As part of the Medical Physics course, gaining practical exposure is essential for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications in healthcare. Understanding the role of physics in medicine, particularly in cancer treatment, requires hands-on experience in clinical settings. With this objective in mind, a group of 109 third-year undergraduate students from the Department of Physics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura had the opportunity to visit Apeksha Cancer Hospital, Maharagama, on Sunday, March 2, 2025. The visit was organized under the guidance of Dr. S. Kandeepan, the course instructor for Medical Physics.
During the visit, students were introduced to cutting-edge radiation therapy techniques used in cancer treatment. They were accompanied by Mr. Lakitha Ruvinda, Acting Chief Medical Physicist, along with a team of medical physicists who provided insightful demonstrations. The students observed: Dosimetry measurements using the Blue Phantom in the Linear Accelerator (LINAC), Patient-specific quality assurance (QA) procedures, Treatment planning and execution using LINAC systems, Radiology instruments including Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography (PET-CT) and CT scanners, Brachytherapy techniques and their clinical applications.
This visit provided students with firsthand exposure to the practical applications of medical physics, reinforcing their classroom learning and highlighting the critical role of physics in modern cancer diagnosis and treatment. Students expressed their gratitude for this opportunity, describing it as an invaluable experience that deepened their appreciation for medical physics and its impact on patient care.
