Geant4 simulation of the Elekta XVI kV CBCT unit for accurate description of potential late toxicity effects of image-guided radiotherapy.

This paper describes the modelisation of the Elekta XVI Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) machine components with Geant4 and its validation against calibration data taken for two commonly used machine setups. Preliminary dose maps of simulated CBCTs coming from this modelisation work are presented. This study is the first step of a research project, GHOST, aiming to improve the understanding of late toxicity risk in external beam radiotherapy patients by simulating dose depositions integrated from different sources (imaging, treatment beam) over the entire treatment plan. The second cancer risk will then be derived from different models relating irradiation dose and second cancer risk.

A clinical internship program in biomedical engineering, Part II: Administration of the program.

This paper discusses the administration of a clinical internship for biomedical engineering students. The interns rotate through sequences of hospital services, divided into four sets, separated by intervening elective periods, and spread over different clinical facilities. Rotations include orientation conferences, counseling sessions with staff personnel, and on-the-job training in each hospital service. Students keep logs of their experiences and submit service reports summarizing each rotation. They also write brief reports illustrating engineering contributions to health care delivery. The reports are graded and serve, together with staff and faculty evaluations, to rate the students' overall performance in the program.

A clinical internship program in biomedical engineering. Part I: Objectives of the program.

The need for, and specific objectives of, a clinical internship for biomedical engineering students are discussed in Part I. Through such an internship, participants can gain an appreciation for the role that engineers can play in quantifying and automating medical procedures. They also learn about the organizational structure of a clinical facility, the regulations, safety standards and accreditation requirements imposed on the health care industry, and the technological needs as envisioned by medical personnel. Finally, students become familiar with information flow in a medical facility, the units, codes and standards used to report diagnostic information, and current technology utilized in health care delivery, especially its limitations.