At UWA, our Master of Physics program is your gateway to exploring the universe at its most fundamental level. This advanced degree equips you with the knowledge that fuels ground breaking technologies shaping our world. Choose from five specialisations, including the highly sought-after field of Medical Physics.
Meet Zhen. After earning a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Physics, Zhen continued his journey at UWA with a Master of Physics, specialising in Medical Physics, graduating in 2023. We caught up with Zhen to hear about his experiences at UWA and the exciting start to his career in Medical Physics.
Why did you choose to study your degree combination?
I have always been curious about how the world works in all its aspects. A degree in commerce allowed me to understand the economic engine that powers the globe through a microscopic and macroscopic lens, while a degree in physics allowed me to explore the physical world in depth from a first-principles perspective.
It was deeply satisfying. When it came to choosing a career, I chose medical physics as it allowed me to apply the theory, I had learnt in physics to directly affect patient outcomes and understand and navigate the economic limitations of decision-making within clinics.
Why did you choose to study at UWA?
The program at UWA provides students with a unique opportunity to study in a clinical environment. Not many Medical Physics students from other institutions have the chance to be taken under the wing of world-class researchers who are willing to dedicate their time and knowledge to your success, while also having free access to a hospital’s radiation oncology department.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
Being taught by a clinical physicist, having the opportunity to assist in day-to-day QA, working with medical linear accelerators and sim CTs, having access to 3D printers, and exposure to collaborative multidisciplinary teams. It’s opportunities like these that set up the individual for success - not just academically but also professionally for any career path they may choose.
The Medical Physics research group exemplifies collaboration, where everyone strives to help you, creating an environment where students can thrive and learn without the worries that usually accompany a competitive environment.
Tell us about your journey since graduating.
Since graduating from UWA, I have been employed as a Radiation Oncology Medical Physics Registrar at Westmead Hospital (Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre), thanks to the academic rigour and support I have received from the Medical Physics Group at UWA. A lot of my extracurricular experience was gained during my time at UWA. Given its reputation, I was able to secure different job opportunities in various fields such as finance, consulting, and data science, which have all directly contributed to the position I am in today.
What do you love about the field?
I love that every action I do directly impacts the health and outcome of the patients and the treatments they receive. Knowing that my work will not just impact patients of today, but of tomorrow, motivates me to work harder, and to appreciate the gravity of my daily actions.
Being able to give patients a new lease on life through curative treatments, or giving palliative patients the time and ability to take care of their loved ones brings great satisfaction. Also, being able to work with cutting-edge technologies across a wide range of fields is a dream come true.
What experience and learnings have been helpful during your career?
- It is very fulfilling. It is a very humbling experience to know that hundreds or thousands of patients whom you’ve never met may one day benefit from the work that you do. The biggest challenge in medical physics is the ability to take responsibility for clinical decisions, and this challenge I believe, puts a different perspective on physics, where mistakes in calculations can no longer be thought of as trivial. The hope patients place in you helps to mould you into a confident and competent professional.
- It is flexible. Medical physics requires strong knowledge in multiple fields of study, such as Physics & Maths, Statistics, Anatomy & Physiology, Data Science, and even Computer Science. The breadth and depth of knowledge required both allow the individual to be constantly challenged and open different possible career paths, if one is willing to seek and grab any opportunities that come by.
- There is a growing demand for medical physicists. As the prevalence of cancer rises, so does the need for medical physicists. There will be growing clinical and research opportunities, not just in Australia but also worldwide. This opens many doors for career paths.
Finally, do you have any advice for someone considering studying Medical Physics?
For the two years of your studies, immerse yourself as much as possible in the clinical environment, and volunteer to help the clinical physicists with their QA tasks – there is no substitute for practical experience, seek opportunities and think outside the box. During my studies, I did internships in consulting and worked in data science roles, which expanded my perspectives and my knowledge, ultimately benefitting my studies and professional development. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Seek understanding in all that you do – much like UWA’s motto “Seek Wisdom”. From understanding your course material from first principles to understanding the impact you have in all decisions that you make. One may be intelligent, but they may not necessarily be wise. A wonderful privilege has been afforded to you. Regardless of the path you may choose, do your best, for yourself, and for those who depend on you. The world is your oyster, luck favours the well-prepared.
Interested to see out where a Master of Physics could take you? Find out more here. For a Medical Physics focussed pathway, learn more about new Bachelor of Science (Frontier Physics) and Master of Physics - Medical Physics.
