Sixth Form Medical Physics Visit to the QE Hospital
On the 20th November, 6 Year 13 students and 5 Year 12 students, accompanied by Mr Jones, visited Queen Elizabeth Hospital where we were treated to a variety of presentations on how Physics is used in the world of Medicine. These presentations covered how computing, science and engineering degrees are useful and can be a pathway to a job working within a hospital. Included was a video produced for young patients with tumours, explaining how masks and vacuum packs are used during scans; there were also talks from current apprentices taking a degree sponsored by the local NHS trust.
One notable talk was by a Radiologist who gave a valuable insight to the treatment of cancer patients and the machines which are used to destroy tumours. We were also informed about how mechanical engineers play a pivotal role in the maintenance of the equipment and work in collaboration with the other physicists to help save patients’ lives.
We also had a tour of one of the wards of the hospital and were shown the ‘Cyber Knife Unit’, the place where patients are treated with precisely targeted radiation to destroy tumours. Here we explored the design and specifications needed to house the equipment and learnt how the risks to both staff and patients alike due to radiation are minimised.
In short, it was a highly valuable visit for everyone involved and showed many of us that there is a very wide scope of professions should we pursue a degree in the sciences. Many thanks are due to Dr Geoff Heyes at the QE for organising our visit.
Ibrahim Kabir and Brandon Masih
