Radiation OncologyThe radiology subspecialty devoted to the treatment of cancer using radiation. The radiation may be delivered from an outside x-ray source or may be placed or injected into the body.

Diagnostic Medical Physicists

A diagnostic medical physicist is a qualified medical physicist who works with radiologists and other physicians on image modalities such as CT (computed tomography), x-rays (radiography), fluoroscopy, mammography, ultrasound and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

As an integral part of the imaging team, the diagnostic medical physicist develops and directs quality control programs that ensure imaging equipment and procedures are safe, comply with various regulatory and accrediting agency requirements, and provide images of the highest quality. Diagnostic medical physicists perform radiation dose calculations and often consult on patient or personnel radiation dose and associated risks. They also act as a resource for physicians and technologists, helping them better understand the technical aspects of imaging methods so that they can use them most effectively.

Diagnostic medical physicists have doctorates or master's degrees. They have completed four years of college, two to four years of graduate school and typically one to two years of clinical physics training.