Sample interview questions: Can you describe a challenging project or problem you faced as a medical physicist and how you resolved it?
Sample answer:
Challenging Project: Development of a Novel Radiation Therapy Technique for Pediatric Cancer Patients
Problem: In pediatric cancer patients, conventional radiation therapy often leads to long-term side effects due to damage to the surrounding healthy tissues. The challenge was to develop a new radiation therapy technique that could effectively target the tumor while minimizing harm to the surrounding tissues.
Resolution: I led a multidisciplinary team of physicists, engineers, and clinicians to develop a novel radiation therapy technique called intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). IMRT uses computer-controlled radiation beams to deliver precise doses of radiation to the tumor while avoiding critical structures. I played a key role in developing the algorithms and software used to plan and deliver IMRT treatments.
Benefits: IMRT has significantly improved the outcomes of radiation therapy for pediatric cancer patients. It has reduced the risk of long-term side effects and has led to improved survival rates. IMRT is now widely used in the treatment of pediatric cancer.