Celebrating a quarter-century of excellence in the field of Medical Physics, the Master of Medical Physics program at Universiti Malaya marked its 25th anniversary on November 18, 2023, with a festive gathering at the Sri Kunyit Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur.
History:
Established in 1998 under the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Malaya, the Master of Medical Physics program was initiated in response to the growing demand for skilled medical physicists capable of overseeing and regulating the use of radiation in Malaysia’s medical landscape. Over the years, the program has graduated more than 160 students, contributing significantly to the advancement of medical physics.
Program Overview:
Dedicated to postgraduate training in the clinical applications of physics in medicine and biology, the program focuses on medical imaging, nuclear medicine, and radiotherapy. Its overarching goal is to prepare students for professional roles in education, research, and service-oriented positions within hospitals, government agencies, laboratories, the medical industry, and the nuclear technology sector.
Accreditation and Evolution:
The program has undergone five cycles of curriculum reviews since its inception and has been accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) since 2002. Notably, it stands as the sole master’s program outside the British Isles to achieve this prestigious accreditation.
Anniversary Celebration:
The 25th-anniversary celebration dinner was graced by distinguished figures, including Professor Dr. Shahrul Bahyah Kamaruzzaman, the deputy dean of postgraduate studies, Associate Professor Dr. Khairul Azmi Abd Kadir, head of the Department of Biomedical Imaging, and Emeritus Professor Dr. Kwan Hoong Ng, a pioneer of the program. The event saw the participation of 67 alumni, students, lecturers, and clinical trainers (refer to Figure 1). During the festivities, tokens of appreciation were presented to various contributors of the program. A special alumni spotlight session allowed several alumni to share their experiences, complemented by short video clips and photos with heartfelt greetings from alumni and former external examiners, adding a personal touch to this significant milestone. (see https://medicalphysics.um.edu.my/25th-anniversary-celebration ).