What Are Medical Physicists?

Medical physicists contribute to the effectiveness of radiological imaging procedures by assuring radiation safety and helping to develop improved imaging techniques (e.g., mammography, CT, MRI, ultrasound).

Medical physicists contribute to development of therapeutic techniques (e.g., prostate implants, stereotactic radiosurgery), collaborate with radiation oncologists to design treatment plans, and monitor equipment and procedures to insure that cancer patients receive the prescribed dose of radiation to the correct location.

Medical physicists are also responsible for ensuring that imaging and treatment facilities meet the rules and regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and various state health departments.

In addition to these clinical responsibilities, the medical physicist is always involved in various research initiatives to improve imaging and cancer diagnosis and treatment.