Graduate Careers in Medical Imaging

'Medical Imaging’ represents a vast array of diagnostic techniques, from acquiring a simple chest X-ray to analysis applications including tumour volume estimation for calculating radiation therapy doses, and a whole host of methods designed to detect and help treat various diseases. Some of this work is illustrated by the accompanying images showing research work in medical imaging at the University of Surrey. If you are interested in a graduate career in medical imaging then read on to find out more.

Coupled with the exponential rise in computing power over the last few decades, there has been a similarly rapid rise in the performance of 3D medical imaging systems. This has allowed imaging scientists to develop new methods for the acquisition, reconstruction, processing and display of digital medical image data with unprecedented speed, resolution and contrast: a trend which can only continue. Graduate careers in medical imaging span those involved in patient care (clinical practitioners) and those with associated scientific and technical expertise. In the latter case, these specialists will often utilise a strong knowledge mix of computing, imaging physics and basic anatomy & physiology, often acquired through study at MSc. Probably the most exciting aspect of graduate careers in medical imaging is that whilst the basic physics used for image acquisition in scanner technology is now reaching steady-state maturity, applications of new image analysis and modelling techniques are at a formative stage. Subsequent career opportunities exist within the commercial healthcare technology industry, within public healthcare provision and university medical imaging research.

Typical entrants to technical or scientific careers in medical imaging have a first degree in a numerate subject such as Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or Mathematics. Other qualifications may also be accepted, but IT literacy and an ability to write code in a modern programming language such as C or C++ are now vital.

In the UK, there is a growing medical imaging industrial sector. Apart from the key international players such as GE, Siemens and Phillips which all have offices in the UK, there are a number of other SMEs and other specialist manufacturers building image analysis systems and specialist products: Barco/Voxar and Nuclear Diagnostics, to name but two. Some companies also run intern programmes – if you want to be seriously considered its worth making initial contact a year or so before you would like to start. A relevant MSc or PhD can make gaining entry that much easier.

Entry to university research is often initially via PhD research on a medical imaging project, usually with clinical collaboration. Unlike many other areas, this area of PhD research is inherently multi-disciplinary and strongly linked to clinical (ie real world) problems which need to be solved. See www.jobs.ac.uk, in New Scientist or on University websites for CT scan opportunities. Whilst it is possible to gain PhD entry direct from a first degree, many students now start PhDs with a Masters degree in Medical Imaging or Medical Physics. The long term university path usually requires a PhD and Post-Doctoral research experience. Graduate career opportunities also exist within the NHS, applying medical imaging expertise as part of the clinical team, often within a Radiology, Radiotherapy, Medical Physics or Nuclear Medicine Department. But during the first few years there is still plenty of opportunity to switch between university, industrial and/or NHS type positions, dependent on a particular applicant’s experience and the available opportunities. It can be seen that the next generation of medical imaging scientists and image analysts needed for 21 st Century healthcare will be delivering new ideas and innovation in this inherently ‘real world’ mix of science, technology and medicine. If you have a numerate degree, applying your skills to medical imaging could provide one of the most stimulating and challenging career choices you could make.

About the Author: Kevin Wells, PhD

Dr Wells is Lecturer in Medical Imaging at the University of Surrey. He is a chartered Engineer and a Chartered Physicist. His research work is principally concerned with quantitative biomedical imaging methods and the use of machine intelligence applied to biomedical imaging problems.

Graduate Careers in Medical Imaging

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