Medical Physics Contributes to The Advancement in Medicine

• Main Authors: Ng, Kwan Hoong, Wong, Jeannie Hsiu Ding, Yeong, C.H., Zin, H.M., Jamal, N.
• Format: Article
• Published: Akademi Sains Malaysia 2021
• Subjects: R Medicine (General); Medical technology
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/35807/; https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85104694545&doi=10.32802%2fasmscj.2020.505&partnerID=40&md5=218538f48a654c9af02c4b36d0d22e7e
• Institution: Universiti Malaya

Medical physics is the application of physics principles and techniques in medicine. Medical physicists are actively applying their knowledge and skills in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases to improve health via research and clinical practice. In this paper, we present the roles of medical physicists in the three primary fields, namely, diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine. Medical physicists have been playing a crucial role in the advancement of new technologies that have revolutionised medicine today. This includes the continuous development of medical imaging and radiotherapy techniques since the discovery of Xray and radioactivity. The last decade has seen tremendous development in the field that allows for better diagnosis and targeted treatment of various diseases. In the era of big data and artificial intelligence, while medical physicists continue to ensure that the application of the technologies in medicine is optimal and safe, it is paramount for the profession to evolve and be equipped with new skills to continue to contribute to the advancement of medicine. © 2021, ASM Science Journal. All Rights Reserved.