The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Physics program at Washington University in St. Louis provides for students to learn fundamental concepts and techniques, and perform academic research in the field of medical physics. The program is geared towards undergraduates with a strong background in physics and mathematics, graduate students with a physics and mathematics background from fields outside of medical physics, as well as continuing learners with a CAMPEP-accredited Master’s level degree in Medical Physics. Students in the program will be exposed to a wide array of diagnostic medical imaging, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, and radiation safety approaches and techniques, and will perform cutting-edge research with renowned investigators. These experiences will equip students with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to further their careers in clinical and/or academic medical physics.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Physics students – Fall 2023

Graduates of the program will:

  • Gain a solid academic foundation for a career in medical physics in any of the focus areas of medical physics, including medical imaging, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine.
  • Develop skills to become independent investigators and perform cutting-edge research.
  • Pose new questions and solve problems in medical physics.
  • Generate innovative ideas and conduct research to improve the quality and safety in clinical physics.

The program will also help develop the professional and interpersonal skills necessary for success in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. The program has adopted the AAPM’s philosophy of medical physics 3.0, which is based on developing intelligent tools and applications for the future of precision medicine, and has been developed based on anticipating the future needs of the medical applications of physics. Through a mixture of didactic training, research training, and hands-on experience, students in the program are introduced to a broad array of cutting-edge tools and techniques and their use in the various disciplines of medical physics and patient care.  Students in the PhD in Medical Physics program will furthermore learn how to develop new techniques, approaches, and technology to contribute to the continued evolution of the field of medical physics.

The objectives of the PhD in Medical Physics program are:

  • To prepare students to become independent investigators in the field of medical physics and be able to drive their own research programs by exposing them to cutting-edge research and state-of-the art technology.
  • To equip students with sufficient theoretical and practical background knowledge in medical physics to enable entry into CAMPEP-accredited clinical residency programs or to pursue careers in academic, industrial, or regulatory environments.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Physics program endeavors to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals of all backgrounds and lifestyles, in accordance with Washington University School of Medicine’s focus on fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.  Washington University School of Medicine’s culture of collaboration and inclusion is the foundation for success in everything it does. The School of Medicine recognizes that by bringing together people from varying backgrounds, experiences and areas of expertise, it can develop richer solutions to complex scientific questions, train culturally sensitive clinicians and provide health care in a way that best serves our diverse patient population. To support these values, the School of Medicine is deeply committed to building a diverse and inclusive community in which everyone is welcomed and valued. Washington University encourages and gives full consideration to all applicants for admission, financial aid and employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ability, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, socio-economic status, and/or genetic information. We implement policies and practices that support the inclusion of all such potential students, trainees and employees and are committed to being an institution that is accessible to everyone who learns, conducts research, works and seeks care on our campus and we provide reasonable accommodations to those seeking that assistance.

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