Re: Thanks

["George Anastas" <ANASTASG@facmgmtserver.fm.csus.edu>]

Dear Russ and Ron:

I thank Russ very much for pointing out all the indicators which make 
for a good Health Physicist.  A degree in HP is a step or  indicator. 
 A level of knowledge, ability to apply that knowledge, intellectural 
honesty, interest, commitment to an ideal, a dose of good sense  are 
all requirements.

Well Russ you have just described 99+% of the Certified HPs I know 
(both from the east coast {thank you Ken Scrable, Bob Ryan, 
University of Rochester, Rutgers, et al}, midwest {thank you Don Barber and Hoyt 
Whipple, et al},  the south {thank you Oak Ridge, et al}, and the 
west {thank you Les Skolil and San Jose State, et al}.

This is in contrast to situations where by virtue of a position title 
in civil service, a person is called a Health Physicist.  

Both being equal, I'll take the CHP over a civil service HP, I'll 
take a degree in HP over a civil service HP.  The "best of all 
worlds" {from Voltaire, Candide} might be a Certified HP, who has a 
degree in HP and who works  in civil service, as long as that 
person meets the litmus test of reasonableness and a "dose of good 
sense".

Now this only comes from working in environmental health, safety, 
engineering, and radiation protection since 1966 {nearly 30 
years!!!!! my how time passes by).

If a HP can't pass the test {read that as professionalism, good sense 
and the written examination}, then perhaps that person should not be 
called a HP????  Food for thought, or as my Ukraninan friends say, 
"Meal for the mind".

Several of the best HPs I've had the pleasure to work with did not 
have college degrees, but were super HPs {and Certified}.  Wally 
Howell at Richland was one of these people.

Good discussion!

Have a good day.

George Anastas

(oh yes, CHP)

> Date:          Fri, 17 Feb 95 08:48:51 -0600
> Reply-to:      radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu
> From:          "Russ Meyer"  <CMEYER@brc1.tdh.texas.gov>
> To:            Multiple recipients of list <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
> Subject:       Re: Thanks

> > Date:          Thu, 16 Feb 95 21:16:45 -0600
> > Reply-to:      radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu
> > From:          "Ron L. Kathren" <rkathren@beta.tricity.wsu.edu>
> > To:            Multiple recipients of list <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
> > Subject:       Re: Thanks
> 
> > Was surprised that no one mentioned ABHP certification, a sure sign of a
> > qualified health physicist.
> >
> > Ron Kathren
> 
> Ron,
>     I can't let this one pass! What do you believe would constitute
> a qualified health physicist?  I agree that simply passing a test is
> not sufficient, but is it a step or indicator of potential.  I also
> believe, as a result of observation of the human condition, that a
> degree in health physics doesn't confer qualification, although it
> is a step and indicator of potential.  I think some basic
> requirements are a sufficient level of knowledge, ability to apply
> the knowledge,intellectual honesty(the other kind will follow)
> interest, commitment to an ideal, desire to make
> a difference( don't read that as change the world), willingness to
> work(do read that as get your hands dirty) and last, as far as I can
> think of at the moment, but certainly not least(!) a healthy dose of
> good sense.>
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Russ
> cmeyer@brc1.tdh.texas.gov
> (512)834-6688
> 
George Anastas, Director
Environmental Health and Safety
California State University, Sacramento
6000 J Street
Sacramento, CA  95819-6002
Telephone 916/278-6456
FAX 916/278-5960

"The views expressed herein are those of the
author and do not necessarily reflect the views
of California State University, Sacramento, 
California State University, the State of 
California or any of its political subdivisions.
This posting is disclaimed."