Since the discovery of the x-ray over 125 years ago scientists and medical professionals alike
have harnessed the power of the atom to heal and protect. This book brings together an all-star
cast of high-profile and award-winning scholars introducing the general readership to an often
unnoticed yet societally vital profession - medical physics. This collection of personal short
stories offers an informal behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of these esteemed
professionals encapsulating their transformative aha moments within a whimsical hodgepodge of
instructive and inspiring anecdotes. They even pass on words of wisdom discovered from their
diverse experiences throughout the academic clinical and commercial worlds. The wealth of
information packed into these vignettes runs the gamut from practical career advice to
lighthearted tales of humorous misadventure providing a tremendous overview of the breadth and
depth of medical physics as a career and discipline while imparting sage advice that extends
well beyond the field. In his Foreword to this book Rafael Grossi Director General of the
International Atomic Energy Agency provides his strong endorsement of the life-saving work
carried out by medical physicists and the profession as a whole. From the general public to the
budding student in search of career guidance as well as young and seasoned practicing
professionals these thought-provoking witty and simply entertaining untold stories encourage
the reader to reflect on and ponder the many enduring lessons born from unexpected life-turning
events.
