Medical physics is an interdisciplinary science focused on the application of physics to the study and practice of medicine. There are three traditional subfields of medical physics: radiation therapy, diagnostic radiology, and nuclear medicine. In all cases, the application of radiation for diagnosis and/or treatment is the focus of the medical physicist.
At WVU Medicine, medical physicists are part of the radiation oncology faculty. We have a broad clinical portfolio, with clinical services developed in collaboration with radiation oncologists. We have the only Gamma Knife and Intrabeam treatment units in the state of West Virginia. Additionally, we have an extremely active HDR brachytherapy program. We also assist radiation oncology clinics throughout West Virginia that are a part of the WVU Health System.
Medical Physicists have contributed to the development of medical devices, software, and clinical services. They work in industry, academia, in clinics, and in regulatory agencies. Many are entrepreneurs, educators, inventors, and authors. Most medical physicists work in radiation oncology departments.
- Associated Institution: WVU Medicine and WVU Health Sciences
Associated Faculty
- Prof. Ramon Alfred Siochi, Associate Chair of Radiation Oncology and Director of Medical Physics | Professional Interests: Informatics applications to radiation oncology processes; development of AI applications and environments for cancer research; Monte Carlo simulations as a gateway to radiological physics education; medical physics workforce.
- Prof. Joshua "Josh" Hack, Chief Medical Physicist | Professional Interests: Specializing in Gamma Knife Radiosurgery planning and delivery.
- Clinical Medical Physicists
- Prof. April Shorthouse | Professional Interests: HDR Brachytherapy
- Prof. Mike Carroll
- Prof. Chera Gainer
- Prof. Scott Mange