Training in Radioprotection in the School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires.

E. RIVERA; G. CREMASCHI; G. MARTÍN; M. ZUBILLAGA; C. DAVIO; A. GENARO; G. CRICCO; N. MOHAMAD; A. BIANCHÍN; G. GOLDMAN; J. SALGUEIRO; A. KLECHA; M. NÚÑEZ; V. MEDINA; C. COCCA; N. LEONARDI; N. COLLIA; A. GUTIÉRREZ; N. MASSARI; A. BOMBEN; R. BERGOC

Buenos Aires, Argentina, Octubre 19-24, 2008,

Congreso; XII International Radioprotection Congress of the International Radiation Protection Association; 2008

International Radiation Protection Association

Abstract. The radioisotopes techniques have notably contributed to the advancement of knowledge in medicine and biomedicine during the last 60 years. The School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry of the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, offers different Courses on methodology of radioisotopes in which the specialized knowledge on Radioprotection is adapted to the following different groups: 1) A course for Biochemistry students; 2) A course for Physicians; 3) A course for Graduates in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry or other disciplines related to the health. 4) An up-dating course for licensed professionals; 5) A course for Nuclear Medicine Technicians; and finally, 6) A course for Pharmacy students. The main objective of Radiological Protection teaching is specific and fitted to each level: the course (1) has been given (optional or mandatory) since 1960 for more than 7500 students. Part of the learning process in radioprotection is only informative, because in this case the students are not allowed to ask the Argentinean Nuclear Regulatory Authority authorization for radioactive material handling. Course (2) has been taken by more than 800 Physicians since 1962. Here, the students receive a very intensive training in radioprotection which includes: justification, optimization and dose limits; dosimetric magnitudes and units; internal and external dosimetry of 99mTc, 201Tl, 60Co and other isotopes used in medicine; safety in occupational exposure; national and international legislation. Since 1962, more than 1000 graduates have attended course (3). In this case the training in radioprotection is as intensive as in course (2) with special focusing in 125I, 3H, 14C, 32P and other isotopes used in biomedicine. Course (4) has been given from 1992 and the objective is to up-date knowledge and the intensity of training depends on the requirements of each professional. Course (5) has been given since 1997 and it is mainly directed to the operational aspects of radioprotection for technicians working in Nuclear Medicine Units. Since this course is in a growing demand and an appropriate qualification is required, a new three year lasting degree has been proposed by our laboratory to be offered by the School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry. Since 2005, the Pharmacy degree curriculum includes course (6) as an optional subject. During our 47 years teaching experience, more than 95% of registered students have passed their respective exams meeting the respective course standards: students, graduate students and technicians. All the training courses above described are planned keeping in mind the optimization of radiation protection in harmonization with the environment.