Presented at the 36th National Conference
on Radiation Control
was awarded to
Roland G. Fletcher
Roland G. Fletcher is recognized for excellent performance in his professional career in the field of radiation protection, having served the Maryland State Radiological Health Program, the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD) and the Organization of Agreement States (OAS) for over 18 years. Prior to this time, Mr. Fletcher had a distinguished 20-year career in the U. S. Army, retiring in March 1986 as a Lt. Colonel.
Mr. Fletcher is recognized for his significant contributions to the efforts of the CRCPD. These efforts included serving on the Board of Directors from 1993 to 1996, and as Chairperson from 1994 to 1995; representing CRCPD before federal agencies and other organizations; and providing active leadership in CRCPD activities. He enhanced national radiation protection efforts through serving as Chairman of the OAS and the Technical Electronic Products Radiation Safety Standards Committee (TEPRSSC), and consultant to the National Mammography Quality Assurance Advisory Committee.
Because of his exemplary professional service to the states and to the nation as a whole, Roland G. Fletcher is awarded CRCPD’s most prestigious honor, the Gerald S. Parker Award of Merit.
James W. Miller Award
was awarded to
Debra McBaugh
Debra McBaugh is presented the James W. Miller Award for 2004 in recognition of her significant contributions to radiological health and emergency response through her day-to-day work for the Washington Department of Health, Office of Radiation Protection. Much of Debra’s work focuses on the cleanup at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation and that experience has guided her efforts in preparing for and responding to potentially significant contamination in the environment. She was also a member of the U.S. Department of Energy Commission on Fire Safety and Preparedness and chair of the E-24 Decontamination and Decommissioning Committee, which helped further her work in emergency response cleanup and recovery issues.
Debra was actively involved in preparing Washington state for TOPOFF2, a national radiological terrorism exercise, leading a group that developed predetermined protective action recommendations. She co-authored the Office of Radiation Protection manual “Plan and Procedures for Responding to a Radiological Attack.” This manual is posted on the CRCPD website for the benefit of all state radiation control programs.
Debra continues to contribute in the area of emergency preparedness by leading a federal-state group developing recommendations for post-event recovery and restoration. Overall national radiological emergency response has been significantly improved by her dedication to her day-to-day interactions in this critical area of radiological health.
For Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Radiation Protection
was awarded to each of the following individuals:
The Task Force on New Modalities is commended for its work in the past nine months. Under the leadership of its Chairperson, Mary Ann Spohrer (IL), the committee developed an international training program on new medical technology in the field of diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications. Over 120 people attended this symposium.
The committee conducted all business by conference call and electronic mail, effectively working with a definite time frame and with limited resources identifying issues, identifying team members, and developing committee objectives.
The work accomplished by the HAC-EI committee in identifying regulatory needs in a timely manner enhances the role of the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors relative to government agencies and the private sector regarding emerging medical modalities.
For Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Radiation Protection
was awarded to each of the following individuals:
Mary Ann Spohrer, Bruce Matkovich, Jay Nakasone, Warren Freier, and Robert Scott
The H-4 Committee on Nationwide Evaluation of X-ray Trends is presented the Board of Directors Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Radiation Protection for preparing, reviewing and distributing NEXT pamphlets and reports. These reports are useful to users of x-ray equipment for comparing doses to national standards. The work accomplished by the H-4 Committee enhances the role of the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors in protecting the public from unnecessary exposure to radiation by providing national data of expected outcomes for x-ray procedures.
For Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Radiation Protection
was awarded to each of the following individuals:
The H-22 Task Force to Minimize the Risk from Fluoroscopy is presented the Board of Directors Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Radiation Protection for preparation and submittal to each state a packet of information describing concerns of radiation exposure from fluoroscopy. The packet included manuscripts and photographs of radiation burns that might be useful as a training or regulatory tool for each state working toward the protection of citizens undergoing these procedures.
The work accomplished by the H-22 task force enhances the role of the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors relative to government agencies and the private sector regarding exposure from fluoroscopy.
was awarded to each of the following individuals:
Kathleen Kaufman, June Hawkinson, Mike Gilley, Dewey Crawford,
and Debbie Borden
The Emerging Issues Committee of the Healing Arts Council is commended for its work in the past year. Under the leadership of Chairperson Kathleen Kaufman, the committee has identified new medical technology issues, monitored and assimilated requests for information, provided leadership in identifying what type of publications will be developed, and assisted the council chair in prioritizing goals based on emerging issues, which resulted in the creation of four committees and a medical imaging new therapy symposium.
The committee conducted all business by conference call and electronic mail to reduce the cost to the CRCPD and they have demonstrated the effectiveness on identifying issues, identifying team members, and developing committee objectives with a finite work product.
The work accomplished by the HAC-EI committee in identifying regulatory needs in a timely manner enhances the role of the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors relative to government agencies and the private sector regarding emerging medical modalities.
Renee Fizer is presented this award for her outstanding service in conceiving, planning and conducting two consecutive Annual Meetings of the Mid-Atlantic States Radiation Programs. Participating States include Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Virginia. This award is presented in recognition of the outstanding benefit these meetings have been and will continue to be to participating state staffs, federal agency representatives, CRCPD attendees and representatives of the radiation community. The first two meetings, hosted by radiation control staffs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, respectively, have encouraged the discussion of radiation safety issues and concerns that states share but are often unable to address singularly. Additionally, the two Mid-Atlantic Regional Radiation Meetings presented an ideal opportunity for information exchange, training and interaction with federal agencies such as the NRC, FDA, and EPA.
These meetings also serve to reenergize our commitment to the protection of the public from radiation exposure. Renee Fizer and John Winston worked many hours to ensure the success of the inaugural meeting in 2002. That effort was surpassed only by the tremendous hard work each contributed to the second meeting in 2003. And even now, they are hard at work preparing for the 2004 meeting. Having been established by such diligent, innovative and visionary individuals, these meetings will continue to provide an annual forum to promote Mid-Atlantic States interactions, with particular emphasis on addressing and hopefully finding workable solutions to similar radiation problems that occur throughout the region.
Renee Fizer and John Winston, having more than met the criteria for the Outstanding Achievement Award, are recognized as CRCPD members who have assisted the states in the Mid-Atlantic Region in achieving a better understanding of how to interact with one another in achieving the goal of providing protection of the public from unnecessary radiation exposure. The two of them created and successfully pursued "a unique and valuable approach to a better program of radiation protection."
John Winston is presented this award for his outstanding service in conceiving, planning and conducting two consecutive Annual Meetings of the Mid-Atlantic States Radiation Programs. Participating States include Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Virginia. This award is presented in recognition of the outstanding benefit these meetings have been and will continue to be to participating state staffs, federal agency representatives, CRCPD attendees and representatives of the radiation community. The first two meetings, hosted by radiation control staffs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, respectively, have encouraged the discussion of radiation safety issues and concerns that states share but are often unable to address singularly. Additionally, the two Mid-Atlantic Regional Radiation Meetings presented an ideal opportunity for information exchange, training and interaction with federal agencies such as the NRC, FDA, and EPA.
These meetings also serve to reenergize our commitment to the protection of the public from radiation exposure. John Winston and Renee Fizer worked many hours to ensure the success of the inaugural meeting in 2002. That effort was surpassed only by the tremendous hard work each contributed to the second meeting in 2003. And even now, they are hard at work preparing for the 2004 meeting. Having been established by such diligent, innovative and visionary individuals, these meetings will continue to provide an annual forum to promote Mid-Atlantic States interactions, with particular emphasis on addressing and hopefully finding workable solutions to similar radiation problems that occur throughout the region.
John Winston and Renee Fizer, having more that meet the criteria for the Outstanding Achievement Award, are recognized as CRCPD members who have assisted the states in the Mid-Atlantic Region in achieving a better understanding of how to interact with one another in achieving the goal of providing protection of the public from unnecessary radiation exposure. The two of them created and successfully pursued "a unique and valuable approach to a better program of radiation protection."
Karen Farris is presented the Board of Directors Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Radiation Protection for her personal effort and significant contribution in attempting to liaison with breast cancer organizations. Karen contacted various breast cancer organizations in an outreach measure to inform them of the CRCPD and how we might provide technical training and statistical information to their organizations.
Joe Klinger is currently the Coordinator of the E-34 Working Group for Unwanted Radioactive Materials. As the Chairperson Joe lead the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors efforts to identify, manage, and properly dispose of unwanted radioactive materials, the so-called “orphan sources.”
Joe's efforts have included lecturing at the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Nuclear Materials Events Database (NMED) training events, as well as coordinating the participation of the E-34 working group members in the training. And Joe continues to coordinate with other federal agencies (such as the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U. S. Department of Energy), the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the states to ensure that the orphan source program is known and used. In this era of heightened national and international concern regarding the potential usage of radioactive materials in terrorist actions, the efforts in recovering unwanted radioactive material have assumed an even more important role in preventing harm from radioactive materials. Joe’s efforts reflect admirably on the CRCPD and on himself previously as the Chairperson and now as the Coordinator of the E-34 Working Group.
was awarded to
Lynne Fairobent was instrumental in the highly successful 2004 National Symposium on Fusion Imaging and Multimodalities organized by the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD). The Board of Directors and staff from the Office of the Executive Director have worked with Lynne for several years and highly value her personal and professional comments on the radiation protection issues of concern to both the American College of Radiology and CRCPD. Her insight into the specialized areas of medical health physics has been invaluable to this organization. As the ACR Liaison to the CRCPD, Lynne continues to provide needed insight concerning the needs and problems of the professional community who use x-ray, fluoroscopy, and CT devices in their daily practices. She is a highly valued member of our Partnership Dedicated to Radiation Protection.
was awarded to
Jill Lipoti, Ph.D.
Jill Lipoti, Ph.D. is commended for setting the standard of excellence as a CRCPD liaison with the American College of Radiology. Under her leadership she has improved CRCPD's relationship with radiologists and medical physicists across the nation. She has been the bridge to improve the communication between CRCPD and ACR.
Her excellent relationship with ACR on behalf of CRCPD brought new productive activities between the two groups, and enhanced the continued support of ACR for NEXT training. Dr. Lipoti truly exemplifies the skills needed to be an effective communicator in a constantly changing environment. Besides being a wonderful role model for other CRCPD members, Dr. Lipoti is a true ambassador for the CRCPD.
was awarded to
Ray Turner is presented the Meritorious Service Award for his invaluable contributions of data, expertise and enlightenment on the scrap metal industry. Through his participation on the E-23 Committee on Resource Recovery and Radioactivity and the E-34 Committee for Unwanted Radioactive Materials he has faithfully shared information that has consistently and considerably enhanced the work of these committees in advancing the concept of a successful alliance between industry, CRCPD, and our federal partners in developing resourceful, acceptable and protective strategies for the detection, legal transport and safe disposition of unexpected radioactive materials found at scrap metal facilities. With no exception, Mr. Turner has been an enthusiastic, faithful and dedicated contributor to each working group in which he has participated. In honoring Mr. Turner with the Board of Directors Meritorious Service Award, we acknowledge him not only as a valuable individual, but as a role model for his faithful and dedicated service in participating as an Advisor to CRCPD working groups.
was awarded to
Those who know Donny Dicharry know him as a licensee, a manufacturer of radiography equipment, an enthusiastic participant and contributor in radiography working groups and committees, and as a friend. Those who know of his involvement in so many different aspects of the radiography business realize the importance his contributions have made in elevating the safety status of an industry once plagued with problems.
The "not-so-good old days" of radiography were characterized by primitive equipment design, weak regulations, no radiographer training and no professional standards. Accidents were many and horrific, but avoidable. Now radiography equipment meets universal safety standards, the regulations are safety oriented and specific, and minimal acceptable radiographer training standards exist, along with safety certification for radiography professionals nationwide.
Regardless of the issue, be it equipment safety, training, procedures, policy and regulation or certification, Donny Dicharry has been involved. He has participated in work groups ranging from ASNT, IAEA, ISO, NRC and CRCPD. He has been an effective and capable representative for ASNT and NDTMA. Yet, it is not only this wide range of groups and organizations that makes his participation noteworthy.
Donny has invested much of his personal time and energy in achieving that vision of a safer radiography industry. His participation in various CRCPD working groups has been marked by a deep understanding of the issues. He is always pushing and tugging at us to look at things a bit differently and exhorts us to challenge the present by changing the future. More often than not, his impeccably logical arguments prevail, always delivered calmly and with a smile. When they do not, he is willing to seek workable compromises and accept practical solutions.
Without Donny's involvement, expert knowledge, practicality, persistence, drive and caring attitude, industrial radiography would be much less safe and far less professional today. He has been a great partner, advisor, and friend to the industry and to the regulators.
was awarded to
Jennifer Elee is recognized for her outstanding leadership as chairperson of the CRCPD Committee on Mammography. Ms. Elee has been a member of this committee since 1997 and chairperson since 1999.
As chairperson, Ms. Elee led the efforts in developing, coordinating and implementing four different mammography training programs, including identifying and working with technical speakers. Mammography continuing education programs were presented in Florida in 2000, Wisconsin in 2002, and California in 2003, and an "MQSA Overview for Supervisors" was presented in Alaska in 2001. In addition, she has provided guidance on mammography issues to the U. S. Food and Drug Administration and the American College of Radiology.
Her leadership skills and her knowledge of mammography have been of great value to the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors and CRCPD's Committee on Mammography. The work accomplished by Ms. Elee has enhanced the role of CRCPD relative to government agencies and the private sector regarding mammography issues.
was awarded to the following individuals:
Steve Collins, Thomas Cardwell, Walter Cofer, Philip Egidi, Robert Goff, Sam Finklea, Charles Simmons, David Bernhardt, James Kennedy, Loren Setlow, and Paul J. Merges, Ph.D.
The Meritorious Service Award is presented to [name of individual] for his commitment and professionalism as chairperson of the Suggested State Regulations Part N working group on Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (TENORM). The working group provided valuable guidance to CRCPD by advancing important revisions to SR-N and incorporating them into the suggested regulation and its implementation guidance.
This particular group of individuals worked steadily at accomplishing their charges, but special recognition is given for their efforts to request, respond to and successfully resolve, to the satisfaction of the Board of Directors, the many suggestions, questions and comments received from federal and state government officials and from interested and affected industry representatives.
Because of the robustness of the working group's research and regulatory analyses, improvements to SR-N and its implementation guidance will become valuable tools for states to use in implementing their own regulatory controls over hazardous TENORM radiation sources.
The 36th National Conference on Radiation Control was May 23-26, 2004, in Bloomington, Minnesota.