Different branches of science complement each other to create more effective solutions. One of the primary examples of this is biochemistry, a combination of pharmacology, computer science, robotics, and medical physics, which fuses the principles of applied physics and medical science.
Medical physics is revolutionizing the medical sector as more and more people are interested in pursuing a career in this field. In this article, we discuss medical physics, its different branches, and its career paths.
What Exactly Is Medical Physics?
Medical physics stems from applied physics which uses the concepts of physics to diagnose and treat human illnesses. Since medical physics is an extensive field, it enables medical physicists to work in medical imaging physics, non-ionizing medical radiation physics, radiation oncology physics, nuclear medicine physics, physiological measurements, and medical health.
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Medical physics is an enriching field. A lot of people ask, "what is medical physics?" The primary subject of medical physics is the ionization of radiation measurement, creating images using magnetic resonance, and procedures such as ultrasound and lasers.
The term medical physics was coined by a French physician Félix Vicq d'Azur, the general secretary of the Royal Society of Medicine in Paris in 1778. It was not until 1814 that Nysten introduced the first definition of medical physics in his medical dictionary.
It was defined as "physics applied to the knowledge of the human body, to its preservation and the cure of its illnesses."
Role of A Medical Physicist
Healthcare professionals that have specialized in applied physics and possess a medical physics license from a credible institute or a relevant authority are known as medical physicists. You can find medical physicists in clinical as well as academic setups. But what does a medical physicist do?
Their primary role involves the application of techniques in physics in the field of medicine. These techniques help in the diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses. They can also help protect staff and patients from ionizing and non-ionizing radiation hazards within a healthcare unit.
Medical physicists also specialize in radiation therapy. It allows them to help patients who need to undergo radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is generally used for cancer patients; therefore, they closely work with oncologists and other therapists.
An example where the expertise of radiation medical physicists is applied can be brachytherapy. It is a medical procedure where the radiation source is placed inside the body. In such a scenario, radiation medical physicists are well-versed in external radiation that can also be used for treating a plethora of illnesses.
A sub-branch of medical physics deals with medical imaging. It involves developing various imaging techniques and maintaining them, such as:
- X-Ray
- Computed Tomography Scan (CT scan)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
- Gamma Camera
- Biological Substances Labeled with Radioactive Markers (radiopharmaceuticals)
How to Become A Medical Physicist?
Medical physics is a technical field and requires an individual to have several innate qualities and formal education to make a career. Medical physicists are often regarded as critical thinkers with an excellent analytical mindset and interpersonal skillset. Besides, they are required to be well-versed in mathematics and science. Their job is to review large data sets requiring high focus levels and constant motivation.
Higher education requirements
Becoming a medical physicist requires a formal degree in medicine and a license to practice. The requirements for a medical physicist include the following:
- Bachelor's degree in natural science, such as physics
- Master's degree in physics, medicine, or a related field
After acquiring a master's in medical physics, students typically complete a residency program before earning board certification from the American Board of Radiology (ABR).
Most go for doctoral degrees, depending on career goals.
Certification Process
To qualify as a medical physicist, it is necessary to complete a residency or postdoctoral program at a hospital for one or two years and pass the certification examination by the American Board of Medical Physics (ABMP) or the American Board of Radiology (ABR).
Careers in Medical Physics
Pursuing a career in medical physics or acquiring a medical physics degree can open doors to tremendous job opportunities. These can include clinical work, lab work, and education.
Following are the top seven careers that a medical physicist can choose from. Superprof has a medical physicist team that provides one-on-one lessons to help you in your career.
Clinical laboratory scientist
The primary job function of a clinical laboratory scientist is to use lab equipment and analyze various samples in a hospital setting. This requires them to run multiple analyses on the sample, such as performing blood work and identifying anomalies in the blood like Leukaemia or immunodeficiency. Medical physicists must maintain security protocols and document their findings in this job. These documents serve as information to physicians to help them decide on a better treatment for the patient.
Medical physics faculty
Medical physics faculty are recruited when it comes to machine calibration, quality assurance, and machine maintenance for special procedures. These individuals are well-versed in the operations of machinery used for procedures such as stereotactic radiosurgery and thermal therapy. They are also tasked with drafting safety protocols and researching new treatments. Due to their expertise, medical physicists also train students, residents, and future medical physicists.
Postdoctoral Fellow
You can get a job as a postdoctoral fellow who is tasked with implementing human research experiments, customizing experimental tools, and troubleshooting existing procedures. Postdoctoral fellow runs analysis and creates research documents used as study material for meetings and seminars. They analyze gathered data, review the medical literature, record notes, and publish and communicate information with colleagues.
Research Associate
Clinical trials are essential in medicine, where the research associates are tasked with related activities. When preparing for a clinical trial, research associates need to design the material, ensure supplies' availability, and create reports that will be used as manuscripts and publications.
Auditor
The healthcare sector is stringent when it comes to auditing. Several regulations, such as HIPAA, require medical institutions to ensure that all processes are well-documented. It is where an auditor comes in. They have one of the most crucial tasks in the healthcare industry. Auditors review the coding accuracy, procedures, and policies to see if they are in line with regulations and free from liability. They must be fluent in medical coding and other terminologies, along with any regulatory guidelines that apply.
Auditors are tasked with collecting data, reporting findings, and offering suggestions to improve the existing processes. People in this profession also work to find overpayments by the organization or patients and identify reimbursement shortages.
Nuclear medicine technologist
Working with physicians to perform imaging tests is the primary task of a nuclear medicine technologist. It involves working with patients and defining the impact of radioactive treatment on their organs. Nuclear medicine technologists do this by using nuclear imaging equipment. Other duties might include:
- Keeping a detailed record of medical procedures
- Preparing radioactive drugs
- Administrating them to their patients
- Ensuring medical safety guidelines
- Emergency responder in the event of a nuclear disaster.
Radiation therapist
A radiation therapist is part of the oncology team that cares for cancer patients and people with other illnesses by administering radiation treatment. Their primary duties include explaining treatment plans to patients, answering their questions, and locating the exact location that requires treatment. They must protect themselves and their patients from improper radiation exposure, which can happen when someone performs exams without clinical justification or uses unnecessary radiation for imaging. Radiation therapists also keep detailed records of their patients and monitor them for any unusual reactions to the treatments.
Salary Ranges
Being a medical physicist can be a high-paying job. Following are the national salaries of various medical physics jobs;
| Medical Physics Job | National Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Clinical laboratory scientist | $23,424 |
| Medical physics faculty | $52,921 |
| Postdoctoral Fellow | $53,941 |
| Nuclear medicine technologist | $90,374 |
| Radiation therapist | $100,963 |
Want To Learn All About Medical Physics With Superprof?
Studying medical physics is no easy task. Individuals need to keep themselves updated with every changing aspect of the medical arena. You could enroll in college lessons where you would learn about medical physics, but given the nature of the subject, it can be challenging to match the pace of the whole class.
Superprof allows you to learn the subject with the help of an expert in one-on-one lessons. The main benefit of such classes is that the individual can learn in a self-paced and fully grasp the concept. At Superprof, the tutor is trained to understand your retention level and devises study plans according to your preference.
Visit Superprof today and connect with physics tutoring online on medical physics and improve your understanding of the field.
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