In partnership with CFM, CBR holds a Forum on Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging with a focus on Radiological Protection

The event, held on July 5, at the headquarters of the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM) had, at the official opening, the presence of the 2nd vice-president of CFM, Jecé Freitas Brandão; from the coordinator of the Technical Chamber of Diagnostic Imaging at CFM and former president of CBR, Dr. Aldemir Humberto Soares; President of the Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging (CBR), Dr. Alair Sarmet Santos, in addition to the participation of the authority in radiological protection at the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Maria Perez, members of the CBR Radiological Protection Commission and other entities involved. After the ceremony, the expert on the subject spoke to the participants via videoconference, direct from the WHO office in Switzerland, about the importance of radiological care. Dr. Maria Perez presented the concern of the organization in relation to the subject and the challenges of preserving patients and professionals who work in Radiology regarding the radiation emitted in the exams. The problem is considered a global public health issue. Still in the morning, the event had two round tables. The first dealt with justification and optimization in the context of the "Bonn Call for Action". The document was approved in Bonn, Germany, in 2012, with the aim of identifying and addressing issues related to radiation protection in medicine. The joint position statement of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and WHO highlighted ten key actions aimed at achieving the greatest possible benefit at the lowest possible risk for all patients through the safe and appropriate use of radiation in medicine, as well as increase the safety and quality of radiological procedures. Among the approved actions, the declaration included measures such as improving the implementation of the principle of justification, strengthening radiation protection education and training of health professionals, improving medical radiation prevention, among other measures. The conference was sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and organized by the Government of Germany. The specialists present at the discussion and the coordinator of the event warned about the importance of “that the exams carried out are justified, with common sense, criteria and appropriateness”, defended Dr. Aldemir Soares. CBR President Dr. Alair Sarmet Santos, presented a history on the effects and consequences of ionizing radiation and risks for patients and professionals involved. “We are not going to stop using radiotherapy or nuclear medicine. Provided they are justified, radiological examinations also save lives,” he warned. The next table dealt with the initiatives that have been carried out aimed at educating professionals, patients and the general population about the application of ionizing radiation in imaging exams. The presentations pointed out the general population's lack of knowledge about the real risks of ionizing radiation. Another subject also discussed at the Radiology Forum was Nuclear Medicine and regulation, demands and perspectives. After the presentations, the participants of the meeting asked several questions about the work of the professionals. Among the points addressed were the need for educational campaigns aimed at physicians and patients and the inclusion of radiation protection classes in medical courses. The event was broadcast live by CFM on its YouTube channel and shared by CBR on Workplace, in the group Lugar no CBR. Source: CFM