What is a medical physicist?
To ensure diseases are diagnosed, treated and prevented as quickly as possible, sophisticated medical equipment and procedures are necessary. Medical physicists work to design, develop and test such apparatus, using their specialised knowledge of physics and medicine. Their work helps to increase the survival rates for various diseases, by ensuring fast diagnosis and treatment.
What are the typical responsibilities of a medical physicist?
As a medical physicist, you’ll use a number of different technologies like radiotherapy, x-ray imaging, ultrasounds and lasers. Typical responsibilities include: researching, developing and evaluating new technical procedures, ensuring all equipment and systems are working correctly, explaining to patients complex technical procedures, and liaising with healthcare staff.
Meanwhile, the dangers associated with radiotherapy means that they also provide advice about radiation protection, and managing radiotherapy quality assurance programmes. The innovative nature of the field means that they have to keep on top of developments and new procedures within the field.
Where are medical physicists typically employed?
The biggest employer of medical physicists is the NHS. However, they are also employed by healthcare equipment manufacturers, academic institutions, research laboratories and regulatory bodies. Their expertise in radiation protections also means that they are employed by organisations who handle nuclear energy or radioactive material.
A career in non-NHS establishments (universities, regulatory bodies) means that you’ll typically have a regular nine-to-five, five days a week schedule. However, those working in the NHS or in private healthcare often rotational shifts, which often involve late hours, weekend and holiday shifts.
How much can I expect to earn?
It depends on where you choose to work. If you’re just starting out in the NHS, you’ll earn around £25,000. You can expect salary increases as you progress. As a senior consultant, you can find yourself earning between £75,000-£100,000. However, medical physicists working within the private sector typically receive higher salaries.
How can I become a medical physicist?
To become a medical physicist, you’ll need a degree in physics, although technology-related degrees are accepted. You can boost your chances of admission if you have a proven interest in medicine, for instance if you completed work experience in the sector.
To qualify, you’ll need to complete a two-year programme in a medical facility (typically a hospital). Firstly, you’ll complete the IPEM (Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine), followed by an MSc in Medical Physics. This involves extensive training, internships, and the completion of a dissertation.
Once you complete the final exam, you’ll seek employment as a junior physicist, and will complete the last section of training over two years. When you’ve completed this, you’ll be able to obtain IPEM membership and a Certificate of Attainment from the Association of Clinical Scientists. This allows you to practice as a full-time medical physicist.