Angela Leek, CHP is the radiation control program director for the Iowa Department of Public Health where she is responsible for the licensing and inspection activities for all aspects of radiation producing machines and radioactive materials within Iowa, as well as for dose assessment and primary technical guidance for radiation emergency preparedness and response. She actively supports the development of training and presentations for various groups across the nation on radiation protection, regulatory control program perspectives, and emergency preparedness and response. Her most significant efforts in these areas are supporting the FEMA CBRN Office in management of the Radiological Operations Support Specialist (ROSS) program.

Angela served as the Chairperson for the Conference for Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD) through May 2022 and will be joining the Health Physics Society Board of Directors in July 2022. She is Iowa’s governor-appointed state liaison officer to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, is Iowa’s voting member for the Organization of Agreement States, and maintains active memberships with organizations across all aspects of radiation protection including the Health Physics Society. Angela has been involved in the radiation field for over 25 years and is certified by the American Board of Health Physics. She earned her Master’s degree in Radiation Health Physics from Oregon State University and is currently working on her PhD at Iowa State University.

Radiation and Nursing Care Session Description – This presentation will outline the fundamentals of radiation dose and risk as it relates to patient care during a radiation incident. The goal is to provide nursing staff with a basic understanding of the screening, decontamination, and treatment measures that may be considered for patients with contamination or exposure from radiation. We will also provide information what radiation subject matter resources are available to assist throughout an emergency and how to access them.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand radiation fundamentals of dose and risk specific to patient care in a radiation incident.
2. Understand the types of radiation exposure or contamination may be present in patients presenting at a medical facility and what radiation SME resources are available for assistance.
3. Understand basic screening, decontamination, and treatment measures that may be considered for patients with contamination or exposure from radiation

 

Radiation Response Network Session Description – An understanding of the radiation aspects of an incident requires specialized assets and tools to assess the radiation risk and determine appropriate public protections and patient care. This session will outline these radiation specific assets and tools, and offer suggestions for incorporating these into plans to promote a common operating picture and effective response across all jurisdictions.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the key planning considerations for radiation incident response.
2. Understand how to incorporate specialized radiation assets and tools into plans to facilitate effective radiation risk assessment and situational awareness.
3. Understand how to coordinate across jurisdictions to share resources and information to enable a common operating picture