Physics
The Division of Medical Physics has a total of 8 Ph.D. physicists. In addition, the medical physics training program has a total of four post-doctoral Ph.D. physicists and four graduate students. The section has made a commitment to both research and education.
In conjunction with the Division of Cancer and Radiation Biology, the section runs a yearly six-week orientation course in radiation physics taught by the physics faculty. Didactic teaching provides an introduction to the physical aspects of radiation treatment planning and therapy. The course curriculum includes a wide variety of important topics including the principles of brachytherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery. A popular component of the course are practical sessions with "hands on" experience in the use of a linear accelerator and simulator. These sessions are taught in conjunction with the chief technologist.
Research activities in the physics section are extensive. A major area of emphasis are issues related to conformal radiation therapy including volume visualization, the evaluation of organ motion, beam aperture design, intensity modulated radiation therapy and the use of functional imaging in treatment planning. Additionally, the physics staff works closely with the medical staff in developing new treatment strategies for complex problems. The faculty are frequent speakers at a number of important national and international meetings including the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. Publications of the Physics Section have appeared in many major journals.