Introduction to Medical Physics
Medical physics is one of the branches of applied physics and means the application of the principles and phenomena of physics to medicine, especially in the areas of diagnosis, treatment and disease prevention. It involves the use of advanced technology and equipment to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, as well as in the development and implementation of new medical technologies.
Medical physics is a very interdisciplinary field that involves the use of different areas of physics (eg: nuclear physics, radiation physics, imaging physics, as well as aspects of engineering and computer science).
Historical Genesis of Medical Physics
Five centuries ago, the Italian artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci was considered one of the first medical physicists in the world, as he worked as a pioneer and assistant in this field through his study of the human heart and blood circulation, as well as his study of optics, including the properties of light and the anatomy of the eye.
Medical physics appeared in the early twentieth century when the physicist Roentgen used X-rays for the first time in diagnosis and medical treatment, and that was when the unit of radioactivity Becquerel (relative to the French scientist Henri Becquerel) was discovered resulting from some substances in nature.
French physicist de Arsonelle used high-frequency electric current in physical therapy, chiropractic and pain management. He also contributed to the development of electrical measuring devices. Since then, sensitive voltmeters have led to the development of EKGs.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the scientist Duane worked on radon sources to treat cancer in hospitals, and then the world followed him.
During the period of World Wars I and II the application of physics in medicine advanced rapidly, as medical physicists worked alongside physicians to develop and use new technologies, such as ultrasound and radar, for medical purposes.
In the 1950s the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) was founded, which set standards for medical physics education and training.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the development of nuclear medicine and radiotherapy as important medical tools led to further growth in the field of medical physics as medical physicists played an important role in the development of new imaging technologies, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), enabling It allowed non-invasive imaging of internal structures and tissues.
In the 1980s and 1990s, advances in computer technology enabled medical physicists to develop sophisticated treatment planning software, allowing for more accurate and effective radiation therapy. The field has also expanded into other areas, such as nuclear magnetic resonance and laser medicine.
Branches of Medical Physics
The field of medical physics includes a variety of branches, including:
1- Diagnostic Medical Physics: This branch is concerned with the use of physical and technical principles to develop and improve medical imaging techniques such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and nuclear medicine imaging.
2- Radiation Oncology Physics: This branch focuses on applying radiation therapy to treat cancer. Radiation oncology physicists are responsible for making sure that the equipment used in radiation therapy works properly, that patients receive the correct dose of radiation, and that treatment plans are optimized to ensure the best possible outcomes for cancer patients.
3- Nuclear Medicine Physics: This branch of medical physics is concerned with the use of radioactive materials to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Nuclear medicine physicists are responsible for developing and improving imaging technologies that use radioactive tracers, as well as ensuring the safety and effectiveness of procedures.
4- Radiation Protection Physics: This branch of medical physics is concerned with the safe use of radiation in medical applications. Radiation protection physicists are responsible for ensuring that radiation exposure is kept within safe limits for medical personnel, patients, and the general public.
5- Biomedical Engineering: Biomedical engineering applies engineering principles to healthcare and medicine. This includes the development and improvement of medical devices, such as artificial limbs, artificial organs, and medical imaging equipment.
6- Health Physics: Health physics is a broad branch of physics that focuses on the measurement and evaluation of radiation and other environmental factors that may affect human health. Health physicists work in a variety of settings, including medical facilities, government agencies, and the nuclear industry.
7- Medical Informatics: Medical informatics is the application of computer science and information technology to healthcare. Medical physicists working in this field are involved in the development and improvement of electronic medical records, medical imaging software, and other healthcare-related technologies.
Fields of Work for Medical Physicists
The work of medical physicists is divided into two branches:
The first branch: Most of the activity of the medical physicist working in the hospital or in a clinic is in the clinical service, medical consultations, and the development of medical equipment and devices.
The second branch: the activity of the medical physicist working in an academic institution (a professor at the university or in scientific organizations) is directed towards academic activities such as teaching, administration and scientific research, and this branch cannot be sufficient to say that the individual is a medical physicist, as he needs practical experience in dealing with problems Medical and various devices in its field (i.e. a practical application to study it in hospitals or clinics).
Specialization in Medical Physics
After studying the Department of Medical Physics at the university and obtaining a bachelor's degree, it is possible to specialize in one of the fields of medical physics by working in hospitals or clinics, but you need training courses to learn to use the medical devices that will specialize in it, and the university is not obligated to provide that due to the large number of types of medical devices and the lack of Availability of the necessary time, as the university study provides an understanding of the working mechanism of these devices and the interpretation of the principles and physical phenomena applied by these devices, i.e. it is just a theoretical study, but it is obligatory and obligatory to provide a practical application for its students in government hospitals, clinics or others during the summer holidays, and the duration of this training is specific and cannot be Sufficient for learning, meaning that you will have to participate in training courses by specialized trainers.
It is possible to specialize in a specific field in medical physics by applying for a master's degree in medical physics and working as a teacher at the university.
Upon obtaining a master's degree, it is possible to complete the specialization in a doctorate, or apply for a fellowship program, which is usually for a period of two years, where training takes place in one of the fields of medical physics (for example, radiotherapy physics or diagnostic physics).
To work in hospitals as a medical physics consultant, accreditation must be obtained from one of the international associations such as the American Board of Radiological Medicine, the Canadian College of Medical Physicists, or the British Institute of Medical Engineering Physics.
Usually, it is possible to apply for the written accreditation test after two or three years of experience, followed by an oral test. You can also apply to a higher degree, the Fellowship of the Society, which usually requires five years of experience and an oral exam.
Abstract
The field of medical physics continues to evolve and expand with the development of new imaging and treatment methods such as proton emission therapy, molecular imaging, and image-guided radiation therapy. As technology continues to advance in medicine, the role of medical physics will become increasingly important in disease control.
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