When I entered medical physics in 1958 there were fewer than 100 in the U.S. and I could see many opportunities to apply my knowledge of nuclear physics.
~ John Cameron
Medical physics is an applied area of physics.
Most medical physicists work in the physics of radiation oncology making sure that the desired dose is given to the cancer and the dose to normal tissues are minimized.
Medical physicists work in cooperation with doctors. A few medical physicists devote their time to research and teaching. A few get involved with administrative duties.
I am sure that I have been much more useful to society as a medical physicist.
I was the Chair of the first department of medical physics in a medical school in the U.S.
I have devoted much time and energy to helping medical physics in developing countries.
There are now over 5,000 medical physicists in the U.S more than 50 times the number in 1958.
The growth of technology is such that it is not possible today for a nuclear physicist to switch into medical physics without training. The field is now much more technical. More training is needed to do the job.
I am now almost certain that we need more radiation for better health.
I have the satisfaction of knowing I did something useful for society.
