The Third Academic International Medical Physics Conference (3rd AIMPC) was held on the 24th and 25th of April 2025 at Al-Sibtain University in Karbala, Iraq. The event was organized by the Iraqi Medical Physics Society (IMPS) in collaboration with the Authority of Health and Medical Education (AHMED), under the umbrella of the Middle East Federation of Medical Physics (MEFOMP). The program included a specialist workshop on the first day, followed by the official conference ceremony on the second day.
Day 1 Workshop
As part of the scientific activities accompanying the Third Academic International Medical Physics Conference (3rd AIMPC), a specialized workshop was conducted on the first day (April 24th) under the theme:
“Linac-Based Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): Clinical Planning, Radiobiology, and Quality Assurance.”
This intensive one-day event brought together expert medical physicists and clinicians to share both practical and theoretical insights on the implementation and quality management of stereotactic techniques using linear accelerators.
Participants were selected based on their experience in radiation therapy. The workshop was organized by the following members of the scientific committee: Dr. Mustafa Al-Musawi – Supervisor and MEFOMP Head of the Scientific Committee Dr. Rabih Hammoud – Course Director and MEFOMP Vice President Bevan Peltier Shelton Chauke Dr. Aram Rostami The workshop was held in collaboration with Varian/Siemens Healthineers, represented by: Dr. Yassar Rather – Regional Software Sales Specialist, MEA Majid Doukar – Country Lead, Middle East Workshop Objectives
The workshop aimed to: Provide participants with a comprehensive introduction to Linac-based Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). Present practical case studies demonstrating treatment planning for cranial and lung stereotactic procedures. Offer advanced guidance on beam data acquisition and quality assurance protocols. Explore key radiobiological considerations relevant to stereotactic treatment modalities. Workshop Program Overview
The workshop commenced at 9:00 AM with a welcome session, followed by a series of structured presentations and live treatment planning demonstrations. The program was divided into two main sessions: morning and afternoon, each focusing on key aspects of stereotactic radiotherapy.
Morning Session: Clinical Foundations and Cranial SRS Planning
Presentation 1: Introduction to Linac-Based SRS and SBRT
Speakers: Dr. Aram Rostami and Shelton Chauke
This session introduced the fundamental principles, clinical indications, and workflow associated with Linac-based stereotactic treatments.
Case Study Demonstration: Cranial SRS Planning
Facilitators: Dr. Aram Rostami, Shelton Chauke, and Dr. Yassar Rather
A live demonstration using modern treatment planning approaches illustrated the planning process for cranial SRS, covering isodose distribution, beam configuration, and optimization strategies.
After a short coffee break, the session continued with an in-depth discussion on contouring protocols, dose-volume constraints, and adaptive planning approaches for cranial SRS.
Midday Break
Participants engaged in a networking lunch and prayer break from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.
Afternoon Session: Radiobiology and Lung SBRT Planning
Presentation 2: Radiobiology of Stereotactic Radiation Therapy
Speaker: Dr. Aram Rostami
This session explored the unique radiobiological mechanisms of high-dose, hypofractionated therapy, including the impact of dose per fraction, DNA repair kinetics, and NTCP modeling.
Presentation 3: Interactive Session on Beam Data Measurement and QA in Linac-Based SRS and SBRT
Speaker: Bevan Peltier
This interactive session provided a comprehensive overview of the commissioning process, addressing challenges in small field dosimetry, detector selection, and essential quality assurance protocols. Additional topics included beam data measurement techniques, end-to-end testing, and the importance of independent review and benchmarking to ensure clinical accuracy and reliability.
Case Study Demonstration: Lung SBRT Planning
Facilitators: Dr. Aram Rostami, Shelton Chauke, and Dr. Yassar Rather
This session focused on clinical planning for lung SBRT, emphasizing motion management, internal target volume (ITV) delineation, and dose delivery verification. A brief break was followed by a final hands-on demonstration.
Workshop Concluding Remarks
The workshop was a resounding success, offering a balanced combination of theoretical knowledge and practical demonstrations tailored for radiation oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists, and trainees. Attendees gained valuable insights into stereotactic treatment principles, advanced planning techniques, and QA and beam measurement protocols critical to the safe and effective delivery of high-precision radiotherapy. The event significantly contributed to the professional development of participants and strengthened regional expertise in advanced radiotherapy practices.
Day 1 Workshop
As part of the scientific activities accompanying the Third Academic International Medical Physics Conference (3rd AIMPC), a specialized workshop was conducted on the first day (April 24th) under the theme:
“Linac-Based Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): Clinical Planning, Radiobiology, and Quality Assurance.”
This intensive one-day event brought together expert medical physicists and clinicians to share both practical and theoretical insights on the implementation and quality management of stereotactic techniques using linear accelerators.
Participants were selected based on their experience in radiation therapy. The workshop was organized by the following members of the scientific committee: Dr. Mustafa Al-Musawi – Supervisor and MEFOMP Head of the Scientific Committee Dr. Rabih Hammoud – Course Director and MEFOMP Vice President Bevan Peltier Shelton Chauke Dr. Aram Rostami The workshop was held in collaboration with Varian/Siemens Healthineers, represented by: Dr. Yassar Rather – Regional Software Sales Specialist, MEA Majid Doukar – Country Lead, Middle East Workshop Objectives
The workshop aimed to: Provide participants with a comprehensive introduction to Linac-based Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). Present practical case studies demonstrating treatment planning for cranial and lung stereotactic procedures. Offer advanced guidance on beam data acquisition and quality assurance protocols. Explore key radiobiological considerations relevant to stereotactic treatment modalities. Workshop Program Overview
The workshop commenced at 9:00 AM with a welcome session, followed by a series of structured presentations and live treatment planning demonstrations. The program was divided into two main sessions: morning and afternoon, each focusing on key aspects of stereotactic radiotherapy.
Morning Session: Clinical Foundations and Cranial SRS Planning
Presentation 1: Introduction to Linac-Based SRS and SBRT
Speakers: Dr. Aram Rostami and Shelton Chauke
This session introduced the fundamental principles, clinical indications, and workflow associated with Linac-based stereotactic treatments.
Case Study Demonstration: Cranial SRS Planning
Facilitators: Dr. Aram Rostami, Shelton Chauke, and Dr. Yassar Rather
A live demonstration using modern treatment planning approaches illustrated the planning process for cranial SRS, covering isodose distribution, beam configuration, and optimization strategies.
After a short coffee break, the session continued with an in-depth discussion on contouring protocols, dose-volume constraints, and adaptive planning approaches for cranial SRS.
Midday Break
Participants engaged in a networking lunch and prayer break from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.
Afternoon Session: Radiobiology and Lung SBRT Planning
Presentation 2: Radiobiology of Stereotactic Radiation Therapy
Speaker: Dr. Aram Rostami
This session explored the unique radiobiological mechanisms of high-dose, hypofractionated therapy, including the impact of dose per fraction, DNA repair kinetics, and NTCP modeling.
Presentation 3: Interactive Session on Beam Data Measurement and QA in Linac-Based SRS and SBRT
Speaker: Bevan Peltier
This interactive session provided a comprehensive overview of the commissioning process, addressing challenges in small field dosimetry, detector selection, and essential quality assurance protocols. Additional topics included beam data measurement techniques, end-to-end testing, and the importance of independent review and benchmarking to ensure clinical accuracy and reliability.
Case Study Demonstration: Lung SBRT Planning
Facilitators: Dr. Aram Rostami, Shelton Chauke, and Dr. Yassar Rather
This session focused on clinical planning for lung SBRT, emphasizing motion management, internal target volume (ITV) delineation, and dose delivery verification. A brief break was followed by a final hands-on demonstration.
Workshop Concluding Remarks
The workshop was a resounding success, offering a balanced combination of theoretical knowledge and practical demonstrations tailored for radiation oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists, and trainees. Attendees gained valuable insights into stereotactic treatment principles, advanced planning techniques, and QA and beam measurement protocols critical to the safe and effective delivery of high-precision radiotherapy. The event significantly contributed to the professional development of participants and strengthened regional expertise in advanced radiotherapy practices.
Day 2 Conference
The second day of the event (April 25th) was dedicated to the official conference ceremony. The Master of Ceremonies was Dr. Ameen Mohammed, Vice Dean of the College of Medicine at Al-Mustansiriyah University, who delivered the opening address.
The keynote speech was presented by Dr. Hayder Hamza Alabedi, Head of the Authority of Health and Medical Education (AHMED). In his address, Dr. Alabedi emphasized the critical role of medical physicists in various clinical fields, particularly in radiation therapy, interventional and diagnostic imaging, and nuclear medicine. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the national residency programs in radiation therapy, which were recently launched in Iraq. Notably, these programs have received accreditation from the International Organization for Medical Physics (IOMP), ranking as the third provisionally accredited program and the fifth globally in the final approved list.
Dr. Alabedi further expressed his full support and encouragement for any initiatives aimed at enhancing the knowledge and qualifications of Iraqi medical physicists, underscoring the importance of continuous professional development in the field.
The second speaker was Dr. Faris Alami, President of Al-Sibtain University. He was warmly welcomed by the Iraqi Medical Physics Society and expressed his strong support for the field of medical physics, acknowledging its vital role in modern healthcare.
The third speaker was Dr. Mohammad Hassan Kharita, President of the Middle East Federation of Medical Physics (MEFOMP). In his speech, he emphasized MEFOMP’s commitment to supporting medical physicists working in healthcare institutions across the Middle East, with particular attention to Iraq. He highlighted the federation’s ongoing efforts to enhance clinical knowledge among physicists, enabling them to overcome the various challenges they face in their professional practice.
The main speech was delivered by Dr. Mustafa Al-Musawi, President of the Iraqi Medical Physics Society (IMPS). His address focused on the history of medical physics in Iraq, the significant challenges faced by medical physicists in the country, and the society’s vision for the future.
Throughout the conference, speakers delivered insightful lectures covering a broad range of relevant topics. Sponsoring companies—including Varian/Siemens Healthineers (Al-ITKAN), PTW (Diyala), and Philips (Al-Bahja)—also showcased the latest innovations and product developments in the field. At the conclusion of the ceremony, both the speakers and special guests were honoured for their valuable contributions, and the Preparatory Committee was recognized for their dedicated efforts in organizing a successful event.
The second day of the event (April 25th) was dedicated to the official conference ceremony. The Master of Ceremonies was Dr. Ameen Mohammed, Vice Dean of the College of Medicine at Al-Mustansiriyah University, who delivered the opening address.
The keynote speech was presented by Dr. Hayder Hamza Alabedi, Head of the Authority of Health and Medical Education (AHMED). In his address, Dr. Alabedi emphasized the critical role of medical physicists in various clinical fields, particularly in radiation therapy, interventional and diagnostic imaging, and nuclear medicine. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the national residency programs in radiation therapy, which were recently launched in Iraq. Notably, these programs have received accreditation from the International Organization for Medical Physics (IOMP), ranking as the third provisionally accredited program and the fifth globally in the final approved list.
Dr. Alabedi further expressed his full support and encouragement for any initiatives aimed at enhancing the knowledge and qualifications of Iraqi medical physicists, underscoring the importance of continuous professional development in the field.
The second speaker was Dr. Faris Alami, President of Al-Sibtain University. He was warmly welcomed by the Iraqi Medical Physics Society and expressed his strong support for the field of medical physics, acknowledging its vital role in modern healthcare.
The third speaker was Dr. Mohammad Hassan Kharita, President of the Middle East Federation of Medical Physics (MEFOMP). In his speech, he emphasized MEFOMP’s commitment to supporting medical physicists working in healthcare institutions across the Middle East, with particular attention to Iraq. He highlighted the federation’s ongoing efforts to enhance clinical knowledge among physicists, enabling them to overcome the various challenges they face in their professional practice.
The main speech was delivered by Dr. Mustafa Al-Musawi, President of the Iraqi Medical Physics Society (IMPS). His address focused on the history of medical physics in Iraq, the significant challenges faced by medical physicists in the country, and the society’s vision for the future.
Throughout the conference, speakers delivered insightful lectures covering a broad range of relevant topics. Sponsoring companies—including Varian/Siemens Healthineers (Al-ITKAN), PTW (Diyala), and Philips (Al-Bahja)—also showcased the latest innovations and product developments in the field. At the conclusion of the ceremony, both the speakers and special guests were honoured for their valuable contributions, and the Preparatory Committee was recognized for their dedicated efforts in organizing a successful event.