Medical radiation physicists research and implement radioactive materials to treat illnesses such as cancer, while ensuring safe use and maintenance of devices. They experiment with different proportions of radiation and optimize treatment while considering patient comfort. They also work with X-ray technicians and update safety parameters for personnel to avoid radiation poisoning.
A medical radiation physicist researches and implements radioactive material within devices to treat patient illnesses such as cancers. These workers improve current radiation technology and create innovative alternatives. In addition, a radiation medical physicist also works with technicians for the safe use and maintenance of radioactive devices, including X-ray machines.
Radioactive materials, in the right amount, can help patients improve their life chances by putting cancerous tumors into remission. The medical radiation physicist must apply his scientific training by experimenting with different proportions of radioactive material; Properly calculated levels of radiation help a patient, while incorrect or excessive levels can easily injure or kill a patient.
The delivery of radiation to the patient is another factor to be considered by the medical radiation physicist. These scientists should create a comfortable treatment position for the patient, such as lying down or sitting in a chair. Radiation must be able to completely cover the person, or just a certain area, depending on the general condition of the patient. Physicists must optimize the best treatment while keeping the human element of comfort as a primary consideration.
As technology continues to improve, new devices and treatment options become viable; the radiation medical physicist must be able to alter current machines and create new forms of radiation devices to help more patients. A new radioactive mixture may be available as an alternative to current materials. Physicists must try the new alternative; he or she will determine whether it is compatible for general use or just for specific treatment needs.
Radiation is also used in a number of other applications, such as ordinary X-rays. Physicists will work with X-ray technicians to ensure they understand the amount of radiation needed to create a clear image for doctors to examine. Additionally, the radiation medical physicist will provide the technicians with their safety parameters while operating the X-ray machine. For example, the technician may be instructed to stand behind a thick wall during the X-ray operation to avoid constant radiation exposure.
Along with individual instruction, the physicist may lecture a group of technicians and others on safe levels of radiation. In addition, physicists will also update all personnel whenever any safety parameters change, such as staying 1.88 meters away from a radiation machine, as opposed to 1.21 meters. Every worker must be aware of the dangers of excessive radiation and its effects on the human body; Employees who work for many years in the medical industry can be susceptible to radiation poisoning if safety parameters are not followed.
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