Development of experts for radiation emergency medicine

---An experience at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences---

Abstract

  The National Institute of Radiological Sciences has been conducting many training courses on radiation emeregency medicien, both for Japanese and foreigners. Medical professionals working in hospitals and first responders who deal with victims have been main participants of these courses for Japanese. Typically, these courses include table top exercises and/or pracitical drills, which give unique features to our courses, in additon to lectures. Apart from training courses, some medical professionals came to work as a staff member of NIRS for a long term, such as two years, to learn about radiation emergency medicine. Some foreigners also stayed in NIRS as short to middle term visitors to learn about the fields. Courses for foreigners were organized sometimes in cooperation with international organizations. Participants were mainly from Asian countries, and some courses targeted one country. For example, courses for Korean professionals were organized nine times. The NIRS will continue to contiribute to human development in radiation emergency medicine with training courses and other methods of education.