The University of Toledo

Medical Physicist

The diagnostic medical physicists provide technical support for the effective use of radiation and high technology systems used for diagnostic imaging. There are a number of state and federal laws and accreditation bodies that require certain tests be made on the imaging systems in order to ensure radiation safety and the effectiveness of their operation. For example, relatively stringent requirements involving the technologist, physicist, and radiologist must be met to certify the facility to perform mammography or breast imaging. Medical physics is an integral part of the radiology residency training program, providing regular classes to the fluoroscopy, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The educational role of the University of Toledo also includes a graduate training program for medical physicists. Along with the graduate training program and as a technical resource within radiology, research activities have covered a range of topics including:

-Computerized Monte Carlo dose calculation methods, -Radiation doses in cardiac catheterization procedures, -Evaluation methods of nuclear medicine SPECT imaging systems, -Evaluation of effectiveness of certain orthopaedic surgeries, -Computer analysis of depth electrode EEG signals, -Tomosynthesis imaging techniques in mammography, -Testing methods for MRI systems, -Mathematical modeling of MRI contrast media mechanisms, -Perfusion techniques for functional MR imaging, and, -Various applications of functional MRI.

Michael J. Dennis, Ph.D. Faculty Appointment: Associate Professor, Radiology Degree: M.S., Radiological Physics University of Cincinnati, Ohio Ph.D., Medical Physics, Biophysics University of Texas, San Antonio Certifications: American Board of Radiology in Diagnostic Radiological Physics Ohio Department of Health as Certified Radiation Expert, Diagnostic and Mammography