Case studies: Clinical scientist, radiotherapy physics: Jim Daniel

Jim graduated with a degree in theoretical physics from Durham University before undertaking an MSc in Medical Physics at the University of Leeds. Jim currently works at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough as a clinical scientist, specialising in radiotherapy physics.

Following my first degree, I took some time out as I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to use what I had learned in my undergraduate degree and be involved in improving life for people. I found out about medical physics and successfully applied for the training scheme. I started training by taking a postgraduate degree in medical physics followed by three years of practical training. My undergraduate degree fed directly both into the medical physics training and things I do on a daily basis. 

A typical day working in medical physics can be highly varied. In radiotherapy, I am on call throughout the day while patients are being treated, in case of problems or if advice is required about the scientific aspects of treatment. 

I get involved with all parts of delivering radiotherapy treatment to patients. Some of my time is spent creating treatment plans for patients, using sophisticated software tools or talking to doctors about aspects of a treatment. I also get involved with calculating radiation doses to patients and checking aspects of treatment plans produced by another dedicated staff group (dosimetrists). 

The physics group make measurements of some of the most complicated treatments to ensure that they are suitable for delivery to patients. It can be difficult to make these measurements because of time constraints on the treatment machines; sometimes my day extends past the usual working hours.

My role has developed over the last few years in that I am now largely responsible for looking after one of our more technically challenging treatment machines and have a role developing in-house software for particular tasks. In the future, I hope to undertake a PhD and possibly get into more research.

I enjoy the creative aspects of working in medical physics alongside the satisfaction you get from helping to deliver first-class treatments for cancer patients. It’s also great to work with like-minded people who are available to bounce ideas off and put you right when you go off track.

The best thing about working in medical physics is the chance to directly contribute to the care of patients and still use the skills and knowledge gained from my degree. We’re not often directly thanked by patients, as they very rarely see a physicist, but it’s gratifying to hear how smooth patients found the treatment process.

The job is often time-pressured. It can be frustrating when you think everything is under control and suddenly ten extra problems are given to you just before you want to go home.

Try and get some experience in a hospital, even if just for a few days, to get a feel for what happens in a medical physics department. Research as much as possible about the role so that when you’re interviewed for a training place you can really show off just how much you want to do it.