skyhike said:
I didn't know there is a required coursework after a PhD in Physics. Can you confirm that this coursework is required and I have to take it before Part 1 of ABR exam?
It's commonly referred to as "the didactic coursework." As mentioned, my understanding is that you need to be enrolled in or graduated from an accredited medical physics program to write part I. If you complete your PhD in another field, you still need to cover this specific coursework. Most of it is not particularly intensive compared to other graduate-level physics courses (although it isn't necessarily trivial either and a lot can depend on who's teaching it). It covers basic treatment planning, imaging, radioiology, radiation saftey, labs to familiarize you with the operation of devices such as linacs, brachytherapy afterloaders and various imaging modalities.
The philosophy behind making people take specific coursework, so far as I understand it, is that simply passing a single exam doesn't necessarily establish competance within a profession. Thus, the certifying bodies have established a set of criteria which includes having taken course that introduce the basic knowledge in the field. If you already have a PhD in physics, you more than likely are capable of doing this coursework. But the point is that you have to do it.
Is it difficult to get into those schools since you said there are only two schools offering this coursework?
It can be fairly competative, yes. I don't know the admission stats becasue the programs are both fairly new. But just because you have a PhD doesn't guarantee you admission.
Another
medical physicist told me that a postdoc in medical physics can replace the residency training. Can you confirm that also?
Generally speaking, no. A post-doc does not substitute for a residency. Under the new rules, you have to go through an accredited residency program. This ensures that the residents obtain a significant clinical background to establish competance in the profession. The problem with post-docs is that they projects can be all-consuming andvery specific.
That being said, many residencies are combined with post-doc positions. Thus rather than simply two years of clinical training, you might do three or four years that include both scientific work and clinical training.
I am almost finished with my program. So I want to continue and get my degree from here. I may start PhD in medical physics if it is a wise option. Are those school very competitive to get in?
They're competative. If you already have a PhD, you don't necessarily need another one. I know several people who have done the two years to get a medical physics MSc after a PhD in another field. They are just as competative as medical physics PhDs - sometimes even moreso.
How long does a PhD in medical physics take?
About the same as any other PhD. Again, I would just look at doing a medical physics MSc or a post-PhD program if you already have the PhD.
Do I still need to take ABR exam after a PhD in medical physics?
If you want ABR certification, yes. There are some places that will still hire
medical physicists without certification, but they're going the way of the dinosaur. If you really want to enter this field, I highly recommend that you aim to obtain certification.
After I finish my PhD here in physics, what if I start a master program in medical physics?
See above. That's a good option.
What are the differences between a master and a PhD in medical physics?
Basically they're the same as the differences in any other field. The PhD generally gives the student a stronger background in research. As far as clinical skills and background a PhD and MSc are about the same.