Pat Sheil

Service Journal
Professional
Volunteering: 2017 AAMD National Conference

I had the pleasure of attending the national dosimetry conference this year in
Indianapolis, Indiana. While at this conference I was able to learn and be hands on
with some of the newest emerging technology in the field. The talks that I attended
were very relevant to what I was practicing in the clinic and learning through the
program. This event was also an amazing networking opportunity for me as I was
able to meet many dosimetrists from around the country with years of experience in
the field along with my classmates who I was able to meet for the first time, and
peer students from other medical dosimetry programs.
I was able to volunteer at the conference thanks to a committee member,
Madison Fletcher, reaching out. My volunteer duties consisted of scanning attendees
badges for CE credits and I introduced Dr. David Long on his presentation of Liver
Radiation: Review of Pertinent Anatomy and Physiology, Functional Imaging, and
Potential Future Direction. Through volunteering I was able to meet many
dosimetrist and network. I advise future students to take advantage of this
opportunity.
My favorite part of volunteering was introducing the speaker. I am a very
outgoing person but the room was packed with some of the top medical
professionals from around the country so this was different than any room Ive ever
spoken in front of. Stepping out of my comfort zone was an amazing feeling. One
day I hope to speak at the conference but instead have someone introducing me! I
had an amazing time at this conference and look forward to attending many more
throughout my career as a dosimetrist. I am very thankful for the AAMD conference
for having me and allowing me to participate in their volunteer events.
Figure 1: My classmates and I along with our program director, Nishele Lenards, at the annual
AAMD meeting in Indianapolis.
Figure 2: Memorable moment of when I had the pleasure of introducing Dr. David Long