- Who are you?
Michael Benson, CLSO, CMLSO
- What is your educational background?
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and a minor in Mathematics from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb Illinois. I am a Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO), and Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer (CMLSO), Board of Laser Safety
- Where do you work?
I work at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. I work in the department of Radiation Safety as a Health Physicist. I perform a full range of radiation safety tasks, including provision of support to the respective departments using radiation and radioactive material. I have worked in Radiation Safety in both medical and university settings for over ten years, and it has been a rewarding and learning experience for me.
Becoming an LSO and CLSO
- How did you become the LSO?
In 2002‚ I was hired to become the Laser Safety Officer for Rush University Medical Center. My educational background in physics gave me the needed understanding of the hazards and science associated with lasers, and I was able to combine this with my years of working in radiation safety. I have found the two programs to be very similar. Although my hands-on experience with lasers has not been as strong, my ability to understand and implement the regulatory component of the job has helped me to excel.
- What are some of the challenges of today’s LSO?
The challenge today for MLSO is keeping up with the advances that emerge with the use of lasers in the medical setting. And for me it has also been the need and desire to continuously educate myself in this area. With my BLS CMLSO, and CLSO certificate in hand, I feel as if the future holds many opportunities for me. I′m always thinking of new ways of educating the laser use community in my working environment. I would love to find more ways of gaining hands-on experience and knowledge of lasers, on that note I give a “shout-out” for any suggestions or mentors.
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