Author: Oi-Wai Chau, Beata Gontova Bernat, Mary Gronberg, Yao Hao, Amanda M. Jackson, Nupur Karmaker, Dishane Chand Luximon, Osama R. Mawlawi, Ikechi Samuel Ozoemelam, Deepak Shrestha, William Swanson, Md Tofiz Uddin, Joseph Weygand, Afua A. Yorke 👨🔬
Affiliation: University of Michigan, Mayo Clinic, Champion Cancer Center, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology and Applied Science, Dartmouth Health, University of Washington, Washington University in St Louis, Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital, Emory University, Dept. of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Gono Bishwabidyalay, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center 🌍
Purpose: To evaluate perception and awareness of global medical physics (GMP) as a career path among medical physics professionals and trainees, identify opportunities to enhance professional development, foster global health collaborations, and gauge interest and barriers to participation in GMP initiatives in underserved regions.
Methods: Survey questions examined attitudes, motivations, and barriers to pursuing a career in GMP, as well as the number of institutions with dedicated programs or participation in GMP activities. The web-based survey was conducted using QuestionPro software. Responses were open to all AAPM members and elicited by collaborating with AAPM chapter leaders, the AAPM Students and Trainees Subcommittee and monthly announcements in the AAPM e-news.
Results: A total of 787 responses were collected, with 386 (49.0%) fully completed. Of the completed responses, 85.5% expressed interest in engaging with GMP initiatives. While 59.3% perceived GMP as a potential career path or area for research, 26.9% were unaware of GMP as a field of study. 49.3% of 408 responders indicated they or their departments were actively involved in global health activities. Common activities included education exchange programs, research collaborations, and visits to international sites. 100% of 34 medical physics residents showed an interest in GMP participation, with 70.5% emphasizing the necessity of mentorship to initiate a career in GMP. Of 99 respondents in leadership roles (e.g., Department Chairs, Directors, and Chiefs of Physics), 48.5% expressed a willingness to support GMP initiatives through allocation of time and/or funding. However, perceived barriers to such support included inadequate funding (62.6%), insufficient time or personnel (51.5%), and the lack of a defined global health or research pathway (20.2%).
Conclusion: Overall, pursuing a career in GMP is viewed positively and encouraged by the medical physics community. However, barriers to supporting such a career path still need to be addressed.