While sitting in a general physics class learning about speed, acceleration, and forces, a pre-health professional biology student may not realize at the moment how basic physics is beneficial to future doctors. Nevertheless, we want our future medical professionals to have a firm understanding of the physics involved in the medical technology they are equipped to use.
Here are some specific ways physics applies to medical professionals:
- Mechanics is applicable to the motion of joints.
- Forces apply in the use of braces to move teeth.
- Fluid dynamics, pressure-volume relationships and resistance in a closed circuit apply to the circulatory system.
- Heat transfer comes in handy for dealing with frostbite, hypothermia and fevers.
- Vectors and electric circuits apply to electrocardiography and the electrical activity of the heart.
- Pressure-volume curves apply to lung function.
- Optics applies to the working of the human eye and all the procedures of ophthalmology and optometry.
- Nuclear physics applies to nuclear medicine (SPECT and PET scans and radiation therapy technologies).
- Lasers are widely applied in dermatology-scar removal, hair removal, etc.
These are just a few examples of how physics is applicable to medical professionals, but the applications of physics in medicine are much more extensive. Physics is an essential requirement for the undergraduate and graduate-level coursework that pre-health professional students complete. Physics is fundamental. Physics teaches critical thinking. Physics is the basis upon which medical technologies have been discovered and invented. Without physics, medical professionals would not have a career. Therefore, rest assured pre-health professional students, you are wise to be taking physics!
To learn more about other fundamental and widely-applicable courses offered through Grand Canyon University’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology, visit our website or use the Request More Information button on this page.
References:
- Institute of Physics (2012, April 18). Medical Students Need an Understanding of Physics. Retrieved from iop.org/news/12/apr/page_55092.html