Succeeding in medical physics
Medical physics is a growing field. Find out more from the country’s leading expert.
Medical physics is a growing field. Find out more from the country’s leading expert.
A PIONEER in the field, Prof Dr Ng Kwan Hoong from Universiti Malaya’s (UM) Faculty of Medicine was named the world’s top 50 medical physicists by the International Organisation for Medical Physics (IOMP) in 2013.
In June, he’ll be the first scientist from a developing country to receive the IOMP’s Marie Sklodowska-Curie Award in Prague - a recognition honouring scientists who have contributed significantly to education, training, and advancement of medical physics.
The only medical physicist to be honoured as an Academy of Sciences Malaysia Fellow, he’s also one of the first non-physicians to be admitted into the Academy of Medicine, Malaysia.
The father-of-two is a doting grandfather dedicated to volunteer work. Besides academic books, he also writes on children’s education, and spirituality. He enjoys listening to classical music and the opera because “it reflects life”.
StarEducate speaks to Prof Ng about the field of medical physics, and what it takes for students to succeed. Inspired by Marie Curie, the first woman to win the Nobel prize, he stresses on the importance of having good mentors, and family support.
> The IOMP defines medical physics as a branch of applied physics used in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment, of diseases. Medical physicists work in clinical, academic, or research institutions, and are involved in radiation hazard protec- tion. Is the field still in its infancy here?
We need more radiation medicine specialists to make sure that radiation is delivered effectively, and safely. The x-ray was only invented in 1896 so it’s still a growing, but very important, area.
Medical physics is so advanced in other countries that my colleagues abroad are able to specialise in specific areas of the anatomy. It was a struggle when I started some four decades ago because the field was so new then.
After I graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics degree, I wanted to do something useful that would benefit humankind. I wanted to improve diagnosis and treatment. That’s how I got into medical physics.
When I applied for a job, I found myself overqualified because people only wanted degree holders but I’d already done my postgraduate.
There were very few experts at the time and in 1986, I became the honorary consultant at the Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital in Penang. It was a labour of love. Breast cancer research is my expertise. Early detection is important. We’ve to educate the public and make screenings accessible especially in rural areas. That’s why I helped design the National Cancer Council mobile breast screening unit.
> You’ve presented over 550 scientific papers. You’re on the editorial and advisory boards of more than 12 journals. You’ve founded organisations, even heading and serving on many global committees like the South East Asian Federation of Organisations of Medical Physicists and Asia-Oceania Federation of Organisations of Medical Physicists. You established the Asean College of Medical Physics in 2014. What’s you proudest achievement?
Setting up the UM Master of Medical Physics programme in 1998. It’s the only post-graduate medical physics academic programme outside UK and Ireland that’s accredited by the UK Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM). So, our benchmark is very high. We’ve produced over 100 postgraduates from countries like Myanmar, Brunei, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Cambodia and Vietnam.
> What traits do aspiring medical physicists need to excel?
It’s not easy because this is an interdisciplinary field that covers medicine, computing, science, and engineering. You need a genuine love for humanity. It’s not about the money. You must have integrity and deliver on your promises. Leadership qualities and good communication skills are important.
Know your limitations. Be humble. Mentors are important. The late Prof John Cameron who was the first recipient of IOMP’s Marie Sklodowska-Curie Award, was mine. He invented the bone mineral densitometer for detection of osteoporosis. My former PhD advisor, Prof Looi Lai Meng, was also very encouraging. And, I’m blessed that my wife, who’s had to share me with my work, is understanding.
> The word ‘radiation’ creates panic. Is it misunderstood?
Radiation - whether it’s from the x-ray, mammogram or mobile phone, has some risks. It’s like a ghost - you cannot see nor touch it, yet you fear it. That’s the challenge for us. Radiation is a double-edged sword. It’s useful as a treatment and to monitor progress, but it can have negative effects. Radiation medicine specialists know how radiation interacts with the body so we can advise on the safety levels. It’s not just about pressing a button on a scan.
It’s crucial to get quality images for accurate diagnosis, without compromising on safety. Photos of an egg with two yolks, or two tomatoes joined together, go viral, and people blame it on the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident. There’s plenty of misinformation on social media.
I worked on the International Atomic Energy Agency’s report on the unprecedented triple tragedy - an earthquake triggering a massive tsunami which resulted in a nuclear meltdown. Now, those from the area are discriminated against because they’re seen as ‘unclean’ although no radiation was detected in their bodies. It’s very sad. I’m working with the Japanese to change that perception.
> Who inspires you?
Marie Curie. During the war, she drove around with an x-ray, looking for wounded soldiers to help. I also think we can learn a lot from children. They’re pure and innocent. They tell it to you as it is.
> What drives your passion?
I’m still driven to train students and to do more research. I want to make a meaningful contribution to healthcare and I enjoy working with different people - which is a requirement in medical physics.