Internal dose following a major nuclear war.

The PATHWAY model results were used, in conjunction with a hypothetical major nuclear attack on the U.S., to arrive at the ratio of internal to external dose for humans from early (48 h) fallout. Considered were the four nuclides (137Cs, 89Sr, 90Sr, 131I) that account for most of the reconstructed whole-body committed equivalent dose from internal radiation in people who lived downwind of the Nevada Test Site during atmospheric tests. Effects of climate perturbations (the "nuclear winter" effect) on food crops were considered. These could increase internal dose estimates, depending on the severity of the climate perturbations. Internal and external doses to humans for 10 locations within the U.S. have been calculated, with varying local conditions and varying assumption about their shelters. The estimated 50-y internal dose commitment ranged from 0.0-0.17 Sv, the 48-h external dose from 0.15-4.6 Sv. The resultant ratios of internal to external committed dose received in the first months (until food transport was restored) varied from less than 0.01 to about 0.2. In all cases examined, the total dose from early fallout was found to be dominated by the external dose.     

Physicians'' attitudes toward patient education on nuclear war

A pilot survey was conducted to determine self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of physicians with regard to educating patients on the medical consequences of nuclear war. Two groups were sampled: a group of physicians who had expressed interest in patient education on nuclear issues, and a group of randomly selected family practitioners. The majority of respondents from both groups felt that patient education on this subject was important, yet only 37 and 8% of the respective groups had done anything to inform their patients. Physicians require more information and motivation as to the importance and appropriateness in the clinical setting of raising their concerns about the threat of nuclear war.     

An international survey of medical school programmes on nuclear war

Many medical organizations have acknowledged the responsibility of doctors to educate health professionals and the public about the medical, social and ecological consequences of nuclear war. Medical schools have begun the development of programmes on these topics. A total of 1130 medical schools in thirty-one countries were surveyed about their presentation of nuclear-war-related subject matter. Eighty-three (49%) of the 168 schools that responded indicated that they offered an activity on medical aspects of nuclear war. Thirty-two per cent of the programmes consisted of one or more hours in an existing required course. Twelve per cent offered an elective course solely concerned with nuclear war. Although only 15% of the schools responded many of the replies indicated interest in learning more about the programmes of other schools and inquired if curriculum or teaching materials were available. Through the survey it was learned that textbooks and other learning resources have been prepared. Survey information suggests that knowledge of nuclear weapons effects is associated with a reluctance to countenance nuclear war.     

Student views of research training programmes in medical schools

Medical Education 2011: 45 : 748–755 Context Research activity is not a mandatory component of medical education in many developing countries, including Brazil, although such experiences can have a positive impact on the quality of medical education. The interest and involvement of medical students in research and the barriers they face in accessing research training in developing countries have not been adequately addressed. Objectives We sought to assess the availability of scientific training programmes in Brazilian medical schools, the degree of involvement of medical students in these programmes, the main barriers to student involvement in research and possible reasons for the lack of scientific training programmes. Methods This study examined 13 medical programmes conducted in six Brazilian states. A total of 1004 medical students were interviewed. We evaluated the availability of scientific training in the institutions attended by these students, the participation of the students in such activities and students’ reasons for not joining such programmes based on student answers to our questionnaire. Results Although only 7% of the medical students expressed no interest in research, only 60% of them were involved in research training. Students regarded a lack of institutional incentive as the most significant barrier to their participation in research activities. Other significant barriers included defective infrastructure and insufficient time available for professors to mentor undergraduate students. According to the feedback from the students, eight of the 13 schools investigated featured structured programmes for scientific training. However, a mean of only 47% of students participated in scientific training programmes on their campuses and 13% of students were compelled to pursue such activities off‐campus. Conclusions Although scientific training during medical education in Brazil is still less frequent than expected, most of the students were interested in research activities. The barriers to undergraduate scientific training described in this paper may help the Brazilian government improve research training in medical schools. These issues might also be explored in other developing countries.