At the very time when there is a critical, increased national (and international) need for highly trained biomedical personnel to respond effectively to a radiological terrorist attack or nuclear incident, the number of suitably trained and qualified individuals is deceasing markedly. The revolution in biomedical science and technology over the past two decades has occurred in concert with a shortage of physician-scientists and PhDs adequately trained to participate in multidisciplinary translational clinical research. This shortage has been highlighted by a number of prominent academic and scientific leaders in the medical community. The number of PhDs and physician-scientists graduating from colleges and medical schools continues to decrease in the US compared to other countries.

 

Consequently, at a time when there is a critical increased national need for a highly trained workforce in the biomedical sciences, there is, in fact, a decrease in new US doctorates awarded, and a decrease in both the number and length of postdoctoral or fellowship appointments in medical and biomedical disciplines. This is particularly true for radiation oncology, where the number of physician-scientists has decreased by more than 50% in the last decade, and where the majority of radiation biologists will be retiring within the coming decade. The population of scientists, physicians and emergency responders with the necessary knowledge and expertise in the biological and/or medical effects of radiation is shrinking and aging. As noted in a recent editorial in Radiation Research, A crisis is visible on the horizon.

 

Ensuring the successful creation and maintenance of medical countermeasures against radiation will necessitate the creation of specialized research training programs aimed at producing basic scientists, medical physicists and clinicians that possess a common base of knowledge and expertise required to respond to any radiological assault. Support for the reestablishment of comprehensive radiation training programs that produce MDs and PhDs with a common base of knowledge in radiation chemistry, radiation physics, and radiation biology and radiation medicine is paramount. Without such support, the US will be unable to respond adequately to a radiological terrorist event involving large numbers of the civilian population.

To plan, develop and manage all short-term training and education activities in radiation biology, epidemiology, radiation/health physics and radiation safety, including archiving of all training courses and materials and making them available to RadCCORE members.

 

To plan and implement a seminar series, workshops and symposia with outside speakers to share cutting edge of knowledge in radiation biology and epidemiology for RadCCORE members

 

To increase the numbers and capabilities of researchers and other personnel in radiation biology and health physics.