In the context of modern medicine's growing reliance on high-tech diagnostic and therapeutic devices, Medical Physics has emerged as an interdisciplinary field that bridges physics, engineering technology, and clinical medicine. According to the International Organization for Medical Physics (IOMP), medical physics applies physical principles, techniques, and methodologies to medicine to support diagnosis, treatment, and ensure the safety of patients and medical staff. In Vietnam, Medical Physics is often referred to as the "bridge between physics and medicine," utilizing advanced scientific knowledge and applying it directly in clinical settings. Graduates in this field play essential roles in areas involving ionizing radiation such as radiation therapy, diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine, and radiation safety.
1. Core disciplines
Medical Physics integrates physical concepts, theories, and methodologies into disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The core responsibilities of a medical physics graduate are reflected in four primary areas:
1.1. Radiation therapy
Medical physicists are responsible for planning and calculating radiation doses for cancer patients. Based on diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI, etc.), they simulate and optimize radiation dose distribution to maximize tumor cell destruction while protecting surrounding healthy tissues. They also conduct quality assurance (QA) for linear accelerators and radioactive source equipment to ensure precise treatment delivery.
1.2. Diagnostic imaging
Medical physicists work with X-ray, CT, MRI, SPECT, and PET systems to optimize imaging protocols, ensuring high-quality images with minimal radiation exposure, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles. They also calibrate, inspect, and evaluate imaging equipment performance to guarantee safe and accurate diagnostics.
1.3. Nuclear medicine
This field involves using radioactive isotopes for both diagnostics (MRI, CT, PET, SPECT) and treatment. Medical physicists calculate radiation doses for each patient, supervise the preparation and usage of radiopharmaceuticals, and assist physicians in image analysis and treatment evaluation.
1.4 Radiation safety
Radiation safety spans all activities in medical facilities using radiation. Medical physicists design shielding for X-ray, CT, and radiation therapy rooms; assess exposure for staff and patients; monitor radiation environments; perform periodic personal dosimetry; and develop response plans for radiation leakage or loss. They also advise healthcare institutions on compliance with regulations from the Ministry of Science and Technology and international bodies such as the IAEA and ICRP.
2. The role of Medical Physics in Vietnam's healthcare system
With increased government and hospital investments in advanced medical equipment, and rising cancer incidence rates, Vietnam urgently needs trained medical physics professionals. A shortage of personnel can result in underutilization of advanced technology and increased radiation safety risks. Thus, training internationally-standard medical physicists is a strategic necessity to improve healthcare service quality and keep pace with global advancements.
3. Bachelor of Medical Physics program
The Bachelor of Medical Physics program is designed to integrate theory, practice, and clinical application, preparing students with a solid knowledge foundation and professional skills aligned with real-world demands. At the University of Science, VNU-HCM, the four-year curriculum is divided into two main phases:
- Phase 1 (years 1 and 2): Students acquire general science knowledge including Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemistry, and electives. These subjects build foundational thinking and analytical skills.
- Phase 2 (years 3 and 4): Focuses on specialized courses in medical physics. In radiation therapy, students learn about linear accelerators, advanced techniques like IMRT, VMAT, SRS, and treatment planning using simulation software (e.g., Eclipse, Monaco). In diagnostic imaging, they explore image formation principles and quality assessment for X-ray, CT, MRI, PET, and ultrasound systems, alongside training in dose measurement and equipment QA.
Special attention is given to practical training in hospitals and laboratories equipped with modern radiation therapy machines and treatment planning systems (e.g., Monaco, Eclipse, Diamond). Final-year students intern at top hospitals such as Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, Cho Ray Hospital, Military Hospital 175, and Xuyen A General Hospital. Internships involve treatment planning, imaging QA, dose data analysis, and PET/CT image processing. These experiences not only enhance research capabilities but also prepare students for employment or further academic pursuits.
4. Research directions
Key research areas in Medical Physics at the University of Science, VNU-HCM include:
- Medical image segmentation and registration using machine learning and deep learning to automatically analyze CT, MRI, and PET scans for tumor localization.
- Advanced dose calculation and treatment planning for IMRT, VMAT, SRS, SBRT, proton therapy, and 3D-CRT.
- Radiation shielding and safety evaluation through experimental modeling for facility design.
- Radiation dose simulation using computational algorithms to optimize dose delivery from linear accelerators.
- Application of artificial intelligence, especially diffusion models, in image reconstruction and enhancement to reduce noise and assist intelligent diagnostics.
5. Career opportunities
Graduates can work as:
- Medical physicists in hospitals: specializing in radiation therapy planning, machine operation, and QA for therapy and imaging systems.
- Medical equipment specialists: handling technology transfer, technical support, and equipment maintenance in hospitals and clinics.
- Researchers or educators: pursuing master's/doctoral programs, engaging in advanced research and training future medical physicists.
- Radiation safety officers in public/private agencies: assessing compliance with safety regulations, performing audits, and ensuring radiation protection standards.
6. Conclusion
Medical Physics plays a vital role in modern healthcare, particularly in radiation-based diagnostics and treatment. With its high accuracy and safety demands, this field is indispensable for ensuring clinical effectiveness and regulatory compliance. In Vietnam, as the medical sector continues to modernize with high-tech equipment, the need for qualified medical physicists grows significantly. Furthermore, this interdisciplinary field offers diverse and in-depth research opportunities—from radiation simulation and image processing to AI and advanced measurement systems.