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. View additional membership benefits.

What are the dues and where is the money spent? Why can't the dues be lowered?
The membership dues are currently $230.00 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) 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:

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, and with proof of attendance at the end of each seminar, the AAMD will notify the MDCB 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. View volunteer opportunities.

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.

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 performs a background check on the treasurer.

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.