John Cameron

The growth of technology is such that it is not possible today for a nuclear physicist to switch into medical physics without training. The field is now much more technical. More training is needed to do the job.

I am not unhappy that my contribution was not recognized. I am sure it helped my career.

I would not encourage everyone to take up this profession. Not everyone is suited for any particular field.

It is likely that we need more radiation to improve our longevity.

We developed simple test tools to optimize imaging parameters. No company was interested in our idea.

If someone is interested in medicine and also in physics and they like working with people and communicate well with others, I would strongly encourage them.

I started the nuclear medicine laboratory at UW Hospitals in 1959 and trained radiology residents in the field. It was 1965 before they found a trained MD (doctor) to take over my role.

When I entered medical physics in 1958 there were fewer than 100 in the U.S. and I could see many opportunities to apply my knowledge of nuclear physics.

Medical physicists work in cooperation with doctors. A few medical physicists devote their time to research and teaching. A few get involved with administrative duties.

There are now over 5,000 medical physicists in the U.S more than 50 times the number in 1958.

I have devoted much time and energy to helping medical physics in developing countries.

Many Nobel Prizes are awaiting good research to understand and explain the many mysteries of our bodies, such as the basic mechanism of memory or imagination.