Many remarkable medical technologies, diagnostic tools, and treatment methods have emerged as a result of modern physics discoveries in the last century—including X-rays, radiation treatment, laser surgery, high-resolution ultrasound scans, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging. This undergraduate-level textbook describes the fundamental physical principles underlying these technological advances, emphasizing their applications to the practice of modern medicine.
Intended for science and engineering students with one year of introductory physics background, this textbook presents the medical applications of fundamental principles of physics to students who are considering careers in medical physics, biophysics, medicine, or nuclear engineering. It also serves as an excellent reference for advanced students, as well as medical and health researchers, practitioners, and technicians who are interested in developing the background required to understand the changing landscape of medical science. Practice exercises are included and solutions are available separately in an instructor’s manual.
Mark Strikman is Distinguished Professor of Physics at Pennsylvania State University. Kevork Spartalian is Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Vermont. Milton W. Cole is Distinguished Professor of Physics at Pennsylvania State University.
"Applications of Modern Physics in Medicine fills an important need: it explains the physics principals behind commonly used medical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to scientists, engineers, and technicians working in the field. The necessary basic physics is discussed clearly and simply in early chapters and then used effectively and convincingly in later chapters covering medical applications. This lovely book should lead to the creation of new physics courses all over the world."—Gerald Miller, University of Washington
"With a refreshing and accessible style, this textbook grounds medical physics in familiar physical principles, making it useful for undergraduate physics teaching. This book will have a place in a wide range of biomedical science courses and medical physics undergraduate modules, and as supplementary reading for medical doctors, radiographers, and other health professionals." —Mike Partridge, Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology, University of Oxford
"Bridging the gap between the fundamental concepts of modern physics and medical technology in modern medicine, this book encompasses large numbers of topics from X-rays and gamma rays to lasers, MRI, ultrasound, and therapeutic applications of modern physics technologies. It will serve as a good introductory text to students in biomedical engineering, medical physics, health physics, and biophysics."—Terry T. Yoshizumi, Duke University School of Medicine
