Interview with Dr.Napapong Pongnapang. B.Sc. (RT), M.Sc., Ph.D

 Dr.Napapong Pongnapang. B.Sc. (RT), M.Sc., Ph.D, Regional Director for Asia/Australasia Region for ISRRT

                Dr. Napapong Pongnapang is an assistant professor and the director for Master of Sciences degree program in Radiological Technology at the Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Radiological Technology from Mahidol University in 1994. He holds a Master’s degree in medical physics from the same institute in 1996. He attended the University Of Texas Graduate School Of Biomedical Sciences in San Antonio, Texas, USA and received his doctoral degree in Radiology- Medical Physics in 2002.

Napapong’s professional expertise includes; physics measurements in radiology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, operational heath physics and radiography education.

He holds dual professional qualifications as a licensed professional radiographer and a medical physicist. In Thailand, Napapong is a member of the Radiological Technologist professional practice committee, the Ministry of Public Health. He is very active in radiography profession practice and education in Thailand and in Asia region. Napapong has been invited to teach in number of universities/institutes in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan and Laos.

He is currently a reviewer for numbers of journals including Australasian Physical & Engineering Sciences in Medicine, the Asian Journal of Radiology, Biomedical Imaging and Intervention Journal and the Thai Journal of Radiological Technology

Napapong has been involved with international organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as he is an IAEA expert in diagnostic radiological physics since 2009. He is currently the Regional Director for Asia/Australasia Region for the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT). He was also involved in the set up of a Diploma program in radiography in Laos under the World Health Organization (WHO) funded project.

Recently he visited Thiruvanthapuram, Kerala as part of ISRRT official Trip. He had partaken the launching of ISRT benevolent fund. Mr. Rajesh Kesavan, Secretary- ISRT Public Relegations talked him for ALARA about professional aspects of Radiological Technologists and related matters.

v      What is the role of professional organizations, especially ISRRT for imparting education and Training in Radiology?

It is one of the major roles that the ISRRT put emphasis on education and training in radiography. Through the budget allocated, we have run many educational activities worldwide.

v      As the regional Director Asia-Australia for ISRRT what’s your duties and responsibilities?

 My duties involve promoting professional activities related to the profession in the region. I also asssist the regional vice president in all activities such as the collaboration with the WHO

v      Where do radiology stand  in the next 5 years?

 I see radiology will progress toward digital world and we will see core extended roles of radiographers. 

v      Does radiological Technologist need to concentrate on research?

Sure, it's part of the professional practice 

v      In your opinion what are the Professional role of radiographers in general?

Our roles include patient care, technical and clinical responsibilities, research and inter-professional relation

v      Do you agree with the argument that radiographers will have an extended role? Explain?

This depends on the situation in each country. If you have enough number of radiologist or physicists, then we will have to limit our role to what specify by law.  In the opposite way, then we see extended roles. Anyway, in my opinion, I still see more roles based on our practice that can be extended or improved.

v      How the role development must benefit the service?

Well, the main aim of the practice is to the benefit of the patients. 

v      What are the qualities of a good radiographer?

 I think this depends on the quality of care we deliver to patients

v      As the Regional Director Asia-Australia for ISRRT what is your opinion/view about Radiography education in India?

 I m not that familiar of your education system but I see you are trying very hard to improve it to meet international standards

v      Can you tell more about the ongoing activities of ISRRT in India?

India is part of the ISRRT. Now we have number of activities available online for members.  Also we offer research fund and funding to attend the world congress. 

v      What do you think are the main issues for Radiographers & Radiologic Technologists?

Standard of education and professional practice

v      Have you heard about ISRT and its actives earlier?

Yes, through information you sent to us

v      As a professional educator and International faculty in this field what is your perspective about radiography career?

         I see the career moves toward the standard of practice with quality of                                                patient care and recognition by the government bodies.