What is Medical physics: Definition and 282 Discussions

Medical physics (also called biomedical physics, medical biophysics, applied physics in medicine, physics applications in medical science, radiological physics or hospital radio-physics) is, in general, the application of physics concepts, theories, and methods to medicine and healthcare. Medical physics departments may be found in hospitals or universities.
In the case of clinical work, "medical physicist" is the title of a specific healthcare profession, usually working within a hospital or other clinic. Traditionally, medical physicists are found in the following healthcare specialties: radiation oncology (also known as radiotherapy or radiation therapy), diagnostic and interventional radiology (also known as medical imaging), nuclear medicine, and radiation protection. Medical physics of radiation therapy can involve work such as dosimetry, linac quality assurance, and brachytherapy. Medical physics of diagnostic and interventional radiology involves medical imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, computed tomography and x-ray. Nuclear medicine will include positron emission tomography and radionuclide therapy. However one can find Medical Physicists in many other areas such as physiological monitoring, audiology, neurology, neurophysiology, cardiology and others.
University departments are of two types. The first type are mainly concerned with preparing students for a career as a hospital Medical Physicist and research focuses on improving the practice of the profession. A second type (increasingly called 'biomedical physics') has a much wider scope and may include research in any applications of physics to medicine from the study of biomolecular structure to microscopy and nanomedicine.

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  1. P

    Programs Medical Physics PhD or MSc: Which Degree Offers Better Job Opportunities?

    I am applying to graduate schools this fall for Medical Physics. I will be hoping to get accepted into an accredited school. I was wondering if there is a large difference in the job market depending on whether I would get a PhD or MSc in the program. Either way I would still need a...
  2. C

    Physics Career Questions in Medical Physics

    Hi Everyone, I'm a U.S. citizen who wants to get a PhD from the U.K. in medical physics. I want to know if I will be on equal grounds as I apply for the same job as someone from a CAMPEP accredited U.S. University. Is there anything I should know or do to make me an eligible choice in the...
  3. L

    Physics Is ABR Accreditation Necessary for a Career in Medical Physics?

    I'm not sure if this is an appropriate question for this forum, but I was wondering how "detrimental" it is for a student with an MS in medical physics to not be accredited by ABR when it comes to applying for jobs? Is it really hard to find a job without this certificate, straight up...
  4. T

    Medical physics DAP guidelines

    Its not exactly a homework question I have but was unsure where to post this. I'm having trouble finding some guidelines and wondering if someone can help me? I'm looking for the guidelines regarding Dose area product (DAP). I have results from a DAP meter on a fluoroscope machine and what an...
  5. G

    Physics Astrophysics or Medical Physics

    I am a second year undergraduate currently majoring in Astrophysics, and I'm not sure whether I want to stick with Astrophysics or tend down the path towards Medical Physics. I feel like I would enjoy a career in either. I would probably enjoy a career in Astrophysics a bit more than a...
  6. I

    Research prior to Medical Physics Program App

    Hi all, I am starting a Physics MS program in the Fall and have a few different opportunities to do research. I am wondering where I would best be positioning myself to continue on to a Medical Physics program. Which area of research would be best? One I am considering is condensed matter...
  7. M

    Do I have a chance for Medical Physics?

    Hello everyone, I have a question. I need you guys honest opinion. I really want to go to one of the accredited medical physics universities in the U.S. I am a senior at a school, and my stats are GPA:3.89 Major: Biophysics Class: general bio and some upper division bio...
  8. T

    Physics Medical physics postdocs in Australia

    Hi everyone, I'm coming to the end of a PhD in medical physics (ultrasound), due to complete in October 2011. My degree was in Physics with Medical Physics, and I also have an MSc in Radiation Physics with Medical Applications. I'm looking to move to Australia, from the UK, shortly after...
  9. S

    Need help on Ms Medical physics selection

    i got admission for ms in medical physics at 3 places which is university of oklahoma health science center,wayne state and university of florida.i am interested in the program that provides more clinical training.the tuition is a big problem too since i would have to pay outof state fee at...
  10. S

    What are common questions asked during a Medical Physics interview?

    Hey physicsforums community, I've recently been invited for an interview/orientation as a prospective PhD candidate in a CAMPEP accredited Medical Physics program. I was wondering if someone who's been through such an interview could elaborate on what kind of questions are asked? I'm just...
  11. D

    Physics Medical Physics, Applies Physics Masters

    I'll have a masters in applied physics this summer. I have a bachelor's in bio-medical physics. I've recently started getting interested in medical physics. Is it possible to get into the field with this masters. I wouldn't be averse to taking some extra courses if it was necessary. Thanks
  12. T

    Opportunities for International Students in US Medical Physics Training Programs

    Hi, I'm currently doing an honours degree in Physics with Medical Physics and Bioengineering in Ireland. And generally here after the degree if you wanted to continue into a medical physics career you would do a masters then apply for a kind of 'training program' (or junior physicist...
  13. D

    Physics Current and Future Requirements for Medical Physics Career

    Hello Currently I am nearing the end of my BSc in Physics and I am leaning towards medical physics. I have heard that a MSc in Medical Physics is sufficient to land a job in the hospital, but recently I talked to a PhD candidate and she told me that nowadays a PhD is required to get a job in...
  14. M

    Medical Physics (Imaging) Salaries

    Hi All, Can anyone tell me the approximate starting salary of a medical physicist specializing in imaging? Also, how's the job market? Got my B.S. 15 yrs ago, but have actually been working in 3D graphics since then. I love graphics, so imaging seems interesting. I'm currently only...
  15. B

    Biomedical engineering to medical physics

    Hi medical physics gurus, I am a first-year master student in biomedical engineering. I have done lots of work in MRI post processing and learned about medical physics from my friends. I really want to transfer from engineering to medical physics in my PhD but have no substantial physics...
  16. P

    Exploring Medical Physics: Research, Career Options, & More

    Hey all! I am a sophomore Physics major and recently I was able to listen to a lecture about Medical Physics. It really grabbed my interest, much more so than any other lecture about research/work in Physics. I am just looking for as much information as possible about this field. How much...
  17. planethunter

    Physics Exploring Career Options in Medical Physics (for Master's Program Admits)

    Hello everyone, I recently was admitted into a Master’s program in Applied Physics here in California and am interested in knowing more about what Medical Physics is as far as a career route for me. I am starting the program this spring’11 semester. Any info will be greatly appreciated...
  18. B

    Schools University of Kentucky - MS in Medical Physics

    HI everyone, I was wandering if anyone on this forum knows anything about MS program in Medical Physics a UK and if it is hard to get in to. I choose this one since its in my state so I could pay in state tuition since I know that it is not funded. I have a 3.2 GPA from University and 3.9...
  19. M

    Physics Everybody jump on the medical physics bandwagon

    Currently medical physicists especially fresh graduates are experiencing difficulty in landing jobs. But the future is bright, think about the population ages. If you enroll in med phys now, after 5 years (assume MSc and residency) the market will be back, and you will have a good career.
  20. M

    Physics Health physics or medical physics

    I'm looking into a career change to health physics or medical physics from analytical chemistry (in the pharmaceutical industry). For medical physics, I think I'm going to run into CAMPEP drama due to timing, so am leaning more towards health physics. For health physics, will I be limited to...
  21. A

    Programs Advice needed: Going from a M.Sc in Medical Physics to a PhD in Astrophysics

    Hello all, This is my issue. I did my undergrad in Physics. After finishing I decided I was done with "pure" physics. I wanted to do something more practical so I went into a Masters in Medical Physics. I quickly realized, that although I don't find it un-interesting, I don't feel much of...
  22. M

    Physics Difficult looking for medical physics jobs

    I am board certified but with less than 1 year experience post residency. I could not find a job. Even though lots of ads are there, it does not really matter because either those people who posts the ads already have persons in their heads or it requires at least 5 year experience. Medical...
  23. J

    What Factors Influence Signal Intensity in MRI?

    Homework Statement I am posting on this forum to find a certain queation that has been given to me as an assignment. the question reads: EXPLAIN THE FACTORS INFLUENCING SIGNAL INTENSITY IN MRI. this is A - Level question so please keep it simple as possible. The Attempt at a Solution...
  24. D

    Physics Become a Medical Physicist in 3653 Easy Steps

    Greetings all! I've been interested in switching careers to the medical community so I hope you have input. I have a B.S. and M.S. in physics - nuclear concentration (last graduating in 2005). After reading various forums and websites I'm more confused than ever! I'm currently looking into...
  25. K

    Schools Pg-dip in medical physics in university of Canterbury(New Zealand)

    Hi friends, recently i got offer for pg-dip in medical physics in university of canterbury (new zealand)..i am new to this medical physics field..already my qualifications are m.sc in physics.since i want to migrate to a fascinating field such as medical physics field.so i decided to apply for...
  26. K

    Courses Medical physics course selection

    hi, i am struggling to come up in life through education and after a huge struggle,i decided to enter medical physics field and in this process i have already got conditional offer from three universities namely university of Canterbury(new Zealand) where i got offer for pg-diploma in medical...
  27. Z

    Physics What undergraduate degree will best prepare me for a career in medical physics?

    Hey everybody I've been going back and forth in what is my best option to have a career in R&D in diagnostic equipment. I was the one that posted the thread biomedical engineering vs. medical physics. Well after doing some research and speaking briefly with the Director of the medical physics...
  28. T

    Medical Physics: Calculating Traction, Tension and Reaction Force

    Q: how can i determine the Traction Force, (Tension) in the rope and the Reaction Force of the leg muscles to the reaction. Neglecting all friction of the pulleys so that they do not affect the tensions in the ropes?? I need a formula for: Traction force, Tension, and Reaction Force...
  29. Z

    Engineering Biomedical Engineering vs Medical Physics

    Hi everybody I am new to this forum and looking for some opinions on my career path. First, I love anything about math and science and about to graduate with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering Technology. When I first started the program I thought I would end up with an engineering degree, which...
  30. 1

    Physics Employment Opportunities for a Medical Physics PhD

    Hi, I'm already in graduate school for a Physics Phd. I got to know that a faculty member is looking to supervise a graduate student for a biophysics/medical physics PhD. I don't know much about the subject. Would I be able to get employed in the industry afterwards? Could I get into...
  31. A

    Physics Clinical Medical Physics in a Field Other than Radiotherapy

    Hello. I am currently considering doing my graduate work in the field of medical physics. Most of the programs I'm looking at have specialties in either radiotherapy or medical imaging. As I have a strong background in optics I would like to pursue if possible photomedicine or molecular...
  32. Z

    Physics Help Concerns about medical physics programPosted: Fri Oct 02, 2009 4:10 pm

    Help!Concerns about medical physics programPosted: Fri Oct 02, 2009 4:10 pm Hi,everyone. I'm an undergraduate who wants to continue my study in medical physics in graduate school. I like this field because it seems to be a combination of education,research and clinical experience. You can...
  33. Raioneru

    Physics sophomore trying to transfer. medical physics in mind after graduation

    Hello, I'm a physics Major, and I want to transfer to another school. I have 4 choices: University of Wisconsin - Madison University of illinois at Chicago Indiana University Bloomington Purdue university here is what I would consider: I'm a physics student but what's more...
  34. A

    Medical Physics Program in Ontario: Requirements & Options

    Hi, I've just graduated form high school and I want to join a medical physics program. For math, I've done trigonometry and geometry with intro to calculus. Before this course, I took algebra 1 and 2 including a separate course of geometry (this is an u.s. curriculum). I also took courses in...
  35. E

    Physics Some doubts about medical physics

    I've been seriously considering going to grad school for medical physics for past couple of months. During that time, I've read some posts on the internet and visited the medical physics department at a local hospital a number of times. Based on my admittedly limited experience, I've found the...
  36. L

    Physics Career in Medical Physics - Is It Worth Pursuing?

    Sorry but this is just a long list of questions. I have looked at plenty of career options (2 years remaining until I get my bachelors in physical sciences), and I keep coming back to medical physics as it seems to have everything I want. I haven't decided on the area I would want to...
  37. Raioneru

    Can Studying Medical Physics Abroad Affect Residency Opportunities?

    I am a sophomore physics major student. I wish to study medical physics when I graduate. But I would like to go abroad and study for my Msc in Med Phys. in england or france (I speak french) but problem is that, in 2 years from now (correct me if I'm wrong) a med phys graduate would have to...
  38. E

    How can I improve my chances for a medical physics program?

    Hello all! I just got a B.S. in physics from a large public university this past spring, and I am planning on applying to some Ph. D. programs in medical physics for Fall 2010. Unfortunately, my background isn't particularly strong. I have: -3.4 GPA -60th percentile on physics GRE -No...
  39. F

    Medical Physics - What do I need to do to get in?

    Medical Physics -- What do I need to do to get in? Hey I am an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Biomedical Physics I am a junior (I have 82 hours) I started off as an Electrical Engineering student and then switched to Biomedical Physics after taking a couple of physics courses, I have...
  40. F

    Programs Another medical physics thread. PhD.

    Hello, [aside] So I've seen a lot of medical physics related posts on this forum recently, as well as some good answers to questions (thanks go out in particular to Choppy!) and would like to get out-of-the-way my support for a medical physics subforum. Anyway, on to the point. [\aside]...
  41. P

    Programs Medical Physics PhD: Find the Right Institution

    Afternoon peoples, I'm a student in the UK and I have the intention of apply for a PhD in the area of medical physics and am just looking for a bit of advice. I won't be applying until the end of the year since it's too late now to apply for a position starting this year, but I'm wondering...
  42. U

    Physics Medical Physics education length

    Roughly how long does it take to become a medical physicist? I'm currently a third-year nuclear engineering student looking at medical physics, and I'm realizing it's a much different setup than in engineering. Is a residency required? I mean a masters would take like 1.5-2 years, which is...
  43. K

    Medical Physics - What Bio do I need?

    Hello. I am having a hard time finding information on this and really need some help. I am a physics major at my school without a medical physics program. I am planning on going to graduate school and pursuing a masters/phd in medical physics. There are a few problems. 1) Most graduate...
  44. M

    Become a Medical Physicist | MedPhysGuru

    Hello! I am not a student but a senior medical physicist at a cancer center in California. I am offering my experiences as a medical physicist if anyone is interested in pursuing that field as a career. If you would like to do some research on the field before contacting me, there is an...
  45. F

    Physics Medical Physics: Advice and Rant from a UK University Student

    Hello again folks. I'm starting a thread (obviously.) for a couple of purposes, I guess. I'm looking for a bit of advice, but also think I just need to have a little bit of a rant and get some thoughts out of my head. I'm a final year student at a UK university, and will be graduating with...
  46. N

    Statement of Purpose, Medical Physics

    I'm applying to Masters in Medical Physics, and I just found out that my application requires a statement of purpose. They describe it thus: I need it in asap, any advice on writing a good one? How long should it be? What should I mention in it? I've got two days to get it in, any help...
  47. F

    How Does an X-ray Machine Function in Different Settings?

    What do you guys think the best answer tyo these questions are? Descibe in detail an x-ray machine for use in a n undegraduate research lab: (6 marks) Explain how both characteristic and bremsstrahlung x-rays are produced? (4 marks) State two differences between the x-ray machine you...
  48. M

    Medical Physics: Calculating Dose for SAD Treatment

    This is a homework question that is due on Monday and I'm not sure how to proceed. Any help at all would be appreciated. I do not have a background in physics and this is my second quarter as a grad student. please help. Two 10 MV beams treat a patient in an SAD. The isocenter is given...
  49. A

    Medical physics program ranking

    Hi everyone, Just wondering if anyone has an idea of the rankings among CAMPEP accredited programs? Specifically, which programs are geared more towards students pursuing academia versus students pursuing clinic. thanks
  50. C

    Do I stand a chance at Medical Physics?

    Hello everyone, I'm just about to graduate from a small private university with a major in Physics. I have been looking into graduate programs in Medical Physics and I am starting to wondering do I stand a chance? Ideally, I would really like to get into UT-H program. Overall GPA: 3.73...
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