Radiotherapy vs imaging physics
Radiotherapy and imaging physics can both suit physics graduates, but the daily problems feel different. This page gives applicants a practical comparison.
Radiotherapy physics
Often centres on treatment delivery, dose calculation, treatment planning, machine QA, commissioning and patient-specific checks. The safety question is usually about delivering the intended treatment accurately.
Imaging physics
Often centres on image quality, scanner performance, protocol optimisation, radiation dose where relevant, MRI safety, troubleshooting and supporting diagnostic services. The safety question is often about getting enough information with appropriate risk.
Common ground
Both areas need careful measurement, uncertainty thinking, quality assurance, documentation, communication and service improvement. Both can involve research, coding, data analysis and equipment evaluation. Both require the physicist to translate technical detail into decisions that clinical colleagues can use.
How to choose what to explore
If you like geometry, dose distributions, treatment plans and direct links to cancer treatment, radiotherapy may catch your interest. If you like image formation, detector performance, scanner protocols and diagnostic questions, imaging may feel more natural. Many applicants are interested in both; that is fine, as long as you can explain what you have done to understand the difference.
Source: IPEM medical physics overview.