What is Medical Physics?
Medical Physics is a branch of applied physics that employs physical concepts for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human disease.
The work of a Medical Physicist involves the use of radioisotopes, x-rays, ultrasound, magnetic and electric fields in diagnosis and therapy. Most medical physicists work in hospital diagnostic imaging departments, cancer treatment facilities, or hospital-based research establishments.
Medical Physics has four main specialized areas: Radiation Oncology, Nuclear Medicine, Radiology, and Radiation Safety.
What 3rd level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in Medical Physics in the following subject areas:
- MSc in Medical Physics – Training for physicists in the application of radiation physics and key aspects of clinical engineering.
- Medical Physics / Bioengineering – The study of physics as applied to diagnostic techniques such as medical imaging and physiological measurement and advanced therapeutics such as radiation and laser therapy.
- Physics with Medical Physics & Bioengineering – Gain insights into the medical device industry from the initial concept of a medical device to its manufacture.
Studying Medical Physics in college
Many courses in Medical Physics may take place over a few days, weeks, or even 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Courses will cover theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials, and taught modules. Assessments will take place continuously with written examinations and practical assignments combined to achieve a qualification.
You could also consider work experience or a work shadow in the industry. Relevant work experience is a good way of demonstrating a genuine interest in the field and is regarded favorably by employers.
Work Experience will not only allow you to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, but it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.
Career options
After completing a Medical Physics course you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of physics and medical technology.
As a clinical scientist working in medical physics, you’ll research, develop, test, and maintain specialist equipment used to help prevent, diagnose and treat many kinds of diseases and health conditions.
Working closely with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and radiotherapists, you’ll play a central role in developing, planning, and implementing patient treatment programs. You’ll also help to protect patients and healthcare staff from hazards such as radiation.
Clinical scientists working in medical physics are often employed in private hospitals, medical equipment manufacturers, nuclear medicine companies, regulatory authorities, independent regulators for work-related health, safety, and illness, universities and research organizations, research and development laboratories.
There are opportunities to move into clinical research either in academia or industry or to get involved in training and registration assessments. You can also develop your career by getting involved with professional bodies, taking on external professional roles, or moving into advisory roles.
Working hours will depend on whether you are self-employed, employed by a company with set business hours, or if you are contracted to various businesses or companies. Hours are usually full-time during the week, but the weekend, evening, or on-call work may be required.
Related jobs include:
- Bioengineer
- Medical Device Designer
- Electronics Industry
- Alternative Energy Developer
- Weather Forecaster
- Computer Programmer
- Physics and Science Teacher
- Academic researcher
- Clinical scientist
- Geophysicist
- Metallurgist
- Meteorologist
- Nanotechnologist
- Radiation protection practitioner
- Research scientist
- Technical author
- Applications developer
- Clinical technologist
- Data analyst
Further study
After completing a course in Medical Physics you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skill set. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practice in certain career areas such as Bioengineering and Medical Device design.
FAQ
What is the importance of Medical Physics?
Medical Physics fulfills an important role in medicine, in biological and medical research, and the optimization of certain health-related activities.
What are the branches of medical physics?
Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance, Computed Tomography, Nuclear Medicine, X-rays, Radiation Therapy, are all branches of medical physics where continued research is being conducted by researchers consisting of highly qualified physicists, engineers, and radiologists.
What skills could be helpful for a career in Medical Physics?
Medical physicists should have great analytical, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills. They should enjoy and excel at math and science. Due to their highly analytical role, medical physicists should be able to stay focused and motivated even while reviewing large, complex data.
Where can I study Medical Physics?
Explore your options here
Did You Know?
· In the last 50 years, medical physicists have spearheaded the development and application of particle accelerators for cancer treatment. Linear accelerators are sophisticated high-energy machines that can now deliver beams of energetic electrons or X rays to malignant tumors at doses capable of killing cancerous cells and stopping the tumor’s growth.
· X-Rays were discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in 1895. When the Nobel Prizes were established at the turn of the century in 1901, Roentgen won the first prize (in physics) for his discovery of X-rays.
· Norway and Ireland have lower levels of pacemaker use than every country in Western Europe.
· Around 3.8 billion Euros are spent on medical technology research and development in Europe each year.
· Minimally invasive surgical techniques can allow patients to leave hospital less than 24 hours after a hip replacement
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