Overview of Clinical Training

The program consists of clinical rotations within the chosen specialty; Radiation Oncology Physics, Diagnostic Imaging Physics(which include sub-specialties Nuclear Medicine Physics, and Diagnostic X-ray Physics) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Physics. Residents work on a full-time basis and are immersed in the breadth of activities of a Medical Physicists. These individuals receive one-on-one training from certified Medical Physicists whose duties encompass research, clinical and academic activities.

Each Medical Physics (MP) Resident is expected to independently review medical physics journals. Residents are sent to conferences such as COMP, AAPM, RSNA, ASTRO and WESCAN to present papers. All MP Residents are required to attend weekly clinical rounds (i.e., General Oncology Rounds, New Patient Rounds) and weekly Medical Physics Seminars. Each resident must also make at least one Medical Physics Seminar presentation on an appropriate topic of his/her choice.

An MP Resident is required to teach part of the clinical physics didactic lectures for training physicians and radiation therapists, and/or Medical Physics Graduate Program labs as required. Each MP Resident is also required to do research during his or her residency. The Resident may choose the research project but it must be approved by the Program Director.

Program Length

The minimum length of the program is the equivalent of 24 months. Residents are considered to be ready to take their MCCPM ( Canadian College of Physicist in Medicine) exams if they have completed all clinical rosters. For more information see the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine website. At the discretion of the Program Director, program extensions can be granted to Residents who are not yet ready to write the MCCPM exam. In that event, the clinical training is completed and the Resident will continue to work in the clinic under supervision. It is possible that a program extension will preclude another Resident from the program.

Training Administration

The Resident should have demonstrated knowledge in the following areas:

  • Radiation Physics
  • Radiation Dosimetry
  • Principles of Medical Imaging including:
    • Nuclear Medicine Imaging
    • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
    • Diagnostic X-ray Imaging 
  • Radiation Protection
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Radiation Biology
  • Radiation Measurement Techniques and Instrumentation
  • Introduction to Clinical Cancer Imaging and Radiation Oncology
Residents who have not demonstrated knowledge in these areas must take remedial courses or use self-study techniques to improve their knowledge. Courses are available on site through the University of Alberta Graduate Program in Medical Physics. See the description in the Graduate Courses Webpage

Normally at the end of each clinical rotation, the Resident's progress will be evaluated by the Program Director in a written evaluation based on reports from staff members. The evaluation will be discussed with the Resident. Clinical objectives will be checked off as completed.