Radiation Protection for Vascular Surgeons

Introduction 

Radiation plays a central role in modern vascular surgery. It enables real-time imaging that underpins many endovascular and interventional procedures. However, clinicians must balance these benefits against risks to patients, staff, and the public. Therefore, vascular surgeons need a strong theoretical grounding in radiation protection. This knowledge fulfils both professional and legal responsibilities under UK law.

The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IR(ME)R 2017) define clear obligations for clinicians who use ionising radiation. Vascular surgeons frequently rely on fluoroscopy and other imaging modalities. As a result, they must understand how to apply these regulations in daily practice. They also need to make informed decisions that minimise radiation exposure for patients and teams.

To support this requirement, the Radiation Protection for Vascular Surgeons elearning programme delivers focused theoretical training. In addition, it guides surgeons toward further learning in radiation safety beyond the programme itself.

Developed by: This programme was developed by the British Institute of Radiology and the Vascular Society in partnership with NHS England’s elearning for healthcare, combining specialist expertise in radiation science and vascular surgery to ensure the content meets the requirements of current UK regulatory frameworks.

Who is This Radiation Protection for Vascular Surgeons Course for?

• Vascular surgery trainees who are required to develop a working knowledge of radiation protection principles as part of their specialist training and regulatory compliance
• Experienced vascular surgeons who want to consolidate or update their understanding of radiation safety obligations under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017
• Interventional vascular surgeons who are looking to develop a more structured approach to minimising radiation exposure for staff and patients during fluoroscopy-guided procedures
• Surgical trainees rotating through vascular specialties who seek a reliable introduction to the radiation safety requirements relevant to their practice
• Vascular surgery departments internationally who want to align their radiation protection training with UK regulatory standards and best practice
• Clinical leads and training supervisors in vascular surgery who seek a consistent, regulation-aligned resource to support their trainees’ radiation safety education

Features

• Delivers the theoretical knowledge required by the UK’s Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IR(ME)R 2017), ensuring regulatory alignment for vascular surgery practice
• Addresses radiation safety considerations for staff, patients, and the public, providing a comprehensive perspective on the responsibilities of vascular surgeons
• Developed in collaboration with both the British Institute of Radiology and the Vascular Society, ensuring content is grounded in both radiation science and vascular surgical practice
• Signposts further learning pathways for those seeking to deepen their understanding of radiation protection beyond the scope of the programme
• Bitesize module format with progress tracking, allowing learners to access sessions in any order and study flexibly around surgical training and clinical commitments

For institutional purchases or bulk licenses of our online medical courses, please contact us.