Welcome to the Department of Medical Physics

The Department of Medical Physics at the University of the Free State (UFS) sits at the intersection of science, technology, and patient care. We offer specialised training and education in medical physics and medical imaging, while delivering essential clinical services to Diagnostic Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiation Therapy at Universitas Hospital.

Medical Physics applies the principles and methods of physics to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and management of human disease. Through close collaboration with clinicians, the department plays a critical role in advancing modern healthcare.

A Department Shaped by Scientific Discovery

 Medical Physics has a rich scientific heritage rooted in the long-standing relationship between physics and medicine. Historical figures such as Gilbert, Hooke, Black, and Young exemplify the early integration of physical science into medical understanding. Landmark discoveries, including X-rays and radioactivity in the late 19th century, transformed medical practice and laid the foundation for contemporary diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

Medicine and physics are scientific disciplines that cover extensive fields. The knowledge explosion, as well as new technology and instrumentation, increasingly necessitate interdisciplinary co-operation between physicists and physicians. Sophisticated physical techniques are increasingly employed for the purpose of diagnosis and quantification of the extent of diseases, as well as for the treatment of such conditions. It is especially in these areas that medical physics makes a notable contribution.

The ongoing impact of physics on medicine is reflected in numerous Nobel Prizes awarded to physicists, including South African-born Allan Cormack for his pioneering work in computed tomography. This legacy continues to inspire innovation and interdisciplinary excellence within the field.

Our Role in Healthcare and Innovation
The mission of the Department of Medical Physics is to enhance the quality of healthcare provided to the community by applying physics in medicine with precision, safety, and innovation. Beyond service delivery, the department acts as a catalyst for the introduction and implementation of advanced medical technologies derived from developments in the basic sciences.

Medical physicists ensure that complex technologies, particularly those involving radiation and advanced imaging, are used effectively, accurately, and safely, directly influencing patient outcomes and standards of care.

Integrating Medical Physics into the Community, Clinical Service and Research
Our Department provides specialised services at Universitas, Pelonomi, and National Hospital, where medical physicists work in close partnership with various medical professionals, on various clinical applications. This collaboration supports both immediate patient care and research aimed at improving disease detection, quantification, and treatment.

While much of our work focuses on the medical applications of radiation, rapid advances in technology, particularly in electronics and instrumentation, have expanded our involvement across an increasingly wide range of medical disciplines. As healthcare technology evolves Medical Physics will soon be inseparable from most facets of medicine, playing  an essential role in shaping its future.

Core Clinical Areas
 Medical physicists within our Department are primarily engaged in:

• Radiotherapy
• Nuclear Medicine
• Diagnostic Radiology

Across each of these domains, the department fulfils a threefold mandate:

• Clinical service that directly supports patient diagnosis and treatment
• Research that drives innovation and advances medical knowledge
• Training of postgraduate students and healthcare professionals

Your Future in Advancing Medicine Through Science

Through its integrated approach to service delivery, education, and research, the Department of Medical Physics at UFS remains committed to advancing healthcare through scientific excellence, technological innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Joining the Department of Medical Physics at the UFS means becoming part of a discipline that shapes the future of healthcare through science, innovation, and clinical impact. Here, you will work at the forefront of medical technology, contribute directly to patient care, and engage in meaningful research alongside experienced clinicians and scientists. For more information on how your curiosity and desire to make a lasting impact can translate advanced physics into real-world health solutions, contact the Department of Medical Physics directly.