On Thursday, May 28, the Science Research Program welcomed a very special guest speaker to our school: Dr. Raja Subramaniam, a distinguished Professor of Radiology at Mount Sinai, and the husband of one of our science research teachers, Mrs. Subramaniam. Invited to speak on the day of the annual Science Research Symposium, Dr. Subramaniam gave a fascinating and educational talk on the dynamic field of Medical Physics. By sharing both his professional expertise and his personal path in science, he offered students a look into his own career path, a unique combination that connects physics to medicine.
During his presentation, Subramaniam explained exactly what medical physicists do, describing them as professionals who apply the concepts and methods of applied physics directly to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. He walked students through the main focus areas of the field, including diagnostic radiological physics, which involves tools used to see inside the human body like X-rays, ultrasonic radiation, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). He added to this with therapeutic radiological physics, which focuses on treating diseases like cancer using highly targeted radiation. Subramaniam went into detail regarding the different types of radiation and methods in treating cancer, explaining how ionizing radiation—such as high-energy linear accelerator X-rays and specialized electron beams—is used to destroy the DNA of cancer cells and shrink tumors. He also emphasized how important it is to carefully monitor and manage radiation effects, ensuring that treatments maximize damage to the tumor while strictly protecting healthy surrounding tissue.
Subramaniam also shared a glimpse into his own personal journey, reflecting on how he first became inspired to pursue this unique career. Interestingly, prior to his undergraduate studies, he had always possessed a profound passion for becoming a doctor. However, after moving onto graduate school, he realized what he really wanted to study was physics. At a dinner gathering one night, he met an esteemed medical physicist who introduced him to the field. He was intrigued by the ability to use his love for equations and theories to make a tangible impact on the world.
His life advice to all students is, “Always take up the opportunity for a free dinner. Not only do you get free food, but you never know who might be there or what doors may open for you.”
For the aspiring scientists in the room, Subramaniam mapped out the exact milestones required to enter this career choice. He emphasized the importance of a strong foundational education, explaining that a Bachelor’s degree in physics or a related science is just the starting point. He further explained how important pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. program is to gain the highly specialized knowledge needed to safely operate complex medical imaging equipment and design precise radiation therapy plans. He encouraged students to explore the resources on the official American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) website (aapm.org) to learn more about accredited graduate programs and residency paths.
The presentation left a powerful impression on the Science Research students. By showing how physics principles can directly translate into curing illnesses and improving patient care, Subramaniam opened our eyes to an entirely new side of STEM careers. Many students walked away with a new perspective on how interconnected the scientific disciplines truly are, and gained a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes innovators who ensure medical treatments are safe and effective.
The Science Research Program extends its sincerest gratitude and thanks to Dr. Raja Subramaniam for taking time out of his busy schedule to speak with us. His passion for medical physics was incredibly inspiring, and his information has undoubtedly sparked a new wave of interest in medical sciences for many of our school’s future researchers.
