what do medical physicists do?

A physicist? In medicine? What is that? Some people think I just solve physics equations for the doctors. Thankfully, it is far from that! A career in medical physics is suited for people with a physics or engineering background who desire to work in a clinical environment as a scientist rather than a medical practitioner. This unique mix of medicine, technology, science, and the different tasks involved are extremely exciting and motivate me to come to work every day.

Medical physicists are professionals with education and training in the concepts and techniques of applying physics in medicine. They apply their knowledge of physics to the development and use of medical radiation imaging, treatments, and technologies. They also use their expertise to research prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases. Medical Physicists may enjoy a variety of career paths, with unique roles in academic education, research and development, and/or clinical services. 

Every hospital or clinic that uses radiation requires the services of individuals trained to maintain the diagnostic and therapeutic equipment needed to serve patients. Clinical medical physicists make sure clinical equipment is performing correctly, consult with doctors, technicians, and patients to offer advice or solutions, and are often involved directly with a patient’s diagnosis and treatment.

Here are some of the typical tasks we undertake:

• We specialize in understanding radiation production (including MRI and ultrasound), image detectors (materials, limitations, functionality), advanced image reconstruction algorithms, how it can be applied clinically, and radiation safety for staff, patients, and the public
• We talk to concerned patients and parents about risks of radiation
• We're involved in hospital constructions as we calculate and directly measure necessary lead shielding for the walls to limit radiation transmission
• We’re heavily involved in maintaining regulatory compliance and ensure equipment is safe, effective, and working properly
• We assist with radiation treatment planning for cancer patients and maximize safe outcomes
• We stay up to date on the fast changing technology and translate our findings to physicians and hospital directors. 
• We teach and train future medical physicists, residents, and medical students
• We direct research projects in new imaging and treatment options
• We develop new safety procedures
• We enforce radiation safety practices to staff, patients, and members of the public

For more information, visit the following links from the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM):

• What is a medical physicist?
• What do medical physicists do?
• Students interested in medical physics