CMD study plan
CMD · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Medical Dosimetry (domain list not enumerated in source)
Map the full CMD content outline into a written topic inventory covering treatment planning fundamentals, dose calculation, and delivery techniques
Define and memorize the core vocabulary of external beam planning: GTV, CTV, PTV, OAR, PRV, and margin concepts
Explain how CT simulation setup, immobilization, and patient positioning influence downstream dose distribution
Solve 10 basic monitor unit and PDD/TMR-style calculation problems by hand without references
Your checkpoint
A one-page concept map linking simulation, imaging, target delineation, and dose calculation, plus a scored 10-problem calculation worksheet
Medical Dosimetry (domain list not enumerated in source)
Compare photon and electron interaction mechanisms and identify which dominate in clinical energy ranges
Derive and apply the inverse square law, percentage depth dose, and tissue-air ratio relationships to sample cases
Distinguish between fixed-field, conformal, and arc delivery in terms of dosimetric tradeoffs
Calculate equivalent square fields and apply output factor corrections to 10 practice setups
Your checkpoint
A formula sheet with worked examples for every calculation type, validated against 10 self-graded problems at 90% or better accuracy
Medical Dosimetry (domain list not enumerated in source)
Describe the structure and function of a treatment planning system, including beam modeling and commissioning data requirements
Explain heterogeneity correction algorithms and predict when they change dose by more than a few percent
Interpret dose-volume histograms and evaluate plan quality against common planning constraints
Identify sources of uncertainty in planning and rank them by clinical impact
Your checkpoint
A written plan evaluation of one annotated DVH scenario with a constraint-by-constraint pass/fail table and rationale
Medical Dosimetry (domain list not enumerated in source)
Break down IMRT and VMAT planning into objective functions, optimization, and sequencing steps
Explain quality assurance testing for plans, machines, and patient-specific verification
Relate dose calculation accuracy, delivery accuracy, and clinical tolerance to overall treatment uncertainty
Complete a timed 40-question mixed-topic practice set under exam conditions
Your checkpoint
A timed practice exam score report with an error log categorizing every miss by topic and cause
Medical Dosimetry (domain list not enumerated in source)
Apply site-specific planning principles for head and neck, breast, lung, and prostate cases
Select appropriate beam arrangements, energies, and techniques for each site based on anatomy and target geometry
Justify organ-at-risk sparing priorities using published tolerance concepts rather than memorized numbers alone
Draft a comparison of plan tradeoffs for two competing techniques in one site
Your checkpoint
A site-by-site planning summary table covering four disease sites with technique, energy, beam arrangement, and key constraints
Medical Dosimetry (domain list not enumerated in source)
Explain brachytherapy source calibration, dose specification systems, and decay corrections
Differentiate temporary and permanent implant dosimetry and identify the governing dose-rate considerations
Apply shielding and radiation protection principles to treatment room design and workload calculations
Solve 8 mixed brachytherapy and shielding numerical problems
Your checkpoint
A worked problem set on brachytherapy decay and shielding with fully shown steps and a self-assessed answer key
Medical Dosimetry (domain list not enumerated in source)
Review special procedures including TBI, TSEI, SRS/SBRT, and motion management strategies
Identify the dosimetric and geometric requirements that distinguish stereotactic from conventional delivery
Diagnose common planning and delivery errors from described clinical scenarios
Re-drill every missed item from the week 4 practice exam until each is answered correctly with reasoning
Your checkpoint
A corrected error log with a written explanation for each previously missed item and a repeat score showing improvement
Medical Dosimetry (domain list not enumerated in source)
Consolidate all formula sheets, tables, and error logs into a single review document
Complete two full-length timed practice exams and compare scores against the week 4 baseline
Verbalize the reasoning behind the 25 highest-risk concepts without notes
Build a final 48-hour review checklist prioritized by weakest measured topics
Your checkpoint
A final readiness report with both practice exam scores, a ranked weak-topic list, and a 48-hour review checklist
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 90% on the self-graded calculation worksheet and reproduce the formula sheet from memory in under 10 minutes
Week 4: Complete the timed 40-question mixed set with a recorded score and a fully categorized error log; no topic may remain unclassified
Week 6: Demonstrate correct setup and final answer on at least 7 of 8 brachytherapy and shielding problems without consulting notes
Week 8: Achieve a higher score on both full-length practice exams than the week 4 baseline, with every weak topic on the checklist traced to a specific missed item