicai estimates of dosage values; cortrol and improvement measures including educationai, regulatory, and research; and perspectives in medical exposure. In the United Kingdom the average gonadal exposure per year for medical purposes is between 15 and 25 mrad. Figures from other western European countries range from about 25 to 60 mrad and the Japanese estimate is about 40 mrad. In the U. S., exposures are probably closer to 25 to 50 mrad/yr than the preliminary estimate of 150 mrad. Figures for somatic exposure are likely to be roughly comparable to those for gonadal exposure. All studies of radiation exposures have shown that, whatever the dosage figures may be, there should be improvement by reduction of exposure required for the procedures that are being done and also in the choice of procedures. Findings of a survey of the American College of Radiology are discussed. The survey made by the College indicates a considerable increase in the amourt of information available to physicians on radiation protection and that most physicians have improved their use of radiation appreciably during the past five years. The College survey covers 5000 of its members, 54 state and regional medical societies, andmore » 87 medical schools, with a nearly 50% response of its members. The societies showed an improvement of 50 to 75% in the quantity of radiation protection data available to their members through articles and talks before medical meetings. Every society responding has a committee on disaster plannlng to deal with problems inherert in atomic disasters, military or otherwise. The 78 medical schools reporting indicated that medical students receive an average of 4.4 hr of instruction directly dealing with radiation protection and that paramedical personnel get one to 10 hr. Only four schools had no formal instruction in protection. Forty-five schools showed an increase by half or more in the radiation material presented during the past 5 yr. The activities of state and other regulatory bodies concerned with radiation protection are discussed, as well as recent research developments which may aid in lowering patient exposure in diagnostic radiology. (BBB)« less