IMPLEMENTATION AND OPTIMISATION OF MEDICAL PHYSICS EDUCATION AND MENTORSHIP IN GEORGIA

Abstract

The growing complexity of radiation-based medical technologies has increased the need for highly qualified medical physicists capable of ensuring radiation safety, quality assurance, and effective clinical implementation of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This review examines international approaches to medical physics education and mentorship and discusses their relevance to the development of medical physics training in Georgia. International recommendations developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), International Organisation for Medical Physics (IOMP), European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics (EFOMP), and American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) emphasise competency-based education, structured clinical training, mentorship, and continuing professional development as essential components of professional preparation. These principles provide an important framework for countries seeking to strengthen their medical physics workforce. Current challenges in Georgia include limited educational pathways, insufficient structured clinical training opportunities, and a shortage of qualified medical physicists. At the same time, ongoing modernisation of radiation medicine, increasing access to advanced technologies, and growing international collaboration create favourable conditions for educational development. A national framework is proposed that integrates academic education, clinical training, mentorship, research activities, and continuing professional development. The proposed approach aims to support workforce sustainability, improve radiation safety, strengthen quality assurance practices, and contribute to the continued advancement of healthcare services in Georgia.