International Day of Medical Physics on November 7: Science That Saves Lives

What is International Day of Medical Physics?

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The International Day of Medical Physics (IDMP) is observed annually on November 7 to recognize the essential role medical physicists play in modern healthcare. These specialists ensure that imaging and radiation treatments are safe, accurate, and effective—work that touches millions of patients each day. From calibrating linear accelerators for cancer therapy to optimizing CT scan protocols, medical physicists turn science into clinical impact.

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While often behind the scenes, their influence is visible everywhere: in diagnostic imaging suites, radiation oncology departments, nuclear medicine labs, and research centers. IDMP invites hospitals, universities, and the public to celebrate this vital profession, deepen understanding, and champion safer, smarter care.

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History and origins

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November 7 was chosen to honor the birthday of Marie Skłodowska-Curie (1867–1934), a pioneer whose work on radioactivity transformed medicine and science. Curie’s legacy—two Nobel Prizes and a lasting imprint on physics and chemistry—inspired generations of clinicians and researchers who apply physics to diagnose and treat disease.

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IDMP was launched by the International Organization for Medical Physics (IOMP) to raise global awareness of the field’s contributions. Since its inception, the day has grown into a worldwide observance with lectures, public outreach, and professional development activities. Annual themes, set by IOMP, highlight pressing topics such as patient safety, innovation, and equitable access to care.

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Traditions and how it’s celebrated

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Though it isn’t a public holiday, IDMP is a busy, celebratory date on the healthcare calendar. Institutions and professional societies use the day to educate, connect, and advocate:

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• Open days and lab tours: Hospitals and universities invite students, journalists, and the public to see how imaging devices and therapy machines are tested and maintained.
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• Public lectures and webinars: Experts explain how MRI, CT, PET, and radiation therapy work, and what quality assurance means for patient safety.
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• Patient safety campaigns: Teams showcase dose optimization, error-reduction checklists, and how safety culture improves outcomes.
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• Student outreach: Career talks, mentorship sessions, and demonstrations spark interest in physics and biomedical engineering.
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• Awards and recognition: Societies honor trailblazers and rising stars who advance clinical practice, research, and education.
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• Social media engagement: Clinics and associations share stories and visuals, often using hashtags like #IDMP and #MedicalPhysics to widen the celebration.
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Worldwide observance

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IDMP spans continents, reflecting medical physics’ integral role in healthcare systems large and small.

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• Europe: National societies coordinate symposia on radiotherapy advances, AI-enabled imaging, and radiation protection guidelines.
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• Asia: Teaching hospitals host open houses and hands-on workshops; researchers present innovations tailored to local needs and resources.
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• Americas: Universities and cancer centers run community talks on early detection, imaging safety, and precision therapy, often streaming events to reach rural audiences.
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• Africa and Middle East: Collaborations focus on workforce training, protocol harmonization, and access to essential imaging and treatment technologies.
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• Oceania: Multidisciplinary sessions bring together radiology, oncology, and physics teams to share best practices in quality and safety.
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The common thread is collaboration: physicists work hand-in-hand with radiologists, radiation oncologists, technologists, dosimetrists, and engineers. The celebration fosters shared learning and encourages investment in robust, safe services.

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Fun facts and key contributions

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• Imaging made smarter: Medical physicists fine-tune CT, MRI, ultrasound, and PET scanners to balance image clarity with minimal dose and scan time.
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• Precision therapy: In cancer care, they plan and verify radiation treatments—IMRT, VMAT, stereotactic radiosurgery—so tumors get the right dose while healthy tissue is protected.
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• Safety by design: From shielding walls to calibrating detectors, physicists enforce standards that keep patients and staff safe.
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• Language of dose: Units like the gray (Gy) and sievert (Sv) quantify energy deposited and risk—vital for comparing protocols and tracking exposure.
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• Curie’s mobile X-ray legacy: During World War I, Marie Curie helped deploy portable X-ray units—an early example of bringing physics innovations to the bedside.
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• Quality assurance (QA): Daily, monthly, and annual checks keep complex devices accurate; even a millimeter matters when treating a tumor.
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How you can get involved on November 7

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• Attend a webinar: Look for public lectures by hospitals and professional societies; many are free and recorded.
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• Thank a medical physicist: A note of appreciation to your local imaging or radiotherapy team goes a long way.
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• Support education: Donate to scholarship funds or libraries that expand access to training in low-resource settings.
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• Share responsibly: Post credible explainer graphics about imaging safety, radiation dose, or how MRI works—always cite reputable sources.
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• Student curious? Explore degree paths in physics, biomedical engineering, and accredited clinical training programs.
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Frequently asked questions

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Why is IDMP on November 7?

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The date marks Marie Skłodowska-Curie’s birthday, honoring her foundational contributions to radioactivity and medical applications that still influence care today.

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Is this different from World Cancer Day or the International Day of Radiology?

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Yes. IDMP focuses on the profession of medical physics across imaging and therapy. World Cancer Day (February 4) addresses cancer control broadly, and the International Day of Radiology (November 8) spotlights radiology specifically.

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Are there annual themes?

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Typically, yes. IOMP announces a theme each year to guide events—topics often include patient-centered care, innovation, and workforce development. Even if you can’t attend a conference, you can follow online discussions and published resources.

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Is it a public holiday?

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No. It’s a professional and public awareness observance. Hospitals, universities, and societies lead the celebration through talks, demonstrations, and outreach.

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Why November 7 matters

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By anchoring the observance to Curie’s birthday, the International Day of Medical Physics links past breakthroughs to present-day patient care. It shines a respectful spotlight on the experts who make imaging safer, radiotherapy more precise, and innovation more accountable. If you’ve ever benefited from an X-ray, an MRI, or radiation therapy, you’ve benefited from medical physics. IDMP is a chance to say thank you—and to keep pushing for excellence, equity, and safety in healthcare’s most technical frontiers.