Careers in Biophysics: Advice & Programs

[MathewsMD]

Hi,

I was just looking at possible opportunities upon graduation from after completing an my undergrad in Biophysics and had a few questions (sorry if they seem silly). After looking at a few different options, research is definitely an interesting route I plan on pursuing. I was wondering, though, are there any specific professional program in Biophysics or closely related fields? Maybe similar to something like CAMPEP degrees for Medical Physicists. Are there any comparable programs in the fields of Biophysics that allow you to actual practice in a clinical setting?

Also, do you have any general advice for those in Biophysics programs (i.e. what courses you find essential, various paths students should explore, job prospects, etc.)?

Sorry if this question seems unnecessary or unclear. I know Biophysics is a field I really enjoy but besides grad school, I was wondering what specific prospects there are in the field. Any advice is welcome!

 

[Choppy]

Biophysics is a pretty broad area.

Generally, practicing in a clinical setting requires that you provide some kind of service that's in demand on a regular basis. Medical physics clinical services include quality assurance programs, calibration and commissioning work. I haven't heard of anything along similar lines for biophysicists, although that's not to say that they don't exist - or won't in the future. As we see more pressure to move towards patient-specific medicine, I wouldn't be surprised to see something along the lines of professional "pharmacokineticists" tailoring treatments to individual genomes.