Medical physicist

Alternative job titles for this role

• Biomedical physicist
• Diagnostic and Interventional radiology physicist
• Nuclear medicine physicist
• Clinical scientist

Introduction

Medical physicists use a range of analytical, computer-aided and bioengineering techniques in their work such as radiotherapy, x-ray imaging, ultrasound, radiology, and lasers. They apply the concepts, theories and methodologies of physics along with engineering and technology skills to the treatment of disease and work with a range of medical staff, usually in hospitals, clinics and research facilities. Their work ranges across a variety of specialisms including diagnostic and intervention radiology (also known as medical imaging), nuclear medicine, and radiation oncology (also known as radiotherapy) and clinical physiology. They also work on a variety of research projects, including the applications of digital computers in medicine and applications of information theory to diagnostic problems; processing, storing and retrieving medical images.

What the job involves

• Research, develop and evaluate new analytical techniques
• Carry out mathematical modelling
• Maintain equipment
• Plan and ensure safe and accurate treatment of patients
• Provide advice about radiation protection
• Train and update healthcare, scientific and technical staff
• Manage radiotherapy quality assurance programmes
• Write reports
• Teach
• Manage laboratory

How your career can develop

Progression to higher grades usually follows on from further training and postgraduate qualifications. You can progress to a role as a principal scientist or consultant scientist after several years' experience at a professional grade. This can be either a clinical or management role. A consultant role in management is likely to involve the management of a large department or major departmental section, and advanced budgeting and administration skills are often required.

Why medical physicists matter

Medical physicists play a vital and often leading role on the medical research team. Their activities cover wide frontiers, including such key areas as cancer, heart disease, and mental illness.

Skills

• An interest in physical sciences
• An interest in medicine and patient care
• Attention to detail
• Concentration skills
• Self-motivated
• An enquiring mind
• Good problem solving skills
• Observation skills
• Good mathematical and technical skills

Typical employers

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Research facilities
• Medical device manufacturers
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Diagnostic or medical instrumentation manufacturers
• Universities
  

  Typical qualifications

  There is a variety of degrees that are related to medical physics such as bioengineering, physics with medical physics and medical physics. You could also study a PLC or diploma in a general science subject and before progressing to a degree course relating to medical physics. Most medical physicists pursue postgraduate qualifications.