National Medical Dosimetrist's Day

Martha Martins
Dec 22, 2023 By Martha Martins
Originally Published on Feb 09, 2022
Fact-checked by Sonali Rawat
Learn about the importance of radiation therapy on National Medical Dosimetrist's Day.

Where is National Medical Dosimetrist's Day celebrated?

 Yearly, August is designated for acknowledging the medical dosimetry department and its skilled professionals. This year, August 17 is going to honor the importance of dosimetry as a profession and its contributions towards treatment planning and cancer patient survivorship each day worldwide.

Who is National Medical Dosimetrist's Day celebrated by?

 National Dosimetrist’s Day is celebrated by the most renowned organization named AAMD, famously known as the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists.

When did National Medical Dosimetrist's Day first start?

This day is celebrated all over the globe as a gesture of thanking the dosimetry field for their offering to the radiation oncology department. However, this day has more influence in the United States. It is not known when it started.

Who started National Medical Dosimetrist's Day?

The day named National Medical Dosimetrist’s Day is recognized by the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists, but it is not known who specifically started it. 

History And Timeline

Birth of Medical Dosimetry

The field of research witnessed a rise and was explored during the '70s and early '80s. However, it went through the typical growing discomforts of any profession.

'70s and early '80s

Evolution of Dosimetry

From a photographic plate carried in the pocket to a portable digital device, dosimetry has ripened over the past 100 years. Now, people working with and around radiation can work peacefully with on-demand radiation exposure results that have allowed them to alleviate their exposure risk.

Past 100 Years

Medical Dosimetrist Certification

The Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board exam came into existence in 1988 and it covers a piece of broad range of information related to radiation therapy sciences. Those who pass the exam can then claim to be certified medical dosimetrists.

Since 1988

Personal Dosimetry Program

The personnel dosimetry programs were refined and exercised at Hanford from their inauguration in 1943-44 to the '80s.

1943-44 to the '80s

Dosimeterist’s Day Program

The American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD) teamed up with various corporate partners to present a series of FREE webinars from August 16 to 20, 2021. A total of 945 AAMD members and non-members attained the benefits of these FREE webinars to be enlightened about the latest developments in treatment planning.

August 16 to 20, 2021

Traditions And Customs

Dosimetrist’s Day is observed as a day for appreciating medical dosimetry professionals at every junction of the Earth. 

The AAMD highlights the importance of the profession and bestows gratitude to the key members for their assistance in the field. 

This day’s celebration is based on numerous themes annually. Moreover, the theme and poster acknowledge the passion that professionals of medical dosimetry have for granting amazing facilities and care to patients.

The AAMD also hosted a FREE Educational Webinar Series from August 16 to August 20 which was open to members as well as non-members.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Medical Dosimetrist's Day

Arranging a gathering at the hospitals for health staff in the medical dosimetry department. 

Presenting them with an additional incentive is a good idea. Or you might hire a massage therapist to give chair massages to your colleagues on National Medical Dosimetrist's Day at hospitals.

Provide appetizing refreshments and bouquets to patients to fill them with positivity on National Medical Dosimetrist's Day or throughout August.

During August, organize an introductory session for the medical dosimetry team to introduce themselves to patients and answer questions regarding their treatment planning.

Organize an afternoon meal for your entire radiation therapy team to thank your team for their cooperation with the medical dosimetry team.

Commit to getting involved in your professional organization and volunteer for an AAMD Committee. 

Facts And Stats

  • National Medical Dosimetrist's Day falls on August 17 in 2022, which is the same date as Indonesian Independence Day.
  • AAMD organizes different contests on National Medical Dosimetrist's Day.
  • Last year, AAMD organized a four-day free webinar from August 16 to 20 on National Medical Dosimetrist's Day.

Is a medical dosimetrist a doctor?

Dosimetrists are medical professionals employed in radiation oncology, providing aid to care for patients suffering from cancer.

Can a radiation therapist become a medical dosimetrist?

To suit the position of a medical dosimetrist, you need to complete a four-year college degree, ideally in physical sciences. After graduation, you should apply to a certified medical dosimetry program. These programs are quite competitive and the duration of the course is from 12 to 24 months.

What is dosimetry in radiation therapy?

Dosimetry is a science term through which the radiation portion is determined by measuring, calculating, or a merger of measurement and calculation.

What is the significance of national medical dosimetrist's day?

This day is dedicated to the dosimetry team of every health organization to celebrate and thank them for their devotion towards making cancer patients’ treatment hassle-free.

Why do people celebrate national medical dosimetrist's day?

Annually, the third Wednesday of August is celebrated as the day for appreciating medical dosimetry professionals around the world.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Wednesday, August 19, 2020
  • Wednesday, August 18, 2021
  • Wednesday, August 17, 2022
  • Wednesday, August 16, 2023
  • Wednesday, August 21, 2024

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Martha Martins

Bachelor of Arts specializing in Linguistics

Martha Martins picture

Martha MartinsBachelor of Arts specializing in Linguistics

Martha is a full-time creative writer, content strategist, and aspiring screenwriter who communicates complex thoughts and ideas effectively. She has completed her Bachelor's in Linguistics from Nasarawa State University. As an enthusiast of public relations and communication, Martha is well-prepared to substantially impact your organization as your next content writer and strategist. Her dedication to her craft and commitment to delivering high-quality work enables her to create compelling content that resonates with audiences.

Read full bio >
Fact-checked by Sonali Rawat

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature, Masters of Art specializing in English and Communication Skills

Sonali Rawat picture

Sonali RawatBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature, Masters of Art specializing in English and Communication Skills

Sonali has a Bachelor's degree in English literature from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and is currently pursuing a Master's in English and Communication from Christ University. With considerable experience in writing about lifestyle topics, including travel and health, she has a passion for Japanese culture, especially fashion, and anime, and has written on the subject before. Sonali has event managed a creative-writing festival and coordinated a student magazine at her university. Her favorite authors are Toni Morrison and Anita Desai.

Read full bio >