DME21 Fundamentals Of Professional Engineering Management

Medical Radiation Science Professions

Medical radiation science entails professions under health care that encompasses performance of various complex imaging diagnosis studies done on patients or the planning and administration of radiation treatments to patients suffering from the various types of cancers. These professions include medical imaging, nuclear medicine technology and radiation therapy (Roobottom, Mitchell and Hughes, 2010). The professionals under medical imaging and nuclear medicine technology carry out their scientific work in hospitals and imaging clinics whereas the radiation therapists work in clinics and centers that are specialized in cancer treatment.

Medical imaging entails X-rays (planar and CT), ultrasound, radionuclide (SPECT and PET) and magnetic resonance. The X-rays normally use the ionizing radiation whereby there is an external source to the body. Magnetic resonance, on the other hand, employs magnetic fields and uses radiofrequency pulses in the production of anatomical images. Ultrasound imaging which is a core basic also entails the use of frequency sound waves and the echo pulse effects to produce anatomical information. Nuclear medicine entails the use of radioactive isotopes, which are emitters of gamma rays and other similar ionizing forms. The radionuclide is injected or inhaled and then the gamma rays are picked by the gamma camera. It uses this radioactivity in the production of functional images. Radiation therapy uses the high-frequency waves or energy particles such as the X-rays, electron beam, protons or gamma rays to kill and destroy the cancer cells (Xu and Tsui, 2014).

Medical imaging, nuclear medicine technology, and radiation therapy have similarities, for instance, all of them are non-invasive ways or methods used to study the inside of a body without opening it up surgically. They rather use the various techniques such as X-ray radiography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and radionuclide (SPECT and PET) to treat the various diseases and conditions in the human body (Rivaz, Boctor, Choti and Hager, 2014). The main differences between these medical science radiation professions are the fact that the image qualities produced through the various methods may vary in terms of contrast and resolution. Another difference between the medical imaging, nuclear radiation, and radiation therapy is the fact that they might have different impacts on the body due to heating effects and ionization radiation effect.

In conclusion, medical imaging is done to get diagnostic images, the nuclear medical technology is used to interpret these photos, and radiotherapy is further used to provide treatment to the cancer patients. All these forms of medical radiation science professions work towards improving the health of various patients by providing non-surgical forms of treatments. They have further helped to promote the quality of life worldwide.

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