Under the direction of Dr Manuel Arreola, Vice Chair of Medical Physics, the Diagnostic Imaging Medical Physics Research Lab in the Division of Clinical Radiological Physics with the Department of Radiology is actively engaged in a multitude of endeavors.
Students in the lab support the faculty in the division, while also engaging in their chosen area of academic research. Many opportunities are provided to observe clinical practices, obtain hands-on experience, and interact with faculty (radiologists and medical physicists) in a professional setting.
Students are responsible for facilitating and performing quality control measures for mobile radiographic and fluoroscopic units. They may also assist residents and faculty with regulatory compliance testing of advanced radiological equipment (x-ray, fluoroscopy, CT, and MRI).
Students also assist with many aspects of the Medical Physics Undergraduate Internship (MPUI) program. This includes scheduling, overseeing, and educating interns as they complete research and clinical shadowing in different medical physics specialties (diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, neurosurgery, nuclear medicine). Students are also expected to coordinate intern shadowing experiences for quality control of diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine equipment in each respective department.
Students in the lab are often assigned as Teaching Assistants (TA) for courses taught during the MS-track of the program. They provide support to the instructor by grading, organizing class activities (such as demonstration labs and clinical shadowing), maintaining the webpage for the course, proctoring exams, and occasionally delivering lectures. They further aid students by holding office hours, helping with homework, and test preparation.
The scope of diagnostic imaging physics is broad, and the research performed by students reflects that diversity. Student-led research is conducted alongside an advisor from the division and is a primary responsibility. Most students have multiple projects they are working on during their time in the program. Often, students will attend one or more professional conferences annually to present their work. Publishing this work is highly encouraged.
Current student research projects demonstrate novel problem-solving skills through machine learning, 3-D printing, phantom assessments, and observer studies as a way to assess imaging technologies and techniques for a wide variety of imaging modalities including radiography, MRI, CT, nuclear medicine, fluoroscopy and ultrasound. Projects sometimes require additional skills such as writing an IRB or creating research grant proposals for funding. Students also shadow hospital personnel to further clinical knowledge for projects; coordinate meetings with radiologists, technologists, and vendors; and assist faculty and residents with other research projects. These experiences prepare students for future careers in the field beyond the technical requirements.