Amy L Herman 1

Professional Service
September 6,2019

Professional Service-Learning Journal

Roswell Park Radiation Oncology host a yearly regional American Association of

Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD) meeting in Niagra Falls, NY. With the location being only a
couple hours away from my hometown, I have had the pleasure of attending this meeting many
times. I decided this event would be the perfect opportunity for me to get my volunteer service
in for this semester. On September 6th myself as well as my co-workers and classmates Nathan
and Neil attended the conference as volunteers. When we arrived, we were surprised to see two
other classmates from out of town volunteering as well. I was introduced to Madeline and
Makelle who are also currently enrolled in our program. I was also surprised to see an old friend
and fellow student, Bobby Inshetski. He joined the meeting not only as an attendee but the
AAMD president. It was nice to share our experiences with the University of Wisconsin program
and enlighten each other on what we are currently working on.

Once we settled in Nathan and I were given a tour by Denise Hammell, the meeting
director, showing us all the behind the scenes of the meeting. We were able to see how much
work goes into hosting a meeting for the AAMD. Denise informed us that we would oversee
bringing microphones to attendees that had questions for the presenters. After each session
ended, we would walk the microphones around the room to allow fellow dosimetrists and
therapist could ask their questions. To my surprise, there were a lot more questions and
comments from the audience than I thought there would be. It was very interesting to hear
different planning techniques from other peers. I really learned a lot from the presenters, as well
as the group discussions that followed each session.

During the meeting, Nathan and I were asked to help with attendance as well. Each
participant received a digital bracelet that would be used to track their CE credits. We would
walk around the room scanning each attendee’s bracelet to mark them present at that session.
This job was very important because we needed to make sure everyone present was accounted
for so they would receive their credits for that session. When we finished scanning everyone,
were able to stay for each presentation to obtain CE credits of our own.

During the conference it is always good to be able to visit with the venders. This year
there were 16 vendors at the meeting. We were able to spend some time checking out all the
Amy L Herman 2
Professional Service
September 6,2019

different exhibitors. Among the vendors was a new skin lotion for patient care. I used it on
myself to see how well it worked. I liked it so much I brought samples back to our nursing staff
to see if they would be interested in implementing this product in our clinic. I also enjoyed
connecting with the representatives, some of them I have spoken to on the phone in the past. It
was nice to be able to meet them in person.

One of my favorite parts to this conference and other meetings is networking with my
peers. It is always interesting to hear about different clinics and discover how their departments
run. Over the past 18 years I have had the honor of meeting many new fellow dosimetrists and
therapist. I thoroughly enjoy being able to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones as well.

My volunteering experience at the AAMD meeting was very satisfying. I look forward to
attending next year; but I think I will ask about helping again. The Roswell Park Radiation
Oncology staff put a lot of work and dedication into the conference to make it a great success.
Amy L Herman 3
Professional Service
September 6,2019

Madeline, Nathan, Makelle , Neil and I at the AAMD regional meeting, Niagra Falls, NY

Bobby, Nathan, Neil and I outside AAMD regional meeting, Niagra Falls, NY