Medisfisik

Medisfisik is a field that applies the principles and methods of physics to medicine. In practice, it encompasses the development, optimization, and quality assurance of medical imaging, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine, as well as radiation safety and health physics. The term is often used interchangeably with fisika medis or fisika kedokteran in Indonesian contexts.

Subfields include imaging physics (X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear imaging), therapeutic physics (radiation therapy planning and dose calculation), nuclear medicine physics (radiopharmaceuticals, PET/SPECT instrumentation), and health physics (radiation protection, dosimetry). These areas share a focus on measurement, instrumentation, and quantitative analysis to improve diagnostic efficacy and therapeutic outcomes while protecting patients and staff.

Education and training: Professionals typically hold master's or doctoral degrees in medical physics or physics, followed by clinical residency or structured clinical training. Certification may be offered by national boards (for example ABR in the United States) or equivalent bodies in other countries; many positions require ongoing continuing education and re-certification.

Responsibilities: Calibration and quality assurance of imaging and treatment equipment, dose calculation and treatment planning, patient dose assessment, radiation safety programs, instrumentation maintenance, research and development, and regulatory compliance.

Workplaces: Hospitals, cancer centers, imaging centers, universities, government laboratories, and industry. Professionals collaborate with radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, engineers, and computer scientists.

Professional organizations and standards: International organizations such as the IOMP, AAPM, IAEA, NCRP, and IEC publish guidelines on shielding, dosimetry, imaging protocols, and safety.

Impact and trends: The field supports advances in image-guided therapies, advanced modalities (including proton therapy), artificial intelligence in image reconstruction and dose optimization, and ongoing efforts to enhance patient safety and quality assurance.