Medical Physicist Interview

It’s rewarding but nevertheless challenging to be part of a field that not only applies cutting edge technology in healthcare, but also requires continuous learning to treat patients effectively.

Vivek Mahalwar, our next pathbreaker, Medical Physicist at a leading radiotherapy centre (London), uses some of the most advanced radiotherapy techniques and treatment plans to precisely target tumours !

Vivek talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about developing a particular interest in Advanced Medical Imaging, which laid the foundation for his future career as a Medical Physicist.

For students, always choose a career that inspires you to not only better yourself but also make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Vivek, tell us what were your growing up years like??

I grew up in India during the late 1980s, a time when a strong emphasis was placed on education. Like many of my peers, I was guided by the traditional notion that a good education meant pursuing a career in either engineering or medicine. This belief shaped my academic journey from an early age, and my parents made considerable sacrifices to ensure I had access to quality education.

In high school, I chose both Biology and Mathematics, keeping my options open for a future in either medicine or engineering. However, deciding between the two wasn’t easy. The medical field was highly competitive and often expensive, while the technical field seemed saturated. After narrowly missing out on the medical entrance exams, I explored alternatives, such as dentistry, pharmacy, and biotechnology, but none of these paths truly resonated with me.

What ultimately shaped my decision was my interest in both medicine and engineering. I performed well in mathematics, and engineering became a natural second choice after medicine. During my research, I discovered the field of Biomedical Engineering, which stood out to me because it combined both my passions—medicine and technology. This unique field offered the perfect balance, allowing me to integrate my interests and contribute to the future of healthcare through innovative solutions. It wasn’t a common career choice at the time, but I was excited by the challenge and the opportunity it presented to make a meaningful impact.

What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

After high school, I discovered Biomedical Engineering, which perfectly combined my interests in both medicine and technology. However, very few colleges in India offered this program at the time. Fortunately, I performed well in the entrance exams and secured a place at Mumbai University to pursue my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering. The four-year intensive program provided a strong foundation and helped me land a job in the medical device industry.

As the field was still emerging, I felt a strong desire to further my education. However, in India, the options for postgraduate studies were limited, often leading to academic careers, which wasn’t a path I saw myself pursuing. I was more interested in applied science and industry-driven roles. After researching opportunities abroad and consulting with colleagues and recruitment agencies, I realised there were much broader prospects internationally.

I was fortunate to secure admission to Imperial College London for a Master’s program in Biomedical Engineering. During my bachelor’s studies, I had developed a particular interest in Advanced Medical Imaging, which guided me to specialize in Medical Physics at Imperial. This specialization laid the foundation for my future career as a Medical Physicist, combining my passion for technology and healthcare.

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional and rare career in Medical Physics?

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for a successful career, but I firmly believe that the environment you grow up in plays a significant role in shaping your achievements. My family has always been a great source of inspiration and motivation, particularly during challenging times. Their support wasn’t always career-specific, but the general encouragement I received from them helped me stay focused on my goals. This strong foundation of encouragement, paired with a supportive circle of friends, made a substantial difference throughout my journey.

In terms of technical and career guidance, I’ve been fortunate to learn from mentors who had significant experience in the industry. Their insights were invaluable because they had encountered challenges that I was facing for the first time, and their advice helped me navigate through them with confidence. Similarly, many teachers and professors played key roles, not only by sharing knowledge but also by providing critical career advice. For example, the project I selected during my bachelor’s program was greatly influenced by a professor’s recommendation, and this decision had a long-term impact. I was able to continue working on similar technology during my master’s program, which helped deepen my expertise and directly contributed to landing my first job in the medical device industry. That continuity of learning, from undergraduate to postgraduate studies, helped me showcase the depth of my understanding and made a strong impression during interviews.

Another influential experience was attending education and career fairs. These events broadened my horizons, making me realize that my existing network and knowledge were just a small part of a much larger global picture. I learned the importance of always seeking advice and asking successful people about their journeys. Often, something they’ve experienced resonates with your own path, offering clarity and new perspectives. Living in Mumbai gave me the opportunity to meet various people who helped me answer the crucial question every student asks:What do I really want for myself?

Lastly, I believe being proactive is key. While completing my bachelor’s degree, I enrolled in an IELTS course with no immediate plans to study abroad—I did it primarily to improve my English. However, when the time came to apply for higher education abroad, having that certification already in hand made the application process much smoother. It’s a great example of how preparing ahead, even without a clear intention, can pay off in the long run.

Tell us about your career path

My Career Path and Approach to Success:

My career path has been the result of thoughtful planning, key opportunities, and a commitment to continuous learning. From the beginning, I’ve aligned my interests with the emerging trends in biomedical engineering to ensure a solid foundation for my future. As I gained more education and experience, I continuously refined my skills, interests, and career goals, allowing me to carve out a niche where I could thrive.

Approach or Thought Process:

I’ve always been passionate about both medicine and engineering, which naturally led me to Biomedical Engineering. During my undergraduate studies, I quickly realized that gaining practical experience would be crucial alongside academic knowledge. My focus was on internships and research projects, which gave me insights into how the field operates. While I was keen on working right after my bachelor’s degree, I also remained open to pursuing further education if the need arose.

This early industry exposure helped me not only understand the technical aspects of my future career, but also taught me that career satisfaction goes beyond just technical skills. It involves evaluating your work environment, interests, and long-term goals.

Internships/Jobs:

Industrial Placement (During Bachelor’s):
During my bachelor’s degree, I completed a 6-month industrial placement, which gave me my first real-world insight into the role I would play in my future career. This experience was eye-opening because I realized that while the work was technical, it didn’t engage me at the depth I wanted. This sparked my desire to pursue higher education to specialize further and grow beyond the basic, routine tasks I observed during the placement.

First Job (Medical Device Industry):
After completing my degree in Biomedical Engineering from Mumbai University, I secured my first job as a field service engineer in the medical device industry. This role was pivotal in shaping my understanding of how medical technologies are designed, developed, and applied in healthcare settings. I worked closely with senior engineers and gained invaluable hands-on experience, from understanding device design to navigating regulatory and commercial aspects of the industry.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of this job was the realisation that my work directly contributed to diagnosing and treating diseases. The importance of what I was doing filled me with a sense of passion. I also travelled extensively across the country, meeting diverse people and experiencing various cultures, which developed my ability to adapt to new environments and challenges.

Transition to Higher Education:
While I enjoyed my role, I soon realised that the path I was on—although impactful—wasn’t sustainable for me in the long term. The extensive travel, unpredictable hours, and working in isolation were aspects of the job that I didn’t see myself continuing with in the future. I also recognized that to progress in my career, especially in the field of medical physics, I needed deeper technical knowledge. This motivated me to pursue a master’s degree abroad to gain specialised skills and shift my career focus.

After careful research and consultation with colleagues, I applied for a master’s in Biomedical Engineering at Imperial College London, with a focus on Medical Physics. This program allowed me to specialise in advanced medical imaging and related areas, which had piqued my interest during my undergraduate studies. This deeper understanding of the field became the foundation of my current career. I also had the opportunity to build a global network of professionals and gain exposure to cutting-edge research, which has been invaluable in my development as a medical physicist.

Networking has been one of the most valuable tools throughout my journey. I’ve built strong relationships with mentors, professors, and industry professionals during both my bachelor’s and master’s programs. These relationships have provided guidance, opened doors to opportunities, and helped me make important decisions about my career. I remain in touch with several key influencers, including my school teachers and professors from Imperial College London, which has been invaluable for continuous learning and career development.

One key lesson I’ve learned is that flexibility and adaptation are crucial in any professional journey. For instance, after completing my master’s degree, I secured a job in the industry that aligned well with my education. However, I soon realised that I wasn’t fully utilising my technical skills in a clinical setting, which was where my true passion lay.

Over time, I made a transition to a more specialised role in radiotherapy physics, where I could work directly with clinicians and patients. This shift allowed me to engage with my passion for using advanced medical technology in patient care. I’ve learned that career optimization is an ongoing process—you may not know your perfect niche right away, but with each experience, you gain clarity on where your passion truly lies.After securing a job as a physicist in the UK, I underwent an intense 6-7 years of on-the-job training to achieve recognition as a Clinical Scientist. This recognition is mandatory for anyone to practice as a medical physicist in the UK

My career has been a continuous journey of exploration, reflection, and adaptation. Each job, internship, and academic pursuit helped me realise my strengths, preferences, and long-term goals. While I’ve always been passionate about the intersection of medicine and technology, it’s been the combination of thoughtful planning, networking, and a willingness to adapt that has allowed me to thrive as a medical physicist today.

How did you get your first break?

My first break came during my bachelor’s degree when I participated in an industrial placement. This experience was pivotal because it gave me a hands-on understanding of how the medical device industry operates and how technologies are applied in healthcare settings. During the six months I spent there, I learned not only about the technical side of the industry but also how these technologies directly impact patient care. It was a valuable experience that helped me confirm my passion for biomedical engineering and the healthcare sector.

After completing my degree, I worked for a year with one of the largest medical device companies in India, where I was responsible for providing technical support to hospitals in Western India. This role allowed me to travel to various healthcare facilities, where I gained deep insights into the practical challenges hospitals face when implementing new technologies.

This experience was a turning point for me—it made me realise the importance of specialised knowledge in medical physics and imaging. I understood that to further my career and meet my long-term goals, I would need more in-depth education. It also clarified what kind of course would best align with my passion for both technology and healthcare and led me to pursue a master’s degree at Imperial College London in Biomedical Engineering, focusing on Medical Physics.

One common question I often receive is how someone can pursue a career as a medical physicist abroad, particularly in the UK.

The UK government maintains a shortage occupation list, which highlights professions in high demand where companies are eligible to sponsor foreign candidates for employment. Radiotherapy Physicists have consistently been included on this list, making them eligible for employer sponsorship for foreign candidates.

A fully trained medical physicist with a PhD from abroad stands a good chance of securing a sponsored position in the UK. However, becoming a medical physicist involves holding specific designations mandated by the government or regulatory bodies in each country. For instance, in countries like India, one needs to be certified as a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) to work as a medical physicist. Similarly, in the UK, after obtaining a job, you must achieve formal recognition as a Clinical Scientist or Medical Physics Expert, which are the key designations required to practice professionally.

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

Challenge 1: “What’s Right for Me?”
Like many students, I often found myself questioning, “What’s the right path for me?” This is a common challenge, especially when you’re at a crossroads between multiple interests—in my case, medicine and engineering. I addressed this by taking things one step at a time, focusing on the most critical tasks at hand. My strategy was to continually improve my current situation while keeping a long-term perspective on my ultimate goals. Looking back, I didn’t always have a clear answer, but my approach was about refining my decisions and skills over time. I focused on solving immediate challenges and trusted that these incremental improvements would eventually lead to the wider objective. In hindsight, this strategy worked well in shaping my career trajectory.

Challenge 2: Keeping Up with Continuous Learning in an Evolving Field
Biomedical engineering, especially the medical device and healthcare technology sector, is rapidly evolving. New technologies, methods, and best practices are introduced regularly, making continuous learning a necessity. Staying ahead in such a fast-paced field can be daunting, but I addressed this by embracing lifelong learning. Whether it was enrolling in courses, attending industry conferences, or reading up on the latest developments, I made sure I stayed updated. My master’s degree at Imperial College London allowed me to specialise in advanced medical imaging and medical physics, fields that are constantly evolving. Continuous learning not only keeps you relevant in the industry but also positions you to lead innovations.

Challenge 3: Adapting to the Inception of AI and Advanced Technology
One of the biggest recent challenges has been the introduction and rapid growth of AI in medical technology, particularly in oncology. AI is transforming the way we diagnose and treat diseases, and it’s essential to understand and integrate these advancements to improve patient outcomes. For me, this meant diving deeper into AI-driven technologies that support advanced imaging and treatment methods. To address this, I actively sought out opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies and learned from experts in the field. By gaining hands-on experience with these tools and deepening my understanding, I was able to adapt to the fast-changing technological landscape. My goal is always to ensure that I can offer the best possible care to patients, and AI has been an invaluable tool in achieving that.

Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?

I currently work as a Medical Physicist at a leading radiotherapy centre in London, where we provide world-class treatment using some of the most advanced radiotherapy machines available. My role involves ensuring that every treatment is delivered with the utmost accuracy and safety, utilising both cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of human anatomy. Here’s more about my work:

In radiotherapy, each patient’s case is unique, requiring personalised treatment plans that precisely target tumours while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues. My job is to solve complex problems related to this treatment planning. This includes optimizing radiation beams to hit the tumour effectively while protecting critical organs, verifying the accuracy of the machines delivering the radiation, and ensuring all treatments are aligned with clinical safety standards.

Additionally, we tackle challenges such as incorporating new technologies and innovations, like AI-driven algorithms, to standardise and improve the speed and precision of our work. The solutions are rarely straightforward and often rely on global collaboration, reviewing research papers, attending conferences, and learning from professionals in the field worldwide.

What Skills Are Needed for This Job? How Did You Acquire These Skills?

Being a Medical Physicist in radiotherapy requires a combination of technical, theoretical, and clinical skills. These include:

• Advanced knowledge of human anatomy and radiation physics: Understanding how radiation interacts with human tissues is crucial for accurate treatment planning.
• Expertise in radiotherapy machines and technology: The ability to work with and optimise advanced machines used in treatment delivery.
• Problem-solving skills: Each case presents its own challenges, and being able to adapt, analyse data, and come up with precise solutions is essential.
• Collaboration and teamwork: The ability to work closely with radiation oncologists, therapists, and engineers to achieve the best outcomes.

I acquired these skills through a combination of formal education, including my master’s in Biomedical Engineering, hands-on experience in clinical environments, and continuous professional development through workshops, conferences, and collaborative research.

What’s a Typical Day Like?

A typical day in my role involves several key tasks:

• Treatment planning: I work on computers using sophisticated algorithms to model radiation beams, ensuring they accurately target the tumor while sparing healthy tissues. Each case is unique, requiring meticulous planning and problem-solving.
• Quality assurance: I ensure that the machines are delivering radiation as precisely as they were designed to. This often involves working closely with engineers to calibrate and maintain equipment.
• Safety evaluations: I assess treatment plans for safety, often referencing clinical trials and global best practices to make sure each treatment is aligned with the latest standards.
• Training and development: I also contribute to training new colleagues, attending workshops, and keeping up with the latest research to ensure we’re always improving our clinical outcomes.

What Do You Love About This Job?

What I love most about my job is the constant challenge and opportunity to innovate. Every day brings new cases, each with their own set of complexities. I get to work with cutting-edge technologies, continuously update my skills, and collaborate with a talented team to solve problems that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

There’s a deep sense of fulfillment in knowing that the work we do is directly impacting patient outcomes in a positive way, especially in oncology where precision and safety are paramount. It’s rewarding to be part of a field that combines science, technology, and healthcare, and where continuous learning is not just encouraged but necessary.

How does your work benefit society?

As a Medical Physicist in radiotherapy, my work has a profound impact on society in several key ways:

• Improving Patient Outcomes : The primary focus of my role is to ensure that patients receive precise and effective cancer treatment. By optimising radiation therapy, I help improve the accuracy of tumor targeting while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This leads to better treatment outcomes, fewer side effects, and an overall enhancement in the quality of life for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
• Advancing Medical Technology : My work involves integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence and advanced imaging techniques, into clinical practice. This not only streamlines treatment processes but also sets new standards for the medical community, contributing to the overall advancement of healthcare technology. These innovations can also extend to other areas of medicine, promoting research and development across the industry.
• Education and Training : I play a role in training the next generation of healthcare professionals, including radiotherapy technicians and junior physicists. By sharing my knowledge and expertise, I contribute to building a skilled workforce that is essential for maintaining high standards of care in the medical field.
• Collaboration for Global Health : In my role, I collaborate with a diverse team of healthcare professionals, researchers, and engineers to address complex challenges in cancer treatment. This teamwork fosters a spirit of innovation and allows us to share best practices and research findings, ultimately benefiting patients not just locally, but globally.
• Community Awareness and Support : Working in a clinical environment, I also engage with patients and their families, providing them with information and support about their treatment options. This helps demystify the process and fosters a sense of hope and empowerment, which is crucial for individuals facing cancer.

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

In my line of work, every day presents new challenges, as each clinical case is unique and requires a tailored solution. What makes my job particularly memorable is the teamwork and collaboration with experts across various fields. Together, we aim to solve complex clinical problems, and when we succeed, the success of the clinical outcome feels like a personal achievement.

One memorable experience that stands out was when I had the opportunity to work with a highly advanced technology that is rarely used in the world. This technology required precise planning and deep technical expertise to ensure its effective application in treating a patient with a complex medical condition. It was a high-stakes situation where the accuracy and execution had a direct impact on the patient’s outcome.

Being able to contribute to the successful use of this technology and see the positive results in the patient’s treatment was incredibly rewarding. It reminded me why I chose this field—to combine cutting-edge technology with healthcare to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. That day, the success of the treatment felt deeply personal to me, as it showcased the culmination of years of learning, adapting, and working alongside a team of dedicated professionals.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

Follow Your Passion : Identify what genuinely excites you—whether it’s medicine, engineering, or any other field. Pursuing a career aligned with your passions will keep you motivated and engaged, even during challenging times. Don’t hesitate to explore interdisciplinary fields, as they often lead to innovative career paths.

Gain Practical Experience : Make the most of internships, co-op programs, or industrial placements during your studies. Real-world experience is invaluable and helps you apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. It also gives you a clearer understanding of what to expect in your future career and helps refine your interests.

Be Open to Learning : The landscape of any field is constantly evolving, especially in areas like technology and healthcare. Cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning. Stay curious, seek out new knowledge, and be willing to adapt. Attend workshops, seminars, and industry conferences to keep yourself updated with the latest advancements.

Network Actively : Build relationships with professors, industry professionals, and fellow students. Networking can open doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and collaborations. Don’t underestimate the value of a strong professional network; it can provide guidance and support throughout your career.

Set Goals and Reflect : Regularly set short-term and long-term goals for yourself. Reflect on your experiences and evaluate whether you’re on the right path. Adjust your plans as necessary to align with your evolving interests and aspirations. Remember, it’s okay to change directions if you discover new passions.

Prioritize Well-Being : While striving for academic and professional success, don’t forget to take care of your mental and physical health. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is crucial for sustained performance and happiness in your career.

Contribute to Society : Think about how your skills and knowledge can benefit others. Whether through research, volunteering, or community service, contributing to society can provide you with a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

Future Plans?

I aim to initiate mentorship programs for newcomers in the field, providing guidance and support to those who share a passion for medical physics. I believe that by sharing my experiences and insights, I can help foster a new generation of professionals who are equipped to tackle the challenges of this dynamic field. I am particularly passionate about the implementation of artificial intelligence in the medical physics sector. I am eager to contribute to this new chapter of technological innovation, which promises to enhance clinical outcomes, streamline processes, and improve patient safety. By staying engaged with the latest developments and actively participating in relevant projects, I hope to play a significant role in integrating AI into our practices and advancing the field.

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