MEIR Course
MEDICAL EFFECTS OF IONIZING RADIATION COURSE
The Medical Effects of Ionizing Radiation (MEIR) Course is post-graduate level instruction concerning the biomedical consequences of radiation exposure, how the effects can be reduced, and how to medically manage casualties. The training includes nuclear incidents that can occur on or off the battlefield and that go beyond nuclear weapons events. It covers thoroughly all four of the key subjects: health physics, biological effects of radiation, medical/health effects, and psychological effects.
Course length—From January to June 2024, the MEIR course will consist of pre-course asynchronous lecture set (approximately 4.5 hours) to be completed prior to the live MEIR course, which will be a 2 days course. This course utilizes Google Drive/Documents, so we recommend using a personal computer/device to access all materials and also consider bringing this to the live course.
Virtual Learning (VL) Course—Starting in July 2024, we will begin a virtual learning MEIR course that will be conducted through the Canvas Learning Management System. The course will offer approximately 40 CE hours of synchronous and asynchronous contents over 5 days (about 8 hours per day). We encourage students to request for TDY or leave for all 5 days. There will be components that are considered homework or classwork during those 5 days. It will also be available on ATRRS for enlisted Army personnel promotional credits (instructions for ATRSS will be sent out at least one week prior to the course). The course will be free for DOD personnel. The VL course will be offered quarterly and replace most live MEIR courses globally. The first VL course will be on 22-26 July 2024. Deadline to register is 15 Apr 2024.
Who should participate—The in-person MEIR Course provides valuable information for military medical personnel, including physicians, nurses, medical planners, and first responders.
Course content—The postgraduate-level course addresses the following topics:
- Fundamentals of ionizing radiation
- Ionizing radiation interactions with cells and organs
- Diagnosis and treatment of acute radiation syndrome and combined injuries
- Psychological effects of radiation exposure
- Internal radiation contamination
- Radiological defense
- Radioprotection
- Hazards of ionizing radiation
- Radiation pathology
- Human exposure resulting from radiation accidents
- Consequences of nuclear weapons detonation
- Nuclear accident response by government organizations
course instructors
Click on the link below to view the course instructors information and Organizations that we work with at AFRRI. The links are to Google Forms, which may not be accessible from a government computer.
SCHEDULE
FY2024
Click on the link below to view the course schedule and agenda. The links are to Google Forms, which may not be accessible from a government computer. New courses are updated regularly in the MEIR Schedule for FY 2024 list. The Course Agenda contains the standard schedule.
Virtual learning - FY2024
REGISTRATION
Click on the link below to register. The links are to Google Forms, which may not be accessible from a government computer. Registration can easily be accomplished from a personal computer or phone. If you encounter issues when registering with the Google Form please contact us at meir_mail-ggg@usuhs.edu.
*****Please use a personal device and NOT a military computer/account to access the links.*****
FY 24 Registration Link (via Google Forms)
Registration for the Virtual Learning Course in July 22-26, 2024 is now CLOSED.
Please note that the MEIR course taught at Defense Nuclear Weapons School (DNWS) is a 5 day course which include additional operational training and a field exercise. Registration for these courses is completed through the DNWS website https://dnws.dtra.mil. If you experience any issues with registration for a DNWS course, please contact the registrar at dtra.kirtland.ne.mbx.dnws-registrar@mail.mil.
COURSE MATERIAL
Click on the link below for the course material. The links are to Google Forms, which may not be accessible from a government computer. The link is password protected. The password is in the Welcome Letter that will be emailed to you at least one week prior to the start of the course. Please note that all materials are the property of AFRRI MEIR Course and should not be distributed without permission. Please do not share the course materials with personnel that have not attended the MEIR Course.
*****Please use a personal device and NOT a military computer/account to access the links.*****
MEIR Course Lectures (PDF) - password protected (password in Welcome Letter)
COURSE HOST REQUEST
General Information
Currently, the MEIR course is taught by a Mobile Training Team (MTT) of two instructors over a period of 2 days. From January to June 2024, the MEIR course will consist of pre-course asynchronous lecture set (approximately 4.5 hours) to be completed prior to the live MEIR course, which will be a 2 days course.
Courses are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. The MEIR course is a training requirement for many DoD units. Requesting installations/units agree to allow non-tenant personnel (HRF, CERFP, CST, etc.) to attend the course. Exceptions may be made by the MEIR Director in special circumstances. Due to timing constraints, we can only support 5 CERFP courses per fiscal year.
Virtual Learning (VL) Course—Starting in July 2024, we will begin a virtual learning MEIR course that will be conducted through the Canvas Learning Management System. The course will offer approximately 40 CE hours of synchronous and asynchronous contents over 5 days (about 8 hours per day). We encourage students to request for TDY or leave for all 5 days. There will be components that are considered homework or classwork during those 5 days. It will also be available on ATRRS for enlisted Army personnel promotional credits (instructions for ATRSS will be sent out at least one week prior to the course). The course will be free for DOD personnel. The VL course will be offered quarterly and replace most live MEIR courses globally. The first VL course will be on 22-26 July 2024. Deadline to register is 15 Apr 2024.
Requirements (for live course)
An MTT may be scheduled at installations/units that meet the following conditions:
25 student minimum for CONUS course. 30 student minimum for OCONUS course.
Reserve/National Guard units or other units that fund the MTT's travel are not subject to the attendance minimum.
Suitable teaching area with writing space for students(classroom, theater, lecture hall, etc.)
Audio/Video capability and internet access available in the teaching area
Designated host facility Point of Contact (POC) for further coordination
Request made at least two months in advance
Funding
Active Duty Installations/Units—The MEIR course is funded by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs when hosted by active duty military installations/units. DoD military personnel, DoD civilians, National Guard personnel and allied military personnel are authorized to take the course free of charge. Civilians and contractors, may also attend for free, but only if there are open seats after all others have been seated.
National Guard Installations/Units—When the MEIR course is hosted by National Guard installations/units or the primary audience will be National Guard personnel, the hosting installation/unit must fund the MTT's travel. The host site has the option to restrict which students may attend or allow all qualified personnel to attend. The student minimum criterion does not apply in this case.
Other Installations/Agencies—Federal and state government agencies may request the MEIR course, but will be responsible for all course-related expenses. Please contact the MEIR Director for additional information.
Request to Host a MEIR Course
Please send an email to meir_mail-ggg@usuhs.edu to request a MEIR course.
Host Request FAQ
Are you able to teach the MEIR Course at OCONUS facilities?
Yes. Please contact the MEIR Director for further information at meir_mail-ggg@usuhs.edu.
Can the length of the MEIR Course be changed?
Only under special circumstances will the course be adjusted to installation/unit requests. Please contact the MEIR Director for additional details.
How can I request funding from AFRRI for student travel?
AFRRI does not fund travel for students. Students must seek funding for travel costs from their chain of command.
How far in advance do I need to submit my request to host the MEIR Course?
Please submit your requests at least two months before the start date of your anticipated class. Course dates are reserved on a first-come/first-serve basis. It is highly recommended to request the course sooner rather than later.
How much does the MEIR Course cost to host?
Free for active duty units. CONUS $3,500–$5,000; OCONUS $9,000–$15,000 for National Guard and reserve units. Precise estimates are provided on a case-by-case basis.
My installation/unit/agency is within the NCR, but I only anticipate 15 interested personnel. May I still request the course?
Yes. The student minimum is waived because there is no travel cost associated with hosting the course.
What exactly is needed for the teaching space and A/V capability?
The course utilizes PowerPoint and the teaching space needs to have an area that PowerPoint can be projected onto a screen for the entire class to view. Some lectures have audio requirements that necessitate speakers. Larger venues (theaters, auditoriums, etc.) may require microphones for the instructors. The course also utilizes Google Drive/Documents with QR codes for exams so we highly encourage that internet access is available.
VIrtual course FAQ
What are the dates for the virtual course?
The first course will be on 22-26 July, 2024 via the Canvas Learning Management System. We are limiting the first VL course to only 50 students so registration is now CLOSED. The virtual course will be offered on an as needed basis (e.g monthly or quarterly) thereafter. Virtual courses for FY2025 will be released in Fall 2024.
What is the structure/schedule of the virtual course?
The course will offer approximately 40 CE hours of synchronous and asynchronous contents over 5 days (about 8 hours per day). We encourage students to request for TDY or leave for all 5 days. There will be components that are considered homework or classwork during those 5 days.
Is this course offered on ATRSS for Army personnel?
Yes, information to enroll for the course on ATRSS will be sent out at least one week prior to the course.
If my installation wants to request for a live course instead, is this still possible after July 2024?
We understand the benefit of the live course. However, we request that you consider registering for the virtual course first as this is an improved version with more updated and current materials compared to the previous live course. We will no longer offer the live course for MEIR after July 2024 except for DNWS (refer to above for DNWS MEIR course registration).