Veterinary Health Physics with Cheri Douglas
Introduction
In the world of veterinary radiation oncology, ensuring safety and compliance is just as critical as the treatments themselves. This is where health physicists like Cheri Douglas play a vital role. In this interview, Cheri shares her unique perspective on working with the veterinary team to manage radioactive materials, ensuring that both animals and humans are protected from unnecessary radiation exposure. Her expertise not only bridges the gap between human and veterinary radiation safety but also explores the exciting potential for veterinary treatments to inform advancements in human medicine.
Q: Can you tell us about your role in CAMP and CASE’s veterinary partnership?
I work closely with the veterinary team, particularly in managing the radioactive materials license at the veterinary clinic. My role as a health physicist involves ensuring that all radioactive materials used in treatments are handled safely and in compliance with state and federal regulations. Health physicists are really more focused on the staff and the public, radiation safety wise. Whether working with sick children or pets, my focus remains on protecting those most vulnerable while ensuring the safe use of radiation.
Q: How does radiation safety in veterinary clinics differ from that in human hospitals?
Veterinary clinics don’t have the same level of support or experience with radioactive materials and radiation safety that human hospitals do. Unlike human hospitals, veterinary clinics often lack the same level of regulatory oversight and specialized support, which can lead to gaps in radiation safety practices. My role is to bridge that gap, ensuring that veterinary workers, pet owners, and the public are protected from unnecessary radiation exposure, just as we would do in a human medical setting.
Q: Can you describe a specific treatment process, such as how hyperthyroidism in cats is managed using radioactive materials?
In veterinary medicine, particularly with hyperthyroid cats, we use radioactive iodine to treat the condition of hyperthyroidism. The cats undergoing treatment are required by the federal government to be held for a minimum of four days at the facility, as radioactive iodine is excreted through bodily fluids. The isolation is so that they can be away from humans until they’re at a safer level to go home. My role is to oversee the safety protocols during this period and ensure that everything is in compliance with the regulations.
Another significant part of my role involves understanding the home environments of pet owners to ensure that safety protocols are realistic and can be followed. For example, when we treat cats with radioactive iodine, we need to consider whether the cat sleeps in bed with its owners or has close contact with children. This requires careful planning and clear communication with pet owners to mitigate any risks once the pet returns home.
Q: Have you encountered any significant incidents or challenges while working in veterinary radiation oncology?
In my role, I focus heavily on educating staff and pet owners about radiation safety. When incidents occur, for example if someone is accidentally exposed, it’s crucial to provide clear guidance and reassurance. The situations we are in have inherent risks involved – we do handle radioactive substances. As a health physicist, I immediately assess the exposure, ensure that all proper procedures are followed, and determine the necessary steps to address the incident, including whether it requires reporting to health authorities. My goal is to help people understand the actual risks involved, manage their concerns effectively, and ensure that everyone knows how to proceed safely.
Q: What future potential do you see for veterinary treatments to impact human medicine?
It’s not uncommon actually for a treatment in veterinary medicine to translate to a human medicine. Veterinary medicine often serves as a testing ground for new treatments and isotopes that could eventually be applied to human patients. This translational research is an exciting aspect of veterinary radiation oncology, as it opens up possibilities for advancements in both fields.
Conclusion
Cheri Douglas’s work as a health physicist in veterinary radiation oncology is a testament to the critical role of safety and compliance in medical treatments, whether for humans or animals. Her efforts not only ensure that veterinary clinics maintain the highest standards of radiation safety but also highlight the potential for veterinary treatments to pave the way for innovations in human medicine. By bridging the gap between human and veterinary practices, Cheri is helping to shape a future where both fields benefit from shared knowledge and advancements. Through her dedication, the veterinary radiation oncology field continues to evolve, offering hope and improved outcomes for both pets and their owners.
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