Medical physics (for health professionals)
Medical physics describes the scientific behind a variety of medical technologies, and how this can be employed to provide information about diseases, plan effective treatment and do this in a safe and optimal way.
The technologies we are involved in include the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of radiation physics, for example in radiation protection, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. This work also extends to developing and optimising new clinical applications in these areas.
We are also involved in managing the safety aspects of non-ionising radiation applications, for example ultraviolet radiation, lasers, and radiofrequency radiation. Medical physics also encompasses other imaging techniques, such as MRI and ultrasound, where an understanding of the physics behind them is used to develop new imaging approaches and image analysis methods, as well as assuring image quality, safety and the appropriate interpretation of the data.
We are using also using our physics and engineering expertise to develop methods to measure cerebral blood flow regulation and intracranial pressure in the brain, using a range of non-invasive techniques.
Our work includes applying scientific computing techniques and expertise to a variety of areas - mainly imaging (eg software for quantitative image analysis) and radiotherapy (eg workflow automation) related. This capability within the department also enables us to develop software applications that can be utilised as a medical device, and we contribute to a trust-wide framework and quality system to oversee this activity.
Across all these areas we teach, train and are involved in research and innovation - you can find out more about the activity within each group in the department by clicking on the links below:
Nuclear medicine physics
We have a key role in diagnostic nuclear medicine, providing clinical support to our imaging services (SPECT and PET). We're also involved in nuclear medicine as therapy. Find out more.
MRI
We support the MRI service for patients at the hospital, and are heavily involved in research. We're the designated magnetic resonance (MR) safety expert for the Trust, and also provide safety advice to other clients. Find out more.
Radiation protection
We provide radiation protection support to hospital services using x-ray and ultrasound equipment including radiology, nuclear medicine, theatres, and the breast screening unit. Find out more.
Radiotherapy physics
We work closely with the radiotherapy department (in cancer care), providing technical and scientific support. Find out more.
Scientific computing
We provide end-to-end specialist clinical software design, development and support as well as supporting scientific research and research imaging data management. Find out more.