Health Physics Society

Health Physics Society
Name	Health Physics Society
Founded	0 1956
Founder	Karl Z. Morgan and others
Type	Professional association
Focus	Radiation protection
Headquarters	McLean, Virginia
Website	https://hps.org

Health Physics Society. The Health Physics Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the science and practice of radiation protection. Founded in 1956, it serves as a primary professional organization for specialists working in fields related to health physics and radiation safety. The society provides a forum for the exchange of information, supports professional development, and advocates for public understanding of radiation risks and benefits.

History

The society was established in 1956 by a group of pioneering scientists including Karl Z. Morgan, often called the "father of health physics," who was then director of the Health Physics Division at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Its formation coincided with the rapid expansion of the nuclear industry following World War II, driven by the work of the Manhattan Project and the establishment of the United States Atomic Energy Commission. Early meetings were often held in conjunction with events like those of the American Physical Society, and the first official annual meeting took place in Columbus, Ohio. Throughout the Cold War, the organization grew in membership and influence, responding to incidents such as the Three Mile Island accident and the Chernobyl disaster by enhancing its role in public education and professional standards.

Mission and objectives

The primary mission is to support its members in the practice of radiation safety and to provide scientific information to the public and policymakers. Key objectives include advancing the profession of health physics through education, promoting research in fields like radiobiology and radiation dosimetry, and developing consensus standards often in collaboration with bodies like the American National Standards Institute. The society also aims to foster cooperation with international organizations such as the International Radiation Protection Association and the International Atomic Energy Agency to address global challenges in radiation protection.

Publications and resources

The society publishes several key scientific periodicals, most notably the peer-reviewed journal Health Physics, which was first issued in 1958 and remains a leading publication in the field. Other major publications include the Health Physics News, a monthly newsletter, and the comprehensive Health Physics Society Directory. It also produces extensive technical resources and position statements, maintains an online Radiation Answer Bank, and offers educational materials for members, academics, and the general public, often distributed through partnerships with entities like the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors.

Professional certification

While the society itself does not administer certification, it maintains a close affiliation with the American Board of Health Physics, which grants the certified health physicist designation. The society provides essential study materials, review courses, and continuing education opportunities that align with the rigorous examination process overseen by the American Board of Health Physics. This credential is recognized as a standard of professional competence by employers at major institutions like the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy, and leading medical centers and national laboratories.

Annual meeting

The premier event is the annual meeting, a major scientific conference that attracts health physicists from around the world to present research, attend workshops, and view exhibits from companies like Mirion Technologies and Landauer, Inc.. Held in various cities across North America, such as Spokane, Washington or Orlando, Florida, the meeting features sessions on emerging topics including nuclear security, environmental remediation, and medical radiation safety. The event also includes the prestigious Elda E. Anderson Award ceremony and provides critical networking opportunities with professionals from agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements.

Special interest sections

To address specialized areas within the broad field, the society organizes numerous special interest sections. These include sections focused on Accelerator Health Physics, Environmental Radiation, Power Reactor Safety, and Medical Health Physics. Each section operates its own email lists, organizes technical sessions at the annual meeting, and may publish newsletters or guides, facilitating in-depth knowledge sharing among practitioners facing unique challenges in settings ranging from particle accelerator facilities like CERN to diagnostic radiology departments in Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Category:Professional associations based in the United States Category:Radiation protection organizations Category:Scientific organizations established in 1956