Radiation Optimization and Safety

This umbrella project brings together several interrelated studies led by the Medical Physics research team at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center. The collective aim is to enhance radiation safety and optimize medical imaging and therapeutic practices across patient and staff populations.

The first research stream focuses on the establishment of national and institutional Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) and the optimization of imaging parameters to minimize radiogenic cancer risks in medical applications. The second investigates occupational exposure and eye lens dosimetry among nuclear medicine and interventional staff, addressing the growing evidence linking chronic low-dose exposure to radiation-induced cataracts. The third component evaluates repetitive radiation exposure and cancer risk in disabled patients, an often-overlooked group with frequent imaging needs and unique anatomical and procedural challenges. Together, these studies form an integrated framework to support safer, evidence-based practices in diagnostic and therapeutic radiology. Outcomes are expected to guide national radiation protection policies, strengthen patient-centered care, and reinforce the hospital’s leadership in advancing research-driven optimization of medical radiation use.