Too many radiologists still believe there is a risk from a chest x-ray. Few radiologists can explain radiation to the patient in words the patient can understand.
John Cameron
Medical physics is an applied area of physics.
I started the nuclear medicine laboratory at UW Hospitals in 1959 and trained radiology residents in the field. It was 1965 before they found a trained MD (doctor) to take over my role.
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.
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.
We developed simple test tools to optimize imaging parameters. No company was interested in our idea.
I was the Chair of the first department of medical physics in a medical school in the U.S.
I found collaborating with congenial doctors about problems that physicists could help solve was very satisfying. I also like educating anybody who would listen!
I am not unhappy that my contribution was not recognized. I am sure it helped my career.
It is likely that we need more radiation to improve our longevity.
When I entered the field in July 1958 I believed what they told me about radiation risks. I spent much effort reducing the dose to patients in radiology.
I would not encourage everyone to take up this profession. Not everyone is suited for any particular field.
There are now over 5,000 medical physicists in the U.S more than 50 times the number in 1958.
Many Nobel Prizes are awaiting good research to understand and explain the many mysteries of our bodies, such as the basic mechanism of memory or imagination.
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.
I have the satisfaction of knowing I did something useful for society.
In 1970 I realized that there was negligible risk from x-rays but many radiographs had poor image quality so that the risk from a false negative was significant.
My main frustration is the fear of cancer from low dose radiation, even by radiologists.
I am now almost certain that we need more radiation for better health.
I am sure that I have been much more useful to society as a medical physicist.
Nuclear physics is interesting but it is unlikely to help society.
In some cases radiation reduces the incidence of cancer.
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.
If someone is interested in medicine and also in physics and they like working with people and communicate well with others, I would strongly encourage them.
I don't display my plaques and honors. They are hidden behind a black curtain in my work room at home.
I have devoted much time and energy to helping medical physics in developing countries.
