RE: Radiation tests at VA hospital questioned

["Michael A. pacilio" <mapacilio@worldnet.att.net>]

I agree that a lack of certification is no reason to dismiss someone as qualified and I don't think that was the intent.  The problem is that there are too many people claiming expertise in this field without the proper education and training.  On many occasions, quotations in newspapers made by un or under qualified persons turn out to be hot air.   Of course, the damage is done and the use of radiation gets another black eye for no apparent reason.  It is surprising that the "top Radiation Safety Officer" quoted in the article is not a member of any professional organization related to the use of radiation in a medical facility.  I wonder if this is the License RSO or if the newspaper hap-hazardously conferred the title?

Michael A. Pacilio, CHP
Radiation Safety Officer
The Western Pennsylvania Hospital
Pittsburgh, PA  15224
mapacilio@worldnet.att.net

"Don't argue with an idiot"


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From:  Andrew Karam[SMTP:karam.1@osu.edu]
Sent:  Friday, August 01, 1997 8:58 AM
To:  Multiple recipients of list
Subject:  Re: Radiation tests at VA hospital questioned

Dear Radsafers:

Membership in HPS or professional certification in any field does not
confer infallibility.  Non-membership or lack of certification does not
indicate incompetence.  It may be interesting to note that "He's not one of
us", but only at the risk of seeming elitist.


>Nor a member of the AAPM.

>>I note with some interest that the 'top radiation safety officer' Moussa
>>Raiszadeh, PhD in radiopharmaceutical sciences notwithstanding, is
>>neither a CHP nor a member of the HPS.
>