Medical Physicists

Qualified medical physicists work directly with the radiation oncologist during treatment planning and delivery. They oversee the work of the dosimetrists and help ensure that complex treatments are properly tailored for each patient.

• Medical physicists are responsible for developing and directing quality control programs and ensuring safe and precise treatment deliveries.
• The medical physicist ensures equipment remains safe and correctly calibrated, and that radiation dose determinations are accurate. They ensure equipment and procedures are in compliance with state and federal regulations and up to date standards.
• Physicists can be involved in research and development to improve radiation oncology techniques.
• Medical physicists have a graduate degree in medical physics, physics or engineering. To be eligible for board certification by the American Board of Radiology, they must also complete a multi-year residency in an accredited residency program.
• For more information on medical physicists, contact the American Association of Physicists in Medicine at www.aapm.org.