Medical Physicist Interview

It's rewarding but nevertheless challenging to be part of a field that not only applies cutting edge technology in healthcare, but also requires continuous learning to treat patients effectively.

Vivek Mahalwar, our next pathbreaker, Medical Physicist at a leading radiotherapy centre (London), uses some of the most advanced radiotherapy techniques and treatment plans to precisely target tumours !

Vivek talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about developing a particular interest in Advanced Medical Imaging, which laid the foundation for his future career as a Medical Physicist.

For students, always choose a career that inspires you to not only better yourself but also make a tangible difference in people's lives.

Vivek, tell us what were your growing up years like

I grew up in India during the late 1980s, a time when a strong emphasis was placed on education. Like many of my peers, I was guided by the traditional notion that a good education meant pursuing a career in either engineering or medicine. This belief shaped my academic journey from an early age, and my parents made considerable sacrifices to ensure I had access to quality education.

In high school, I chose both Biology and Mathematics, keeping my options open for a future in either medicine or engineering. However, deciding between the two wasn't easy. The medical field was highly competitive and often expensive, while the technical field seemed saturated. After narrowly missing out on the medical entrance exams, I explored alternatives, such as dentistry, pharmacy, and biotechnology, but none of these paths truly resonated with me.

What ultimately shaped my decision was my interest in both medicine and engineering. I performed well in mathematics, and engineering became a natural second choice after medicine. During my research, I discovered the field of Biomedical Engineering, which stood out to me because it combined both my passions-medicine and technology. This unique field offered the perfect balance, allowing me to integrate my interests and contribute to the future of healthcare through innovative solutions. It wasn't a common career choice at the time, but I was excited by the challenge and the opportunity it presented to make a meaningful impact.

What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

After high school, I discovered Biomedical Engineering, which perfectly combined my interests in both medicine and technology. However, very few colleges in India offered this program at the time. Fortunately, I performed well in the entrance exams and secured a place at Mumbai University to pursue my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering. The four-year intensive program provided a strong foundation and helped me land a job in the medical device industry.

As the field was still emerging, I felt a strong desire to further my education. However, in India, the options for postgraduate studies were limited, often leading to academic careers, which wasn't a path I saw myself pursuing. I was more interested in applied science and industry-driven roles. After researching opportunities abroad and consulting with colleagues and recruitment agencies, I realised there were much broader prospects internationally.

I was fortunate to secure admission to Imperial College London for a Master's program in Biomedical Engineering. During my bachelor's studies, I had developed a particular interest in Advanced Medical Imaging, which guided me to specialize in Medical Physics at Imperial. This specialization laid the foundation for my future career as a Medical Physicist, combining my passion for technology and healthcare.

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional and rare career in Medical Physics?

There's no one-size-fits-all formula for a successful career, but I firmly believe that the environment you grow up in plays a significant role in shaping your achievements. My family has always been a great source of inspiration and motivation, particularly during challenging times. Their support wasn't always career-specific, but the general encouragement I received from them helped me stay focused on my goals. This strong foundation of encouragement, paired with a supportive circle of friends, made a substantial difference throughout my journey.

In terms of technical and career guidance, I've been fortunate to learn from mentors who had significant experience in the industry. Their insights were invaluable because they had encountered challenges that I was facing for the first time, and their advice helped me navigate through them with confidence. Similarly, many teachers and professors played key roles, not only by sharing knowledge but also by providing critical career advice. For example, the project I selected during my bachelor's program was greatly influenced by a professor's recommendation, and this decision had a long-term impact. I was able to continue working on similar technology during my master's program, which helped deepen my expertise and directly contributed to landing my first job in the medical device industry. That continuity of learning, from undergraduate to postgraduate studies, helped me showcase the depth of my understanding and made a strong impression during interviews.

Another influential experience was attending education and career fairs. These events broadened my horizons, making me realize that my existing network and knowledge were just a small part of a much larger global picture. I learned the importance of always seeking advice and asking successful people about their journeys. Often, something they've experienced resonates with your own path, offering clarity and new perspectives. Living in Mumbai gave me the opportunity to meet various people who helped me answer the crucial question every student asks:What do I really want for myself?

Lastly, I believe being proactive is key. While completing my bachelor's degree, I enrolled in an IELTS course with no immediate plans to study abroad-I did it primarily to improve my English. However, when the time came to apply for higher education abroad, having that certification already in hand made the application process much smoother. It's a great example of how preparing ahead, even without a clear intention, can pay off in the long run.

Tell us about your career path

My Career Path and Approach to Success:

My career path has been the result of thoughtful planning, key opportunities, and a commitment to continuous learning. From the beginning, I've aligned my interests with the emerging trends in biomedical engineering to ensure a solid foundation for my future. As I gained more education and experience, I continuously refined my skills, interests, and career goals, allowing me to carve out a niche where I could thrive.

Approach or Thought Process:

I've always been passionate about both medicine and engineering, which naturally led me to Biomedical Engineering. During my undergraduate studies, I quickly realized that gaining practical experience would be crucial alongside academic knowledge. My focus was on internships and research projects, which gave me insights into how the field operates. While I was keen on working right after my bachelor's degree, I also remained open to pursuing further education if the need arose.

This early industry exposure helped me not only understand the technical aspects of my future career, but also taught me that career satisfaction goes beyond just technical skills. It involves evaluating your work environment, interests, and long-term goals.

Internships/Jobs:

Industrial Placement (During Bachelor's):
During my bachelor's degree, I completed a 6-month industrial placement, which gave me my first real-world insight into the role I would play in my future career. This experience was eye-opening because I realized that while the work was technical, it didn't engage me at the depth I wanted. This sparked my desire to pursue higher education to specialize further and grow beyond the basic, routine tasks I observed during the placement.

First Job (Medical Device Industry):
After completing my degree in Biomedical Engineering from Mumbai University, I secured my first job as a field service engineer in the medical device industry. This role was pivotal in shaping my understanding of how medical technologies are designed, developed, and applied in healthcare settings. I worked closely with senior engineers and gained invaluable hands-on experience, from understanding device design to navigating regulatory and commercial aspects of the industry.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of this job was the realisation that my work directly contributed to diagnosing and treating diseases. The importance of what I was doing filled me with a sense of passion. I also travelled extensively across the country, meeting diverse people and experiencing various cultures, which developed my ability to adapt to new environments and challenges.

Transition to Higher Education:
While I enjoyed my role, I soon realised that the path I was on-although impactful-wasn't sustainable for me in the long term. The extensive travel, unpredictable hours, and working in isolation were aspects of the job that I didn't see myself continuing with in the future. I also recognized that to progress in my career, especially in the field of medical physics, I needed deeper technical knowledge. This motivated me to pursue a master's degree abroad to gain specialised skills and shift my career focus.

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