Therapeutic radiation physics. A review of developments in Sweden

Therapeutic radiology was initially based purely on clinical experience. Radiation physics was introduced in Sweden when Rolf M. Sievert started the "Radiumhemmet Physics Laboratory" in 1920. Dosimetry standards, in vivo dosimetry, brachyradium techniques, teleradium therapy and radiation protection were areas for development. After world war II there has been a continuous expansion of the profession due to the introduction of high energy accelerators for photon and electron therapy and artificial radionuclides. Hospital physicists are responsible for the performance of advanced equipment, design and use of beaming shaping devices, and computer systems for treatment planning and verification. Swedish physicists have been engaged in the international organizations for radiation dosimetry (ICRU) and radiation protection (ICRP), in activities by IAEA, WHO, and UNSCEAR. The international cooperation in hospital physics and radiation protection has been initiated and promoted by Swedish physicists.