The ASTRO physics curriculum

In 2002, the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO)'s Radiation Physics Committee appointed an Ad‐hoc Committee on Physics Teaching To Medical Residents. The main initiative of the committee was to develop a core curriculum for physics education. The document resulted in a recommended 54‐hour course. Some of the subjects were based on American College of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements (particles, hyperthermia), while the majority of the subjects along with the appropriated hours per subject were devised and agree upon by the committee. For each subject there are learning objectives and for each hour there is a detailed outline of material to be covered. Some of the required subjects/hours are being taught in most institutions (i.e. Radiation Measurement and Calibration for 4 hours), while some may be new subjects (4 hours of Imaging for Radiation Oncology). To ensure that the subject matter and emphasis remain current and relevant, the curriculum will be updated every two years. © 2005, American Association of Physicists in Medicine. All rights reserved.