Nuclear physics is interesting but it is unlikely to help society. John Cameron More Quotes by John Cameron More Quotes From John Cameron Too many radiologists still believe there is a risk from a chest x-ray. Few radiologists can explain radiation to the patient in words the patient can understand. John Cameron words understand patient believe Many Nobel Prizes are awaiting good research to understand and explain the many mysteries of our bodies, such as the basic mechanism of memory or imagination. John Cameron memory good research imagination Medical physics is an applied area of physics. John Cameron applied area medical physics Most medical physicists work in the physics of radiation oncology making sure that the desired dose is given to the cancer and the dose to normal tissues are minimized. John Cameron medical cancer physics work Medical physicists work in cooperation with doctors. A few medical physicists devote their time to research and teaching. A few get involved with administrative duties. John Cameron medical research work time I am sure that I have been much more useful to society as a medical physicist. John Cameron i-am more medical society When I entered medical physics in 1958 there were fewer than 100 in the U.S. and I could see many opportunities to apply my knowledge of nuclear physics. John Cameron see medical physics knowledge I started the nuclear medicine laboratory at UW Hospitals in 1959 and trained radiology residents in the field. It was 1965 before they found a trained MD (doctor) to take over my role. John Cameron doctor over laboratory medicine When I entered the field in July 1958 I believed what they told me about radiation risks. I spent much effort reducing the dose to patients in radiology. John Cameron risks about me effort In 1970 I realized that there was negligible risk from x-rays but many radiographs had poor image quality so that the risk from a false negative was significant. John Cameron image quality poor negative We developed simple test tools to optimize imaging parameters. No company was interested in our idea. John Cameron test company tools simple I am now almost certain that we need more radiation for better health. John Cameron i-am need better health I found collaborating with congenial doctors about problems that physicists could help solve was very satisfying. I also like educating anybody who would listen! John Cameron listen help problems like I am not unhappy that my contribution was not recognized. I am sure it helped my career. John Cameron i-am career contribution unhappy I have the satisfaction of knowing I did something useful for society. John Cameron something useful society satisfaction I was the Chair of the first department of medical physics in a medical school in the U.S. John Cameron chair medical physics school My main frustration is the fear of cancer from low dose radiation, even by radiologists. John Cameron low cancer frustration fear It is likely that we need more radiation to improve our longevity. John Cameron our need more longevity In some cases radiation reduces the incidence of cancer. John Cameron some radiation cancer cases I don't display my plaques and honors. They are hidden behind a black curtain in my work room at home. John Cameron behind black work home
