In this episode, Mike and Lisa discuss the exciting news of Mike's recent election as chairman of the Association of Laser Safety Professionals (LPA). They talk through the organisation's mission to promote laser safety across various sectors, including clinics and industrial settings. Mike shares insights about the role of Laser Safety Officers (LSOs) and the new online course he's developing to train them, emphasising the importance of safety in laser use.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Mike Murphy has been elected as the chairman of the Association of Laser Safety Professionals, which aims to raise awareness of laser safety across various sectors, including clinics, scientific establishments, and industrial settings.

• The organisation is looking to modernise its approach by utilising social media and enhancing its online presence, with plans to offer a new course for Laser Safety Officers (LSOs) that will be available on an online teaching platform.

• The new course for LSOs consists of four modules and includes a multiple-choice exam with 50 questions and a 90% pass mark. It is designed to be an open book exam, allowing participants to reference course materials.

• There is a distinction between Laser Protection Advisors (LPAs) and Laser Safety Officers (LSOs), with LPAs providing support and conducting assessments, while LSOs are responsible for ensuring safety on the ground in facilities using lasers.

• The chairman aims to engage insurance companies to recognise the value of accredited LSOs, potentially providing benefits to clinics that employ them, thereby enhancing safety standards in the industry.

BEST MOMENTS

"I was elected as chairman of the association of laser safety professionals, which is a small organization of laser protection advisors based in the UK."

"We're going to start using this new thing that we just heard about. It's called social media."

"Laser Protection Advisors are there to support Laser Safety Officers."

"If you get the passport, then you've got a certificate. But we're always here behind that to support you."

"It's important to have even more strings to your bow to help with that."

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.

Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.

Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining

https://mikemurphyblog.com

https://www.dermalasetraining.com