Students: Why Pick Duke?

Hear why these current students and alumni selected the Duke program in medical physics.

Ross McGurk

Ross McGurk
Christchurch, New Zealand
University of Canterbury, NZ – BSc Physics, Mathematics, Medical Physics
University of Canterbury, NZ – MSc in Medical Physics
Duke University - PhD student in Medical Physics, matriculated 2008

Originally from New Zealand I had a Fulbright Scholarship to undertake research at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston. After a great experience in a top research institute I wanted to continue in the field and undertake my PhD. I decided on the Duke Medical Physics program for a couple of reasons. First, the connection with a large well-funded hospital with many chances to get involved in cutting-edge research, with world class faculty. Second, the stipend for your first year allows you to explore all of the options that a Medical Physics degree can open up for you. Finally, the students in the program are great to be around both in and outside the classroom and the interactions you have contribute so much to your learning.

Maryann Abogunde
South Windsor, CT
Central Connecticut State University – BS Biomolecular Sciences
Duke University – MS Medical Physics 2009

As an undergraduate pre-medical student, with a major in Biomolecular Sciences, my love for medicine never masked my interest in physics, and I was not satisfied with going into either field individually. Medical Physics provides a merge between physics and medicine, and for me, it gives me a chance to gain more knowledge and appreciate both divisions. I was fortunate to gain more knowledge about the field from my Physics professor, who saw my unending interest and encouraged me to be a part of this developing field with generous job opportunities.

Maryann Abogunde

Jered Wells

 Jered Wells
Altoona, IA
Central College, Pella, IA - BA Physics
Duke University - PhD student in Medical Physics, matriculated 2008

I chose Duke Medical Physics because of the University's long history of varied and successful research and funding ventures. The chance to work directly in one of the top-10 hospitals in the nation was an attractive, rare and extraordinary opportunity. Finding an advisor also promised to be a non-issue since the program provided full funding for first-year Ph.D. students so that a good advisor/project match could be found. In fact, all of my faculty mentors and professors hae proved to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful in this regard. Finally, Duke stood out from other institutions by offering opportunities for my spouse and family, including competitive insurance plans and employment.
Harold Park
Schaumburg, IL
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - BS Chemistry
Duke University - MS Medical Physics 2008

One of the highlights of Duke's medical physics program has been the collaboration amongst students. Throughout my time in the program, I have learned a lot from my fellow classmates and was able to better understand the material presented in class as a result.
Andrew Thomas
Champlin, MN
Michigan Technological University - BS mechanical engineering
Duke University - Masters in Engineering Management 2006
Duke University - MS Medical Physics 2008

I think the optional 5th semester is a huge advantage over many other programs, and complements the required coursework nicely. Together the two should go a long way in distinguishing graduates as marketable candidates to be hired as junior medical physicists. Also, the research and networking opportunities seem nearly endless and it just takes a little bit of initiative to get the career you envision for yourself started.
Benjamin Pollard
Boise, ID
University of Idaho - BS Physics, BA Spanish
Duke University - MS Medical Physics 2008

The best part of the program is the access to world-renowned professors, researchers and clinicians. The list of the program faculty reads like a who's who in the world of medical physics, including pioneers like the inventors of PET, SPECT and 3D Ultrasound. The research opportunities that the program provides are unparalleled. You have the opportunity to gain clinical experience at one of the best medical centers in the world. The cancer clinic is a Varian beta site and rated as one of the 10 best clinics in the U.S. Finally, you can't beat the school's NCAA teams. Cameron Indoor Stadium on game day is indescribable.
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Lei Ren
He Nan, China
Tsinghua University - BS Physics, Mathematics
Duke University - PhD Medical Physics 2009

Duke has one of the best medical centers in the US; there are some of the world's top researchers here as well as state-of-the-art equipment. Also the courses in the program are well laid out, and the whole program is well organized
Kristy Perez
Brandon, FL
North Carolina State University - Nuclear Engineering
Duke University - PhD Medical Physics 2011

 I decided to come to Duke because the academic environment is ideal. The professors and other students are not only friendly but above that eager to assist incoming students with their studies, research, and other interests. Additionally, the facilities are fantastic and seemed to be accessible for use in project work.