Expanding Responsibilities for Medical Physics in Asia-Oceania and its Essential International Links: The Twin Role of AFOMP and IOMP

The objectives of the International Organization for Medical Physics (IOMP) are to organize international cooperation in medical physics, to contribute to the advancement of medical physics in all its aspects, especially in developing countries; and to encourage and advise on the formation of national organizations of medical physics in those countries that lack such organizations. The objectives of the Asian-Oceania Federation of Medical Physics (AFOMP) are to advance medical physics in our geographic region, especially in those countries that do not yet have national organizations of medical physics. We must focus on the development of AFOMP in science, professional relations, education and training in our geographic areas and to seek funding and support from the IOMP for these activities. Since its formation in 2000, the Asian-Oceania Federation of Medical Physics (AFOMP) has been participating actively in IOMP. Our goal now should be to gain more influence by placing members on various committees of IOMP as well as preparing members for leadership roles at the upper levels. AFOMP is already on the world map of medical physics with the upcoming two world congresses - Sydney and Seoul.