Empowering Innovation: Hands-On Learning Meets Cutting-Edge Automation in Parker, CO
In the scenic backdrop of Parker, CO, Gateway Scripts recently hosted two highly anticipated courses at Parker Adventist Hospital: one focused on application development with the Eclipse Scripting API (ESAPI) and another on Automation with Varian APIs. These courses brought together medical professionals, developers, and scripting enthusiasts for an intensive and rewarding educational experience.
The first course, centered on software application development, kicked off with practical examples that guided attendees through the process of building robust applications. Participants learned the ins and outs of subscribing to source control, implementing unit tests, and utilizing the MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel) framework—essential skills for creating efficient and maintainable code.
The second course, Automation with Varian APIs, began with an insightful presentation by Rex Cardan from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Rex detailed the complexities of DICOM file structures and DICOM networking, using real-world examples to demonstrate file modifications and network configurations. His expertise was further shared when he generously offered all participants a free 1-year license of his DICOMAnon tool, providing a solid foundation for those looking to delve into DICOM script automation.
Beyond the classroom, the group enjoyed an exciting night out at a Virtual Reality gaming center. In a thrilling battle against hordes of zombies, attendees bonded over the adrenaline rush, testing their teamwork and reflexes in a 16 ft x 16 ft square room. The experience offered a memorable break from the technical sessions, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in both virtual and real-world environments.
As the course progressed, attendees were challenged to build multi-threaded automation applications. The culmination of the event was a session on leveraging AI tools, including ChatGPT, to help construct algorithms for automated contour creation. This cutting-edge approach highlighted the potential of AI in enhancing radiation oncology practices, leaving participants equipped with the knowledge to innovate in their own clinical settings.
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Overall, the Gateway Scripts courses were a resounding success, offering attendees a perfect blend of education, hands-on experience, and engaging activities. The blend of technical mastery with moments of camaraderie set the stage for future collaborations and advancements in the field.
