Generic Definition of Health Physics to the masses

["Robert A. Jones" <raj6582@acs.tamu.edu>]

Howdy Radsafers,

I donn't know for sure if any of you have problems explaining to laymen 
what exactly is a Health Physicist.  In the past, I have simply said that 
it is related to "Nuclear Engineering" or "Nuclear Physics," and they say 
"O.K., yeah!" (As if that would be a more clear definition to laymen).  I 
have spent time pondering a definition, so here goes:

"Health Physics is simply the study of how radiation effects matter.  The 
matter can be tissues in the body or a variety of other materials, such 
as lead for shielding."

If they ask for further information such as what skills are needed to get 
into the field, I will tell them this:  Math, Chemistry, Biology, 
Physics, and Nuclear Physics.  

I thought that this might be a good,simple definition of Health Physics. 
You would be surprised at the "grapevine" responses given to people by my 
mother, brother, et. al.  The funniest was "Health Food," no doubt an 
answer given by someone who mumbles (God, I hope that it was not me).

I thought that this would be an interesting, yet not so technical topic 
for Radsafers to jump into.
-- 
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Robert A. Jones
2909 B. Prairie Flower Circle
Bryan, TX  77802
Phone:  (409) 731-8219
RAJ6582@ACS.TAMU.edu

"The Walls have ears and mouths" - Me

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