A message to future leaders in medical physics
Prof. Kwan Hoong Ng, Ph.D.
January 25th, 2017
I have always believed in encouraging the young to grow as persons, whether it's in their studies, career or life choices. I, myself, benefited greatly from the guidance of the late Professor John Cameron from the University of Wisconsin who was a great teacher, innovative researcher, and caring mentor. What better way to pay him tribute than to continue his legacy with this mentoring program. I certainly hope to see the same sort of spirit of care and giving among this group that we are setting up.
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First, why do we need a mentoring program? There are profound changes occuring in medicine. Technology and science are developing at an incredible speed. The medical physicist cannot stagnate. We must be open to change. We must evolve to face the challenges of today. To establish ourselves as leaders in this new environment, we must become competent scientists. We must be of value to physician colleagues, patients, referring physicians, administrators, and members of public.
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Why did you choose to become a medical physicist? I hope it is because you want to help people, to find solutions and new ideas that will benefit humankind. If so, then you need to become the best you can be. An experienced mentor can help you do that.
And who is a mentor? The famous American producer and director Steven Spielberg said, “The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.” That's a good description. A mentor is a wise and trusted advisor. Someone who is your coach, confidante, constructive critic, and cheerleader. A person who provides support and guidance to someone less experienced in a particular area to help them develop professionally or career-wise.
In terms of becoming a medical physicist, this can mean working in different contexts: clinical, research, industry. As someone who has been in the field of medical physics for many years, I decided that it's time to initiate a program that will allow young medical physicists to benefit from more organised, conducive interaction and mutual support from mentors.
The plan is to bring in leaders and pioneers, both within and outside the realm of medical physics to mentor you. These are people who have contributed to advancements in healthcare through the applications of physics to research, education and clinical practice.
And one day, I would like to see you assume the leadership role and help others in turn.
I look forward to being with you on this exciting journey.