Physics has led to the development of many great medical inventions in Singapore, such as X-rays, ultrasound, radioisotope tagging, particle accelerators, and so much more. It is through such contributions that the medical sector has since been revolutionised in incredible ways. While physicians’ dwell on the physics laboratory, others work as certified health professionals in Singapore, with medical physicist staff helping to administer radiotherapy to cancer patients.
To get us started, here are a few ways that show the importance of physics in the medical field.
Early detection of breast cancer
Since the inception of the original film techniques, techniques for detecting breast cancer have since gone through substantial advances thanks to physics. The innovation of fighting this disease has seen a decreased dosage use for breast cancer patients. Thanks to early detection and medication, the number of cancer-free patients have continued to increase in Singapore. Now, cancer is being treated through computer-aided diagnosis, CT scans, and the use of MRI. Managing breast cancer at its early stages is much easier than at its later stages.
Fighting cancer through particle accelerators
Another significant contribution of physics in Singapore’s medical field is the use of particle accelerators to fight cancer. Particle accelerators can only be administered in a physics lab as it has a high energy that delivers beams of X-rays that can cause malignant tumours. Such high doses not only stops tumour growth, but it kills cancer cells in the human body as well.
This intensity-modulated radiation therapy has the increased ability of radiation to control tumours. It uses computer-controlled programs to shape treatments to the affected areas, hence minimising the damage to the affected cells.
Ensuring the safety of patients receiving CT scans
To minimise the damage of CT scan on healthy cells, the Singapore government has recommended the use of CT radiation management dose. It has suggested the use of standardised ways of administering doses and the use of the latest dose reduction technology. This makes physics the most significant contributor to such technologies.
The emerging use of antimatter collision
Another significant contribution of physics in the medical sector is the use of positron emission tomography to detect diseases on people of all ages. The technique applies the use of short-lived radionuclides by cyclotrons, which are labelled to compounds such as glucose, amino acids, testosterone to monitor the blood pressure and glucose metabolism in the body. The images from the procedure are able to detect acute diseases such as coronary heart disease and ischemia. Generally, the four most essential technologies include magnetic resonance, computer-assisted tomography, computer-assisted tomography, and computer-assisted tomography.
Conclusion
The field of medical physicists covers medicine, engineering, and computer science. Looking at the three components, it is not easy for students to pursue the course since its quite a wide field. One common perception out there is that the course is set aside for students who score A’s. It is due to the emerging trend of tuitions among students, especially physics tuition for sec 3, where they have decided to pursue the route of physics.
The importance of physics tuition in Singapore is its ability to change the perception of students. If your child ever has a dream of pursuing a course in physics, hiring an experienced tutor can go a long way from an early stage.