The global landscape of joint departments in medical physics and biomedical engineering

Purpose: The key role of medical physicists and biomedical engineers in the advancement of contemporary healthcare is indisputable when it comes to technological development and new solutions. The objective of this paper is to serve as an intermediate report of a global study on joint medical physics and biomedical engineering departments worldwide. Methods: In 2022 IUPESM set up a Task Group on Integrated Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering Actions with special focus on studying the availability and the role of joint medical physics and biomedical engineering structures and activities, including but not limited to institutional and national level. Results: A global survey and an analysis of official data from the websites of the national medical physics and biomedical engineering societies indicated that several universities in many countries have established joint or closely affiliated departments, some have joint professional societies but not necessary joint departments, many educational programs offer training in joint subjects, and UK may serve as an example for the successful implementation of joint departments at national level. Conclusions: The two allied disciplines have demonstrated potential towards technological development of contemporary healthcare. Future work involves detailed analysis of the worldwide data with an objective to draw the best collaborative examples and strategies.

Duke Scholars

Author Madan Mohan Rehani Radiology