Mark Kendrick

DOS 773 – Dosimetry Clinical Practicum III

Service Learning Journal
December 13, 2019

Professional Volunteering

Professional volunteering has proven to be trickier than community volunteering or employer

volunteering. Some of the reasons for this are out of my control, while others were directly

resulting from my own mistakes.

Late in 2018, I received a letter from the ARRT, which invited me to volunteer, and described

the opportunities that were available. After some contemplation on the offer, I replied with

interest in item writing, to write questions for the radiation therapist registry exam. I completed

the biodata and volunteer preferences forms and returned them.

Months went by with no response, so I followed up. The person with whom I spoke apologized,

and told me that a letter from ARRT should be forthcoming within 6 weeks. About a month

later, in June of 2019, I received notification that my application would be considered as

vacancies opened up. At this time, I have not heard anything more from ARRT regarding

volunteering.

Recently, I inquired with AAMD about volunteering on their communications committee. I was

welcomed aboard the committee, provided with some background information and invited to join

in the monthly conference call. I noted that my first call would be at noon, the first Thursday of

the month. Sadly, I failed to note that the call was at noon EST, while I am in the PST zone,
three hours behind. While I was working on a treatment plan, the call was taking place. By the

time I noticed correspondence regarding the call, it was over.

Fortunately, the committee chair provided minutes from the meeting, which gave me some

material to familiarize myself with before the call next month. The items included: Call for

abstracts for a conference in Milwaukee, the latest eMonitor quarterly newsletter, promoting

membership renewal, the upcoming eMonitor content, social media topics, subcommittees and

their agendas, and more.

Subcommittees include the following:

• eMonitor – the quarterly newsletter

• Promotions & Social Media – content and posting schedule

• Resources & Education – tasks, resources, and CE opportunities

• Website & Outreach – review of online presence

As I become involved with the communications committee, I envision making contributions on

the Promotions & Social Media subcommittee, where graphic content is needed to aid in

effective communication between the AAMD and its members on social media. I have a

background in graphic design, which I hope to draw upon to generate effective graphics, and

help out in social media outreach.

This will be a good way for me to maintain proficiency in graphic design, while volunteering for

a professional group that is highly relevant to my career, and give me a sense of purpose and

inclusion in this professional organization.