Inspiring the future of Medical Physicists

We had the pleasure of hosting a group of high school students from Cary Academy High School as part of their X-Day Collaborations. During this event, students had the opportunity to choose where they wanted to visit and learn for the day, and they selected Duke Medical Physics. From the moment they arrived, our Master’s students—Lauren, Katie, and Ethan—made them feel right at home.

The day began with Ethan providing a tour of the medical physics graduate program suite, offering the students a firsthand look at the field of medical physics and the cutting-edge technologies we work with. Lauren then delivered an engaging presentation on the important role that physics and engineering play in the medical field, we shared how these fields come together in our research, enabling advancements in medical imaging, diagnostics, and patient care.

One of the highlights of the visit was a live demonstration led by our medical physics resident, Beth. She showcased the fascinating world of ultrasound (US) technology, giving the students a hands-on experience in a key area of medical physics. In addition to Beth’s demo, our lab manager, Liesbeth, presented some of the cutting-edge programs and projects currently under development. She highlighted how we are pushing the boundaries of technology and science to improve medical outcomes and enhance the field of medical physics.

At the end of the visit, we asked the students if they had learned something new. Without hesitation, every single hand shot up, signaling a successful and impactful experience. It was truly inspiring to see the students so engaged and eager to learn more about this fascinating field. We are happy to have had the chance to help these young students discover the world of medical physics and inspire them to consider it as a future career. Who knows? Maybe one day one of them will join our medical physics graduate program, continuing the legacy of innovation and excellence in this exciting field.