Attending the 24th Asia-Oceania Congress of Medical Physics (AOCMP) and the 22nd Southeast Asia Congress of Medical Physics (SEACOMP) from October 10th to 13th, 2024, at The Wembley – A St Giles Hotel in Penang, Malaysia, was a true honor. This prestigious event brought together over 500 professionals from radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, radiology, radiation protection, and biomedical engineering, creating an active forum for sharing knowledge and collaboration.
The theme, “Revolutionising Patient Care Through Medical Physics,” set the tone, with inspiring talks from leaders like Prof. Dr. Eva Bezak, Prof. Dr. Chai Hong Yeong, and Prof. Dr. John Damilakis, who reminded us of the vital role medical physics plays in patient safety and care, driven by technology and collaboration across fields.
The conference offered a rich scientific program with highlights like the plenary sessions on proton and heavy ion therapy, AI in medicine, and theragnostics. The Monte Carlo Workshop, led by experts Tatsuhiko Sato and Hiroshi Iwase, was a particular highlight, providing a hands-on look at radiation safety and treatment planning techniques.
A personal highlight was presenting my poster and receiving valuable feedback from peers and experts. These interactions and the networking opportunities allowed me to connect with researchers worldwide who are equally passionate about advancing patient care through medical physics. Receiving the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) AOCMP SEACOMP 2024 Travel Grant made this experience possible, and I am grateful to have been one of the selected awardees, enabling me to engage deeply with leaders in the field.
Beyond the science, the event provided a vibrant cultural exchange. The Gala Dinner, with its traditional attire and performances, and the informal gatherings with other attendees, enriched the experience, blending diverse backgrounds and ideas.
Participating in AOCMP-SEACOMP 2024 has strengthened my commitment to medical physics. This conference underscored the transformative impact of our work on patient care, and I look forward to applying what I have learned as we continue to innovate and improve lives worldwide.