Strengthening medical physics through dedicated software engineering support

Abstract

Medical Physics departments primarily concentrate on clinical operations and regulatory compliance, which often restricts their ability to improve technical efficiencies. Nonetheless, developing technical capabilities is crucial as the healthcare sector increasingly depends on advanced technologies. A part-time software engineer was successfullyrecruited and integrated into the medical physics team to address operational needs and provide technical solutions. The engineer designed tailored systems, established automated dose tracking to ensure regulatory compliance, and worked alongside clinical staff for effective data management. Furthermore, they created a standardised operating environment for research initiatives, provided computational infrastructure for machine learning endeavours, and optimised workflows through automation. The integration improved workflow efficiency, expanded research capacity, and enhanced system integration, illustrating the significant benefits of incorporating technical expertise within medical physics teams.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Imaging; Medical Physics; Software Engineering; Workforce.