Prof. John Damilakis
University of Crete
Vice-President of IOMP

COVID-19 has been spreading worldwide. In this brief article, readers will find thoughts and useful links about a) the possible contribution of medical physicists to coronavirus diagnosis and containment and b) the safety measures that should be taken by medical physicists to protect patients and staff.

Medical physicists can be contributing to coronavirus efficient and effective diagnosis and containment by

This is just an indicative list. The contribution of each medical physicist depends on his/her expertise and local requirements.

Medical physics departments should have guidelines in place to ensure the safety of patients and staff. Radioisotope therapy patients ‘at risk’ should be seen and treated in a separate room. Dosimeters, radiation protection garments (patient shielding, aprons etc.), image viewing stations, computer keyboards and mice need to be disinfected regularly. Detailed information about ways to ensure the safety of patients and personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic can be found at  https://www.aapm.org/COVID19/default.asp