High school students learned the most appropriate shielding method against radiation danger

Within the framework of the “Education Cooperation Protocol” signed between Üsküdar University, Ümraniye District Governorship, and Ümraniye District Directorate of National Education, students from Evliya Çelebi Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School visited Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) Nuclear Technology and Radiation Safety, Medical Imaging Techniques, and Radiotherapy Programs. During the event, students were informed about radiation types and protection methods, and practically experienced shielding methods through different scenarios with the “Choose Your Shield!” game. X-ray and mammography devices were introduced within the scope of Medical Imaging Techniques, and information about imaging processes was provided. Within the scope of the Radiotherapy Program, treatment processes and the protection of healthy tissues were discussed, and how the radiation's effect on healthy tissues is limited was demonstrated practically using an MLC model and a lung CT image. 

The educational program held at Üsküdar University Çarşı Campus received intense interest. 

They learned the most appropriate shielding method against radiation danger

In the workshop conducted by the instructors of the Nuclear Technology and Radiation Safety Program, Assoc. Prof. Feride Kulalı Özdek and Instructor Dilek Aker, students were informed about radiation types and radiation protection methods.

Following the briefing, students participated in the “Choose Your Shield!” radiation protection game, selecting the most appropriate shielding method through scenarios involving different radiological hazards, thereby symbolically protecting themselves from radiation.

At the end of the event, it was observed that students gained awareness regarding the sensitivity of tissues and organs to radiation and were successful in selecting the correct shielding material.

Imaging techniques were explained practically

Within the scope of the workshop, Instructor Elif Ebru Altunsoy Güçlü, Head of Medical Imaging Techniques Program, gave an informative presentation on the use of radiation in medical imaging. During the event, X-ray and mammography devices in the Radiological Applications laboratory were introduced, and imaging techniques were demonstrated practically. 

The basic principles of radiotherapy were discussed

The workshop conducted by the Radiotherapy Program was led by Instructor Selen Ener. In this context, the use of radiation in the field of treatment and the basic principles of radiotherapy were discussed. The purpose of radiotherapy, the methods used in the treatment process, and the importance of protecting healthy tissues were shared with the students. 

In the application carried out using the prepared multi-leaf collimator (MLC) model and a contoured lung computed tomography image of a tumor volume, critical organs around the tumor were defined, and it was practically demonstrated how MLC leaves adapt to the tumor shape to limit the radiation dose to healthy tissues. 

Both an educational and enjoyable experience…

Thanks to the workshops, high school students had both an educational and enjoyable experience, and at the end of the event, they expressed their satisfaction and thanked the academics who contributed.