The Department of Medical Biophysics is an interdisciplinary department with a strong history of excellence and discovery in cancer research, treatment, and beyond. Located primarily at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, and SickKids Research Institute, the department offers research training leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The multidisciplinary program in cancer research and broader biomedical research cuts across the conventional boundaries of biology, physics, translational medicine and engineering to deliver a modern, advanced academic curriculum and world-class research training.
In this specialization within our PhD program, students complete a thesis-based PhD, while completing a structured medical physics course curriculum. The specialized program provides a research-intensive environment that immerses students in clinical technologies pertinent to medical imaging, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy. Cutting edge research involving machine learning, theranostics, and heavy particle therapy are ongoing. Students gain skills to pursue the production of high quality research and develop leadership skills.
Image-guided therapy interrogates the use of any form of medical imaging to plan, perform, and evaluate surgical procedures and therapeutic interventions. Image-guided therapy techniques help to make surgeries less invasive and more precise. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) are the most commonly used techniques. These procedures are also supported by ultrasound, angiography, surgical navigation equipment, tracking tools, and integration software. The creation of novel devices is a cornerstone of medical innovation. In the department of Medical Biophysics, scientists and engineers research, design and produce complex medical devices under highly controlled conditions. The overall goal of this research is to design more effective and safer ways to detect disease, deliver therapy and guide interventions.
