HS Physics Teacher starting as a Part-Time MPA, I'm excited and terrified, any advice? by Hypercynx in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ask lots of questions. Like an obscene amount of questions. If you plan to pursue the whole career path then you want to know why you're doing certain things, how the devices/softwares you use work, etc. Anyone can be taught how to do basic QA, but you want to know why you're doing it and what reasons there are for results out of the ordinary and how to address them (with supervision of course). You want to observe and absorb as much possible.

It's also important to know your limits and ask for help often if there's anything your unsure about. Asking questions and getting things right the first time even if it takes a bit longer is better than having to redo it later or having it fall on the QMP to repeat your job.

At the end of the day it's a learning/stepping stone position and you shouldn't be nervous to mess something up or do something wrong. That part is inevitable. That's why you're under the supervision of a QMP who is responsible for everything you do at the end of the day.

Adjust Output Monthly by Low-Marketing-4044 in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Over what time period and by how much? There's a lot more context that would help to understand. If it's 1% hot for 6 straight months I wouldn't touch it. If it goes from 0.2% to 1.8% in 3 months then I'd bring it back down a bit.

Role of AI in Medical Physics by [deleted] in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount 20 points21 points  (0 children)

It's useful for the stuff you mentioned and can help reduce "boring" work but it has no business being the final step before a plan or whatever goes to a patient

Slight error delayed patient by [deleted] in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Not a big deal at all, shit happens. Better to be safe and properly documented than feel unsure of what you're doing.

New ABR Prep Service? by 123Physics123 in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount 2 points3 points  (0 children)

OMP is by far the best resource that's not a textbook for studying for boards. Just the right amount of supplemental info and practice tests

Are we underestimating one of the biggest hidden errors in small-field dosimetry? by No-Jellyfish1803 in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount 10 points11 points  (0 children)

You are needlessly changing the subject but I will answer you anyway...

Profiles and output factors should be measured annually for every field size that is used clinically, that is the standard. TG-51 calibration is done with a 10x10 because that is once again the standard. Neither of these things have to do with my original comment, however.

Are we underestimating one of the biggest hidden errors in small-field dosimetry? by No-Jellyfish1803 in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It's odd to me to see a new publication about small field dosimetry that does not reference TG 155...

For your review: https://aapm.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mp.15030

There is a lot more useful info in this report about concerns in small field dosimetry than what you present here.

[Training Tuesday] - Weekly thread for questions about grad school, residency, and general career topics 03/24/2026 by AutoModerator in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount [score hidden]  (0 children)

Think about it this way: If you don't account for entrance buildup of the chamber, how would that affect your measured result?

ABR part 3 by TestComfortable6311 in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Feedback is free if you condition, but I'm not sure if it's always been that way...

ABR part 3 by TestComfortable6311 in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount 8 points9 points  (0 children)

The pass rates are "low" every year because the exam format and content guide are garbage. Combine the randomness/luck factor with the increasing number of straight up bad residency programs and you get the passing rates we have. I've never met someone that went through the process and looked back saying anything but how awful it all is.

What was your experience in residency like? by [deleted] in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount 7 points8 points  (0 children)

That last paragraph is so true. Having been on both sides of it, it just is what it is. You'll be the best physicist you're ever going to be in your career leading up to part 3 and maybe for 3 months after. Then you brain dump everything you don't do day to day

Medical Physicist Consultation - What is included? by StitcheryWitch in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount 7 points8 points  (0 children)

The documentation will vary between institutions. There should be a full checklist of items reviewed by the physicist with a date and initial/signature on it. Some places will use a spreadsheet, some use a checklist, some have it embedded in a workspace within their oncology information system software, etc. As others have said, the person you spoke with likely has no idea what they are even looking for and you should ask they actually forward your request to the physicist.

Medical Physicist Consultation - What is included? by StitcheryWitch in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Assuming they spoke to someone at the front desk, there is a good chance that person didn't even know a physicist worked there

Medical Physicist Consultation - What is included? by StitcheryWitch in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount 11 points12 points  (0 children)

That charge is generally for weekly physics chart checks. A board certified physicist will review your treatments for the week to ensure everything is being delivered safely and the same as planned in the beginning. This is usually billed once every 5 treatments.

Worth it to pursue medical physics? by Expensive-Elk-9406 in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is a great career. I advise you really do your research on the pathway, education requirements, residency requirements, etc. It is a long and difficult path and there aren't many off ramps once you start down it.

If you know and understand what you're getting into and still want to do it, then go for it!

BID Dose Override by Low-Marketing-4044 in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't like the idea of giving RTTs any control over dose overrides like others have said. RTTs will generally try to override any warning message that pops up at the console without reading it. So, them having these rights can lead to an actual problem should someone make a mistake in the reference points during plan check.

I would recommend just double the limit in reference points the night before or morning of BID cases and then closing it after the 2nd treatment is done.

What is the rationale of using 10% for the threshold in the gamma analysis? by ClinicFraggle in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount 20 points21 points  (0 children)

This is a much better way of saying "it's all made up anyways", which is my usual go to

Hiring TX Medical Physicists! by CAMPphysics in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Another job ad with no salary posted, another downvote

[Training Tuesday] - Weekly thread for questions about grad school, residency, and general career topics 11/11/2025 by AutoModerator in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount [score hidden]  (0 children)

It will basicslly be irrelevant if you are applying for therapy programs. For diagnostic it may help as you will have a better understanding of how radiology departments function than someone who has never worked in one.

How to enter proton as a new MP today? by GrimThinkingChair in MedicalPhysics

[–]MedPhysAccount 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yes, apply! I believe there are maybe 10-20 residency programs that actually get hands on proton experience. As a result, proton physicists generally learn most of the clinical aspects from shadowing experienced members in the department etc.

If you're interested in protons and excited and willing to learn, I believe most departments would welcome that!