Physics I need guidance from Medical Physicists for my career growth

[Munaz]

Hi,
I have completed my M.S. in Physics and then an M.Phil. (Master of Philosophy) in Medical Physics from the University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. (M.Phil. is a two-year program leading toward a Ph.D.) After moving to the U.S., I passed Part I of the ABR exam and began working as a Medical Physicist.

Over the course of 15 years, I worked in various clinics and hospitals. However, I was unable to pass Parts II and III of the ABR exam, which eventually prevented me from continuing in clinical practice since ABR certification became a requirement. Unfortunately, getting into Medical Physics residencies has become extremely difficult, and pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. in Medical Physics is also challenging due to limited availability and accessibility.

To obtain at least one professional certification, I decided to pursue the CMD (Certified Medical Dosimetrist) exam. However, the MDCB (Medical Dosimetry Certification Board) rejected both my education and 10+ years of experience, requiring me to complete 12 months of study from a JRCERT-accredited institution—which is not available near my location.

As a result, I changed my career path and transitioned to corporate industry work, but my position was eliminated due to company reorganization. Now, I find myself at a crossroads.

I am unable to work as a Medical Physicist due to lost ABR exam eligibility. To reinstate my eligibility, I must either complete one year of study at a campep accredited institution or work under a certified Medical Physicist, both of which are extremely difficult to secure.

It has been over a year since I started searching for a job, but I have been unable to find a viable career path.

I am reaching out to Medical Physicists for guidance and advice. Is there anyone who can help me navigate this situation and find a way forward in my career? Any suggestions or mentorship would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Choppy]

That's tough, and your story is unfortunately not unique.

I'm not sure I have any great solutions for you, but perhaps a few ideas.

One option is to look for medical physics assistant positions. I know those aren't nearly as popular in the US, but you might find some, particularly at larger hospitals. Unfortunately they don't offer a lot of opportunity in terms of advancement, and certainly the pay is not in the medical physicist league, but if you can find such a position it might help you to pay the bills while you re-orient and figure something else out.

Another option is to look for work in the radiation oncology and or imaging industries. Not only do you have the bigger players like Siemens/Varian or Elekta, but you could consider the smaller companies as well. They need physicists to help with R&D, technical support, and teaching. You can even get involved on the technical sales side of things brokering multi-million dollar deals for equipment and support contracts. If you have the opportunity to attend a big conference like AAPM or RSNA, you'll have a chance to network and build these kinds of contacts.

If you're still interested in pursuing the QMP route, it will likely involve resetting and doing an accredited MSc. Unfortunately you won't be competitive for residencies without an accredited degree. The certificate program isn't really an option unless you already have a PhD and those programs can be quite selective. I realize that comes with a cost (if you can get in-they are quite competitive), and if you've already been working for 15 years, you're not in the same life position as a 23 year old fresh out of a modern undergrad.

 

[Radiation Detective]

I am retired after working in a few countries - mostly US and Australia - in many aspects of radiation physics, and other public health issues. The interesting job opportunities are on the front page of the newspaper. Study a hot topic and get a meeting.

I found work first in oncology in NYC, NJ and Brisbane. Later I worked in radiation protection. I supervised the safety plans for visits of nuclear ships to civilian ports. I co-authored more than a few national codes of practice. I designed a new hospital nuclear med lab and a factory for Hitachi Chemicals making radioactive pharmaceuticals. I worked in many different mining operations including uranium.

One lead mine had 100 radioactive gauges. (Mines pay very well when you solve their problems.) I put a neutron source meter in a paper mill, and responded to radiation incidents in other industries. Beer cans pass over radiation beams to check they are full. Swiss cheese went thru a fluoroscope to pick the export grade with uniform holes. I wrote a course for industrial radiography at a university. In the real world outside academia, the definition of an expert is the most able guy in the conference room, not in the whole world.

[Part of this post has been redacted by the Mentors]

If I had been born rich, I would have studied only mathematics. But I grew up dirt poor and learned to be flexible in my needs and my competence. Still, there was time in my life for climbing mountains and sailing small boats in big seas.