Medical physics work experience: where to start

Experience you may already have

Think about times you solved a problem, worked with data, explained an idea or helped a team. Useful examples can come from:

• ✓Degree projects and laboratory work
• ✓Coding, modelling or data analysis
• ✓Teaching, tutoring or public talks
• ✓Paid work, including customer-facing roles
• ✓Volunteering, caring responsibilities or team projects

Finding out about hospital work

Look for department open days, careers events, webinars and trainee profiles. A hospital’s website may also explain whether it offers placements or observation visits.

If you contact a department, introduce yourself, say what interests you and explain when you are available. Staff time, safety and patient privacy may limit what the team can offer.

A simple enquiry you can adapt

Hello, I’m a [student/current role] interested in a career in medical physics. I’ve been reading about your work in [area] and would like to learn more about the day-to-day job. Do you offer open days or observation visits, or have any resources you would recommend? Thank you for your help.

What to look out for

• ✓How the team’s work helps patients.
• ✓How staff check equipment, measurements and results.
• ✓How different professions work together.
• ✓Which parts of the work you would enjoy learning more about.
• ✓What happens when a result needs checking or a colleague needs help.

Keep a few notes

After an activity, write down what you did, what you learned and any questions you want to explore. If you were observing, describe what you saw and learned. Leave out patient names and confidential information.

If shadowing is not available

You can still make progress. Try an online careers event, read about a local service or talk to a trainee at an open day. A project, part-time job or volunteering role can also help you develop communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.