August 01, 2012
Radiologic sciences faculty members earn honor
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Two faculty members in Southern Illinois University Carbondale's radiologic sciences program are being recognized for a peer-reviewed article on treating breast cancer patients.
Scott Collins, an associate professor and program director, and Richard C. McKinnies, an assistant professor in radiation therapy, recently earned the 2012 Harold Silverman Distinguished Author Award from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
McKinnies and Collins won the award that recognizes the best peer-reviewed articles published in ASRT journals. Their article, "Comparing Critical Structure Dose: Prone vs. Supine Breast Treatments," appeared in the fall 2011 issue of "Radiation Therapist."
The study involved a comparison showing advantages of breast cancer patients lying face down when receiving radiation treatments rather than lying on their back. The study consisted of 25 patients treated over a two-year period, McKinnies said.
McKinnies and Collins concluded that for physicians who are concerned about the amount of lung included within the treatment field, having patients lying face down is a "feasible treatment modification to reduce the radiation exposure to a patient’s lungs," according to the ASRT.
The Silverman Award honors radiation therapist Harold Silverman, an advocate for accrediting radiation therapy programs, according the organization.
"It is a real honor to receive the Harold Silverman Distinguished Author award, as only one peer-reviewed article is eligible for this award each year within our field," McKinnies said. "We would also like to say thank you to the Silverman family for allowing us to be part of this special honor."
The radiologic sciences program is part of the School of Allied Health with the University’s College of Applied Sciences and Arts.