The Virtual Medical Imaging Lecture Series presents a mix of fundamentals, cutting edge research, and new imaging technologies. Series Lead, Dr. Peter Watson of McGill University Health Centre will moderate each interactive lecture which will feature talks from internationally renowned faculty.
Open to all who are interested, and designed to serve a diverse audience (both in modality and geography).
Don't miss out on this imaging-focused continuing education opportunity!
Format:
- English
- Virtual on Zoom
- 60-minute lecture
Participation is open to everyone, with discounts available for COMP members and those interested in purchasing the entire series!
Registration
Single-lecture registration only $60 for COMP Members and $85 for non-members. COMP Members can get all 5 lectures for only $210 and $310 for non-members. Students are required to login to their membership to access free registration.
Lecture Series Schedule
| November 4, 2024 1-2pm ET | Operating a Value-driven Medical Physics Consulting Practice in Canada: Perspectives and Experiences |
| November 25, 2024 1-2pm ET |
Ives Levesque, McGill University Magnetic resonance imaging is often described as the “safe” modality, largely due to the absence of ionizing radiation. But, magnetic field interactions give rise to multiple hazards that have led to serious incidents. While modern MR systems are designed with many features that enhance patient and staff safety, safety in the MR environment ultimately relies heavily on human factors to mitigate risk. In this presentation, I will briefly review some basic principles of MR safety before delving into my activities in this area. I will describe my efforts in clinical MR safety at the McGill University Health Centre, touching on policy, procedures, training, and patient screening. Following this I will describe my research activities in MR safety. These include (1) a recent review of patient screening practices at the Department of Radiation Oncology of the McGill University Health Centre, (2) work of AAPM Task Group 334 on MR safety considerations for radiation therapy accessories, (3) the quantitative assessment of MR safety guidance based on the hierarchy of hazard controls, and (4) a comparative review of environmental assumptions commonly seen in clinical MR safety guidance. |
| January 27, 2025 1-2pm ET |  Image quality and quantification study of I-123 MIBG imaging using CZT SPECT/CT systemXinchi Hou, University of British Columbia The SPECT/CT camera equipped with a cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detector is gradually replacing traditional NaI(Tl) systems due to its potential to deliver enhanced image contrast, resolution, and sensitivity while enabling faster scans or lower-dose procedures. This advancement is well established for Tc-99m scans; however, there is limited information on I-123 imaging, which is the primary method for neuroblastoma diagnosis, particularly in pediatric cases where lower doses are used compared to adults. Recently, a dedicated CZT camera was suspected to have image artifacts related to cold (no activity uptake) and hot (unexpected activity uptake) areas within the I-123 image volume, as reported by our Nuclear Medicine (NM) Physician, highlighting the need for camera performance evaluation for I-123 scans. Beyond image quality, the quantification of lesion uptake may enhance therapy monitoring for neuroblastoma. In this presentation, we will share our experience on camera performance evaluation, investigation of image quality and quantification of I-123 imaging, delivered from both phantom and patient studies. The GE NM/CT 670 CZT camera, equipped with a wide energy high resolution (WEHR45) collimator, was utilized in these studies. For phantom studies, the standard Jaszczak phantom, with/without cold spheres and rods, was used to assess image quality, while the NEMA IEC phantom with radioactive spheres was employed for further evaluation of both image quality and quantification by evaluating background variability, contrast-to-noise ratio, and contrast recovery coefficients across different signal-to-background ratios. The impact of scatter correction via the triple-energy-window method was also examined. These results were then compared to the images obtained from NaI detector of the same SPECT/CT model. The feasibility of using the CZT camera for I-123 scans will be discussed based on both phantom studies and clinical pediatric scans, along with recommendations for annual quality control and clinical scanning protocols. |
| February 24, 2025 1-2pm ET |  Framing Risk and Benefit in Medical ImagingRebecca Milman, University of Colorado School of Medicine Much of modern clinical medical imaging is a continuous evaluation of benefits and risks associated with various exams. While most would agree that there are clear benefits and risks, these are often difficult to quantify. This presentation will delve into how benefits and risks are often discussed, the limited quantitative data currently available, and the uncertainty in existing knowledge. Finally, we will explore the effect this has on policy and clinical practice, including the use of dose metrics, patient shielding, and patient interactions. |
| March 31, 2025 1-2pm ET |  Advancing Gynecological Imaging: The Role of Hybrid AI in Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis |
Continuing Education Credits
This meeting has been approved for 5 MPCEC credits.
Policy Against Inappropriate Behaviour at COMP Sponsored Events