Inspired by the HBO series Chernobyl, we’re running a series on the biological effects of radiation and its therapeutic uses within radiation oncology. We interview Dr. Greg Thompson, a radiation oncologist (and one of ITB’s earliest supporters) while providing some education on radiation biophysics, answering questions about radiation that you might have after watching the Chernobyl series, and also covering diseases related to ionizing radiation. 
In this first episode, we discuss rad onc as a specialty, explain the nature of ionizing radiation (alpha, beta, gamma anyone?), and breakdown a USMLE practice question that answers the question from the Chernobyl series: why do they talk about giving potassium iodine to those affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. 
02:49 - What is Rad Onc and what do Radiation Oncologists do?
05:35 - How to get into Radiation Oncology
09:49 - ITB's Crowdfunding Campaign (Companion Video here is way funnier)
10:29 - Chernobyl: What Happened?
13:09 - Biology and Physics of Radiation
18:52 - Effects of Radiation (explained by the CDC)
19:10 - Ionizing Radiation
19:52 - Effects of Radiation continued
21:37 - What does the radiation do to them? (From the HBO Series)
22:40 - USMLE Style Question
24:00 - Potassium Iodide - Why give it to people with Radiation exposure?
24:50 - Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Radiation
The No Cost Way to Help ITB this Holiday Season: Shop Amazon with our Affiliate Link  
Check out insidetheboards.com/shop We’ve curated a list of unique items for your holiday party like EKG print toilet paper and anatomical heart coasters. Also, use the link bit.ly/itbamazon to get to Amazon's website. It's free, and for any purchase you make, ITB will get a small commission to help us put the finishing touches on our mobile app.  
Check out all of ITB's Podcasts on our BRAND NEW Website
Sources, Credits, and More Resources
The Real Chernobyl (Sky News Documentary) 
Radiation Basics (Made Simple) from the CDC 
HBO's Chernobyl Series Companion Podcast
HBO's Chernobyl Series Trailer
Thanks to Ike Potter, producer of the ITB Main Podcast, and Christopher Breitigan, ITB's creative director, the executive producer of our Chernobyl series and the genius behind @ITBsides on Twitter.
InsideTheBoards is not affiliated with the NBME, USMLE, COMLEX, NBOME or any professional licensing body. InsideTheBoards and its partners fully adhere to the policies on irregular conduct outlined by the aforementioned credentialing bodies.