Diagnostic Physics

Directed by John B. Weaver, Ph.D., the Clinical Physics Division continues to satisfy the quality control, regulatory, and radiation safety requirements of the Radiology Department, including ACR accreditation for the mammography center and the MR section, and inspections by the State of New Hampshire and the FDA. The quality of our safety programs is evidenced by the compliments we have received during annual inspections of the radiographic units and the mammography center. For special cases, such as for pregnant patients, doses from specific procedures are calculated.
Radiation Safety Computed tomography (CT) involves significant exposure to X-rays, a source of ionizing radiation. All forms of ionizing radiation, whether naturally-occurring or as part of a CT exam, carry some degree of potential health risk. While these risks must never be ignored, they must also be seen in perspective—and in general, and when performed appropriately, the medical value of CT imaging far outweighs the known risk. Protecting patient safety by careful assessment and minimization of radiation risks is an essential part of our practice. You may learn more about issues and controversies in medical imaging, as well as what we do to protect patient safety, at our radiation safety page.
Teaching Dr. Weaver teaches diagnostic physics to radiology residents to satisfy that essential part of their residency requirements. Dr. Weaver also teaches parts of an introductory biomedical engineering course and a bioinformatics course at Thayer School of Engineering. In addition, he presents radiation safety lectures and teaches a board preparation course and a biennial course on the physics of imaging for cardiology fellows.
Research Research in radiological physics has been very productive. Dr. Weaver is working in several multidisciplinary groups that include faculty from the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College and the Department of Radiology (see Physics Research).
Staff John Weaver, Ph.D., Director

Radiation Safety