The Future of Medical Physics The Role of Medical Physics in Research and Development An Opinion

The convergence of technology in recent years within different fields of research has broadened the horizon for Medical Physics involvement both in basic research and in the clinical setting. These include and are not limited to the mapping of the entire human genome, tools to genetically manipulate cells or organisms, new treatment strategies, including molecular and cell based therapies, nanotechnology, and State-of-theart imaging modalities with increased spatial and temporal resolutions. This convergence brings with it opportunities as well as threats to the traditional role of the Medical Physicist, both in the hospital environment and the research settings. This paper gives an opinion on the future role of the Medical Physicist the research as well as the clinical settings.