Medical physicist
Medical physicists apply physics and technical skills to the practice of medicine to help prevent, diagnose and treat many kinds of diseases and health conditions. They develop, test and evaluate specialist equipment and procedures in many areas including radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, laser technology and physiological monitoring. As clinical scientists in The National Health Service (NHS) , medical physicists have a central role in developing, planning and implementing patient treatment programmes.
While the majority work in the NHS, others are employed in medical equipment manufacturing companies, regulatory authorities, universities, research organisations and companies using radioactive materials.
Medical physicists are involved in services to patients, research and development activities. These include:
A degree in physics is the preferred entry qualification but an electrical/electronic or computing engineering degree may also be accepted.
Candidates with the relevant degree can then enter the medical physicist role by carrying out the Part I training accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) . This usually takes two years and involves hospital-based training. An MSc in Medical Physics accredited by the IPEM is also studied for alongside this training and can be completed on a full-time, block or day-release basis.
Those who already have an accredited MSc may complete a shortened period of hospital-based training which lasts 15 months.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
Work experience within a hospital medical physics department is advisable. This will help you decide on a specialist area, as well as strengthen applications for training schemes, for which entry is competitive and there are many more applicants than places. Arrange a visit to a department in a local hospital to find out more about the role.
As of 2011, in England and Wales, a new graduate entry Scientist Training Programme (STP) replaced the previous Clinical Scientist Training Scheme. The recruitment for the healthcare scientist training positions takes place early in the year for the September intake. Recruitment usually begins in February, with a closing date in mid-March.
NHS Trusts will offer 200 training posts in life sciences, physics and engineering and physiological sciences. Successful candidates will join a three-year training programme of workplace-based learning and a Masters degree in their specialist subject.
There is a single timetable for recruitment as well as national guidelines and assessment centres to ensure that all candidates are treated fairly and equally. Candidates can apply for the training posts at the NHS Jobs website while the selection process is organised by local trusts.
Details of all training posts are available on NHS Jobs and will be advertised in the New Scientist . Further details of the scheme and a list of all the job roles are available on the NHS Healthcare Scientist Training Programme (STP) page on the NHS Careers website.
Scotland is also adopting the new training programme but will still be recruiting by specialist subject, rather than on a national basis for the time being. Training will be provided by individual NHS boards. Details of each training scheme can be found at Clinical Scientist Pre-Registration Training Schemes Scotland and can also be found in the New Scientist .
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Upon entering a post as a medical physicist, the Part I training, accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) , is started. This is a two-year training programme that also involves studying for a Masters.
The syllabus of the MSc in Medical Physics contains scientific, clinical, technical, management and professional topics to support and guide practical experience. A dissertation on chosen project work within medical physics is completed as part of the course. Hospital-based attachments involve in-depth experience of three major areas of medical physics, as well as the opportunity to undertake less formal placements or 'acquaintanceships' in other areas.
Portfolios and knowledge of three chosen specialisms are assessed at a final viva. If successful, the IPEM Diploma (DipIPEM) is awarded.
After completion of Part I training, individuals can apply for junior grade posts. At this stage, medical physicists are able to develop their job, take on more responsibility, or move to another department to widen their experience. The Part II training of the IPEM is then usually commenced. This involves a two-year programme of supervised practice while employed as an advanced trainee. Once completed, the Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS) Certificate of Attainment and Corporate Membership of the IPEM can be applied for. The certificate awarded by the ACS allows the candidate to apply for registration through the Health Professions Council (HPC) as a clinical scientist.
The Health Professions Council (HPC) is responsible for the maintenance of the Statutory Register of Clinical Scientists. Registration is essential for medical physicists, both for authority to work in an unsupervised situation and for career development. This has to be reviewed every two years.
Trainees are expected to apply for senior posts in the course of their final training year, and to be offered appointments that are conditional upon their gaining state registration. It is at this point that they take on specialist titles, such as radiotherapy physicist.
The most rapid career progression may be achieved by applying for a higher-scaled vacant post elsewhere. Candidates are assessed on their track record as well as on the basis of evidence such as publication in peer-reviewed journals, active participation in local, national and international meetings, and awareness of current developments.
Following management training, continuing professional development (CPD) recording with ongoing mentor support, successful interview and assessment, it is possible to gain Chartered Scientist (CSci) status. Some newly qualified medical physicists also study for a PhD, either full time or part time.
Progression is possible to healthcare scientist consultant. This can be either a clinical or management role.
Ongoing training and professional development is an essential part of developing a career as a medical physicist. The Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) provides a formal continuing professional development (CPD) programme for all its members, aimed to support and enhance career progression. Ultimately, career development will depend on the chosen specialist area.
The majority of medical physicists are employed within The National Health Service (NHS) , radiotherapy being the biggest specialist area. Employers also include:
Medical equipment manufacturers employ medical physicists to assist in the design and development of equipment. Skilled in the commissioning of new equipment and monitoring machine outputs and performance, medical physicists may also assist in training and fault resolution. Equipment manufacturers may also produce medical devices such as implants, heart valves and prosthetic limbs.
The nuclear energy industry requires medical physicists to protect the workforce and local environment from radiation exposure. Similar roles could be performed working for Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or for government research agencies.
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