Medical Physicist (Engineering Physics)

Medical physicists (engineering physics) normally graduate with a University degree in electrical / electronic engineering, biomedical electronic, telecommunication or computer engineering. They are Chartered Engineers or professional engineers who are responsible for the management and technical support of radiological equipment. Certified Medical Physicists (Engineering Physics) are awarded to those experienced engineers who have passed the certification examination operated by HKAMP.

Engineering physics in the field of medical physics is the application of radiation physics and multidisciplinary engineering in support of radiotherapy and radio-diagnostic services within Hospital Authority hospitals in Hong Kong. Medical Physicists (engineering physics) should equip themselves with a wide range of engineering principles and have a strong background of physics to support engineering physics activities which are broadly identified into four core areas:

(i) Radiological Equipment Maintenance
Sophisticated radiotherapy equipment (e.g. medical linear accelerators, Integrated Brachytherapy equipment) and diagnostic x-rays equipment (e.g. CT scanners) are maintained by professorial engineers who lead the engineering team of X-Ray Workshop to perform mechanical, electrical and electronic maintenance of the radiological equipment.
The picture on the right shows the replacement of 6MV accelerator guide of Varian Clinac 6/100 due to short-circuit of ion pump.

(ii) Engineering Management
	Engineering management is to lead engineering activities which include preventive maintenance inspection, quality assurance, medical electrical equipment safety, acceptance testing, and training. It is required to perform project management of equipment replacement / installation, equipment procurement, computer networking, new technology development, service contract, and legal-compliant for equipment operation.
	The picture on the left shows the site planning for the installation of linear accelerator.

(iii) Radiological Equipment Quality Assurance
Dosimetric measurements, equipment calibration / alignment, patient dose audits and equipment commissioning are essential for the preservation of equipment performance standards.
The picture on the right shows the weekly dose output measurement of the linear accelerator as legally required by Radiation Ordinance of Hong Kong.

(iv) Radiation Safety
	Radiation safety involves room design for radiaiton protection, measurements of leakage radiation, risk assessement and obligations of radiation protection supervisor. Career development has extended to non-ionization radiation safety involving medical equipment emitting laser and radiofrequency radiations.
	The picture on the left shows the microwave leakage measurement from the magnetron which generates microwave to accelerate electrons inside the accelerator guide.