Unique Conference on Cancer Brings Upfront Role of Radiotherapy Technologists’ in Fighting Cancer

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 08^th April:- A unique Conference of Association of Radiation Therapy Technologists of India- Northern Chapter 2017 (NCARTTI); was held at Hotel Parkview. The One Day Conference saw Department of Radiotherapy, Max Super Speciality Hospital collaborate with the Association of Radiotherapy Technologists of India (North Zone chapter); as part of the Hospital’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The idea was to bring upfront the people who till date have remained unsung heroes despite their pivotal contribution to treating a life threatening disease like cancer – Radiotherapy Technologists.

The welcome address was delivered by Dr Sajal Kakkar, Organising Secretary (NCARTTI) and the keynote address was given by Dr Pankaj Kumar, Organising Secretary (NCARTTI),  both from Department of Radiotherapy, Max Hospital, Mohali. Sandeep Dogra, Senior Vice President Max Hospitals was also present on the occasion. Sandeep Dogra, Senior Vice President Max Hospitals was also present on the occasion. Eminent speakers like Prof (Dr.) Rakesh Kapoor(PGI), Dr Arun Singh(PGI), Dr Shree Gopal (AIIMS) , Dr AV Saji (AIIMS) chaired the scientific sessions.

Dr Sajal Kakkar, Organising Secretary (NCARTTI), said that to counter this disease Radiation Oncologists are required. However, the need of effective treatment by Radiotherapy Technologists is equally important as the technologists are the ones who implement the treatment protocol prescribed by Radiation Oncologists. The first session was co- chaired by eminent Physicist Dr. Arun Singh from (PGI), Chandigarh & Shree Gopal a Technologist from AIIMS, New Delhi. This dealt with the patient’s perspective to the entire radiotherapy treatment and his/her interaction with the Technologist, as technologists spend maximum time with the patients during the daily treatments.

Dr Pankaj Kumar, organising Secretary  (NCARTTI), said that through this Conference, we provided a forum for all stake holders of Radiation Therapy, particularly of Technologists, to share their knowledge, skills and future challenges so as ensure that the best practices are followed everywhere for the benefit of patients.

Patient friendly sessions were held by well known Radiotherapy Technologists. ‘A Radiation Therapist- In Patient’s Perspective’ was conducted by Kiran Kumar Kaul from Max Mohali. ‘Patient Safety in Radiotherapy’ by   Deepak Kumar- Max Saket was also interesting. ‘Role of Effective Communication with patient in Image guidance, Image registration & Treatment’ by Prasantha Kumar Ray again focused on the patient.

Tekinder Faujdar, Secretary Elect (ARTTI North Zone) who also participated said that the conference was a commendable step in bringing Technologists’ role in Cancer treatment to the fore. He is happy that these professionals came in front of an audience from their position in front of machines & patients to make us all aware of the yeoman’s service they are doing to counter Cancer.

Highly respected Radiation Therapy Technologists came to attend the Conference not just from Chandigarh but many other parts of India.  Experts came from Max Saket, AIIMS, PGI, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, GMCH 32 Chandigarh, and Medanta Medicity among other prestigious Hospitals.