“Physics is a fundamental science that underpins much of modern medicine.”
Dr. Mohammad Yousef is a Professor of Physics at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q). He previously served as an Associate Professor of Physics at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Dr. Yousef is an experienced educator who has taught physics courses tailored to the needs of health science, as well as pre-professional and biomedical physics programs. His areas of research interest include molecular and structural biophysics, and he is currently pursuing several lines of inquiry related to big data, environmental biophysics, and medicine.
Dr. Yousef holds a Ph.D. in molecular biophysics from Florida State University and a Master’s of science in healthcare informatics from Southern Illinois University.
Dr. Yousef spoke with “Hospitals” magazine about how physics concepts are fundamental to medicine and how physics intersects with almost every medical discipline.
Can you explain why physics is relevant to medicine?
Physics is a fundamental science that underpins much of modern medicine, from the radiation that enables diagnostic imaging to the precise delivery of therapeutic treatments. Physics is everywhere. Understanding the fundamental principles of physics allows medical professionals to develop cutting-edge technologies, optimize treatment strategies, and ensure patient safety.
How significant is radiation physics to medicine?
Radiation physics is a specialized branch of physics that explores the properties, behavior, and effects of various forms of radiation. In medicine, it encompasses the study of ionizing radiation, such as X-rays and gamma rays, and non-ionizing radiation used in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This field is pivotal in several medical disciplines, including radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, and diagnostic radiology. Moreover, with the advent of AI, radiation physics is witnessing unprecedented advancements in medical imaging interpretation, treatment planning, and personalized medicine.
The growing regional interest in radiation physics is also evident by the record number of attendees we recently welcomed to a workshop we hosted as part of a WCM-Q Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity. Titled “The Future of Radiation Physics in Medicine,” the workshop resonated with a broad spectrum of healthcare professionals who had the opportunity to hear from top international scientists on cutting-edge advancements and potential trajectories of this dynamic field and the interdisciplinary collaboration and intersection of physics with other domains of medicine, such as biomechanics and AI.
How safe is radiation in medical techniques?
The apprehension surrounding radiation in medical techniques is understandable, but it’s crucial to differentiate between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation to address safety concerns effectively.
Ionizing radiation, such as X-rays and gamma rays, possesses sufficient energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, thereby ionizing them. This high-energy radiation is commonly used in diagnostic imaging techniques like X-ray radiography, CT scans, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine procedures. While ionizing radiation is highly effective, it carries potential risks due to its ability to damage biological tissues at the cellular level. However, strict safety protocols, including shielding and dose optimization, are employed in medical settings to minimize these risks for patients and health workers.
Non-ionizing radiation, such as radio waves, microwaves, sound waves and visible light, is commonly utilized in medical applications such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound imaging. These techniques are considered safer alternatives to ionizing radiation-based imaging modalities. Moreover, both radiation techniques are surgically non-invasive, further enhancing their safety profile.
In medical facilities, comprehensive radiation safety programs are implemented to ensure the safe use of ionizing radiation in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Additionally, regulatory bodies enforce strict guidelines and standards to uphold radiation safety in healthcare settings, further enhancing the safety of patients and healthcare workers.
What does the future hold for radiation physics in managing difficult-to-treat diseases?
Radiation therapy, in particular, is increasingly recognized as a vital tool in the management of difficult-to-treat diseases, including certain types of cancers and neurological disorders.
Proton therapy is a powerful treatment modality that delivers highly targeted doses of radiation to tumors while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
Moreover, integrating advanced imaging modalities, such as PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and MRI-guided radiation therapy, enhance treatment planning and targeting accuracy, further optimizing outcomes for patients with challenging diseases. Additionally, ongoing radiobiology and tumor biology research sheds light on novel therapeutic approaches, such as targeted molecular radiation therapy and immunoradiation, which promise to improve treatment efficacy and patient outcomes in difficult-to-treat diseases.
The synergy between radiation physics and emerging technologies, such as AI and nanotechnology, is revolutionizing treatment paradigms by enabling personalized and adaptive radiation therapy approaches.
What are some of the recent advances in applying physics to treat disease?
Conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease have traditionally been managed through pharmaceutical interventions and behavioral therapies, while emerging technologies rooted in physics now offer novel avenues for therapeutic exploration.
One significant advancement involves the application of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in treating Parkinson’s disease. Similarly, in Alzheimer’s disease, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), have emerged as promising therapeutic modalities.
Moreover, integrating physics-based computational modeling and simulation tools offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of neurodegenerative diseases. By simulating neuronal networks, researchers can explore disease mechanisms, predict treatment outcomes, and optimize therapeutic interventions tailored to individual patient profiles.
Is it important to integrate physics into medical curricula?
Physics is a fundamental science that inevitably intersects with almost every medical discipline, albeit indirectly. It holds a very strong presence in physiology, neuroscience, and anatomy. Even at the molecular level, it’s challenging to comprehend the intricate interactions within the human body without a solid understanding of physics principles.
In the next 10 to 15 years, we will likely witness doctors transform into multifaceted professionals with niche specialization in research, AI, physics, engineering, or big data analysis. Of course, we’re not expecting future doctors to be world-class physicists, but they should at least be able to understand the basics in order to stay competitive in the rapidly changing medical practice.
Integrating physics and other scientific disciplines into medical education is imperative
for producing well-rounded and adaptable healthcare professionals equipped to effectively tackle the challenges of tomorrow’s healthcare landscape.
How do you envision the future of radiation physics in medicine?
The future of radiation physics in medicine holds tremendous potential for transformative advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
As we continue to push the boundaries of technology and innovation, collaboration between doctors and physicists will be paramount in realizing this vision, with physicians providing clinical insights and patient-centric perspectives while physicists contribute technical knowledge and analytical skills.
Together, doctors and physicists can pioneer novel treatment modalities, improve treatment outcomes, and ultimately enhance the standard of care for patients worldwide.
