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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the value of joining the AAMD?
The AAMD is a proactive organization that represents the Professional Medical Dosimetrist. The organization functions as a non-profit and operates under a charter and by-laws that govern the association. The interest of the Medical Dosimetrist is represented to other organizations allied within the Radiation Oncology field, and the healthcare community, in general, via highly qualified liaisons and the Board of Directors. In addition, the AAMD works to further the profession through public relations, education, various committees, and sponsorship of regional and national seminars and workshops, and in many other ways. Visit the Membership Benefits area of the website to see more information.
What are the dues and where is the money spent? Why can't the dues be lowered?
The membership dues are currently $200.00 US. Like any corporation, be it for profit or not, there is a carefully drawn up budget that balances cash in-flows and expenditures as a cost of doing business. Cash in-flows come from dues and journal advertising and royalty fees. Some of the costs are journal publication, telephone conference calls necessary for the Board and Committees to conduct AAMD business, legal and accounting expenses, supplies and postal expenses, and fees not so obvious such as the web site hosting fees and Internet Domain Name Registration fees to be able to offer you this informational web site. The accounting information is made available to the membership at the Annual Meeting and by request directed to the Treasurer.
What is the relationship between the AAMD and the MDCB?
The AAMD is the association of members that promotes the profession and represents the interests of the Medical Dosimetry professional. The AAMD does not have any governance over any aspect of the CMD exam or credentialing.
The Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) also promotes the profession of Medical Dosimetry by offering a recognized international certification exam. Individuals must meet specific requirements in order to take the exam. Passing the exam enables a Medical Dosimetrist to use the credential CMD after their name.
The AAMD and the MDCB communicate via liaisons and have a good symbiotic relationship. More information about the MDCB can be found on their website: www.mdcb.org.
Where is the AAMD located?
The AAMD has an administrative office and staff to perform many office type duties such as maintenance of mailing lists, printing, copying, mailing, etc. The administrative office also provides services such as managing incoming phone calls and emails, marketing, accounting, maintaining website information, membership renewals, etc. The AAMD Administrative Office contact information is:
AAMD
12100 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 130
Reston, VA 20190
Email: aamd@medicaldosimetry.org
Phone: (703) 234-4063
Fax: (703) 435-4390
How many educational credits do I need to maintain MDCB credentials?
Why do I need educational credits?
Who sponsors these credits? Why doesn't AAMD track CE credits for members like the ASRT does for ARRT?
The AAMD is not responsible for establishing the number of credits needed to maintain certification or to keep track of continuing education credits for CMD's. The AAMD is also not responsible for approving MDCB credits. All questions relating to CMD renewal, continuing education credit maintenance or approval, etc. must be directed to the MDCB at www.mdcb.org.
How do I get CE credits via the AAMD?
Joining the AAMD will provide you with a resource of information on meetings across the U.S. and Internationally. You will also be able to enjoy the benefit of directed journal readings via the AAMD journal. There are regional meetings sponsored by the AAMD as well as the national meeting, which have a lower registration fee as a benefit of membership. The meeting organizers have done all the work for you; all you have to do is attend, gather the proof of attendance at the end of each seminar, and send it to the MDCB when it comes time to declare your credits for the year.
How can I participate in my Professional Organization?
Like any professional organization, much of the work is done by volunteers working on committees. If you have a special interest in a certain area, please contact your regional director or the committee chairperson listed. There is much to be done and your participation is always welcome.
Why are the articles and quizzes published in the journal mostly written by physicists and physicians?
The majority of the articles submitted are written by physicians and physicists. We strongly urge more medical dosimetrists to submit articles. The AAMD has proactively initiated writing/presenting workshops at the regional and annual meetings to help provide tools for medical dosimetrists who want to publish an article or present a lecture.
Why do only certain articles have quizzes associate with them?
The committee reviews all articles appearing in the journal. They choose two that are suitable for developing questions.
Why doesn't AAMD offer insurance discounts or other types of discounts?
We are always looking for ways to enhance benefits by collaborating with other industries to provide additional services to members at a discount.
Does the AAMD conduct a financial audit for the organization?
As discussed at the 2009 annual business meeting, funds were allocated in the 2009-10 fiscal year budget for a full financial audit. The audit is currently being performed by Lutz & Company. Our accountants have been working with Lutz & Company to provide all the necessary information required to perform the audit. I anticipate the audit report to be delivered for the board of director's review in the next few weeks. An audit takes place on a yearly basis.
Are background checks performed on the board of directors?
In order to ensure that the stewards of our organization have the best interest of the AAMD membership, the board of directors has been investigating background checks to be performed on the treasurer. A decision will be made at our mid-year board meeting in January regarding this issue. After a policy and procedure is developed and put into effect, a decision will be made to extend this practice to all board members.
What does the AAMD do to ensure that the organization remains solvent?
In efforts to remain solvent the AAMD contracts with hotels for future annual meetings as well as regional meetings several years in advance. In any hotel contract there are standard cancellation clauses; if for any reason AAMD had to cancel a meeting, we would be required to settle our financial responsibility to that establishment. As a result, the debt that would have been incurred would need to be paid. We do not ever anticipate a cancellation, but we need to have adequate funds available in case this ever happens. Other service providers that the AAMD does business with have cancellation clauses, thus, the board of directors is dedicated in remaining solvent at all times.
What does it cost per member for the AAMD to operate and provide services?
As presented at the 2009 annual business meeting, a cost per member can be reviewed on the AAMD website. Unfortunately, in the past, the dues that were paid per member did not cover the member cost of services and member benefits that the membership asked for. Dues have increased in the last two years, but, as our past president stated, this increase was voted on by the membership in 2008.
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