From biomedical engineering to bio-physics to medical physicist

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on transitioning from biomedical engineering to biophysics with the goal of becoming a medical physicist. The participant expresses interest in robotic surgery, prosthetics, and medical machinery design, indicating a preference for practical applications over medical school. Key distinctions are made between medical physics, which focuses on radiation oncology and imaging, and biophysics, which deals with biochemical processes. The consensus suggests that biomedical engineering is the most suitable pathway for achieving these career aspirations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of medical physics principles, including radiation oncology and imaging techniques.
  • Familiarity with biophysics concepts, such as protein structure and pharmacokinetics.
  • Knowledge of biomedical engineering practices related to medical equipment design.
  • Awareness of the educational pathways and certifications required for medical physicists.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research undergraduate programs in biomedical engineering that emphasize robotics and medical machinery design.
  • Explore graduate programs in medical physics and their specific admission requirements.
  • Investigate certification options for medical physicists and related disciplines.
  • Learn about advancements in robotic surgery technologies and their implications in medical practice.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for undergraduate students considering a career in medical physics, biophysics, or biomedical engineering, as well as professionals seeking to understand the educational pathways and certifications necessary for these fields.

JordanBolds
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Hi everyone! I am also very new to this PhysicsForm site, hopefully I am not interrupting any conversation with this question. I have been thinking about switching from biomedical engineering to bio-physics as an undergrad degree with aspirations of eventually becoming a medical physicist. I do not intend on doing any medical school, but definitely grad school in whatever degree would get me into the following disciplines: robotic surgery, prosthetics, and any other medical machinery design. I am sure there are other various mandatory certifications I would need. Does this pathway seem ideal for the future goals I have?
 
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JordanBolds said:
I am also very new to this PhysicsForm site, hopefully I am not interrupting any conversation with this question. I have been thinking about switching from biomedical engineering to bio-physics as an undergrad degree with aspirations of eventually becoming a medical physicist. I do not intend on doing any medical school, but definitely grad school in whatever degree would get me into the following disciplines: robotic surgery, prosthetics, and any other medical machinery design. I am sure there are other various mandatory certifications I would need. Does this pathway seem ideal for the future goals I have?
The details of an undergraduate program can vary from school to school, so the first thing I would suggest is talking to an undergraduate advisor about this.

That said, if I were to very broadly describe these disciplines:
  • Medical Physics: the physics of radiation oncology and/or medical imaging (CT, MRI, nuclear medicine) and radiation protection.
  • Biophysics: the physics of biochemistry (protein and complex molecule structure and interactions, pharmacokinetics, etc.), bioenergetics, biophysical processes, bioinformatics, etc.
  • Biomedical engineering: the engineering of equipment/machinery for medical purposes or human interface.
That's not to say there isn't overlap, but if you're interested in robotic surgery, prosthetics, and the design of medical machinery, it would seem that biomedical engineering is the path for you.
 
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