In this post, we are celebrating the achievements of Kapil Dev Maharaj, an exceptional member of the Medical Physics program at the University of Western Australia (UWA).
Kapil completed a Bachelor of Science in Physics at the University of Sindh, Pakistan. He joined UWA in 2021 and completed a masters with distinction in 2023. Kapil excelled both in coursework and research, published two peer-reviewed papers and his third manuscript under review.
Here are some comments about Kapil's performance by Dr. Pejman Rowhanfarzad, his supervisor and program coordinator:
"Kapil was one of our best postgraduate students. He was extremely hardworking and responsible, with outstanding performance in research units. I found Kapil highly organized, motivated, and detail-oriented, showing great attention to details in his assignments and research reports. He had a passion for programming and automation which helped him in data analyses for his project and significantly enhanced his efficiency. I was impressed by his work.
Kapil regularly presented research updates in our group’s weekly meetings, which is a great opportunity for masters students to receive feedback from peers. He has so far published two papers in peer-reviewed medical physics journals and submitted another, all based on his masters research project, and thus set a record number of publications among masters graduates for over a decade. Kapil has also voluntarily contributed to other projects. These accomplishments reflect his dedication, interest, and time management, considering the extra challenges of being an international student. Kapil has set a good example of how hard work and critical thinking could take students to where they want to be.”
Kapil has kindly accepted to answer a few questions about his experience in the UWA Medical Physics Research Group, and has provided some advice for future students.
Introduction and Current Role:
Hi, I'm Kapil Dev Maharaj, originally from Pakistan. I moved to Australia, specifically to Perth, to pursue a master degree in medical physics. I graduated in December 2023, and I’m currently working as a Medical Physicist in Diagnostic Imaging at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth.
What did you enjoy most about UWA and the Medical Physics research group?
Oh, that’s a tough one because everything was amazing! The study environment, lectures, and friends were fantastic. I especially enjoyed participating in volunteer work, like UniMentor, where I interacted with new students and learned so much. But what I enjoyed most was the detailed feedback on assignments—it really helped me learn from my mistakes. The mentorship and guidance from my supervisors at every step were incredibly valuable.
The UWA Medical Physics had a very friendly atmosphere where you could ask anything, and people were always willing to help. I had access to world-class instruments, like Varian and Elekta linacs, and got to work with laser cutters and 3D printers for my project. Doing research with clinical medical physicists also gave me real insight into how medical physics impacts clinical environments.
The Medical Physics research group was a fantastic platform to attend weekly meetings, learn from my peers’ research, and develop my research and analytical skills. I always appreciated the support when I got stuck, which made the experience even better!
Most importantly, I truly enjoyed my time in Pejman’s office. His mentorship at every step made my journey memorable and enjoyable.
Can you give us your top three reasons to study Medical Physics?
(1) During my undergraduate program, I completed a one-month internship at the Nuclear Institute of Medicine & Radiotherapy, where I became intrigued by how medical physicists apply their physics expertise in medicine. From that moment, I knew I wanted to pursue Medical Physics. It’s a unique field that allows you to learn from multiple disciplines—biology, data science, coding, physics, radiotherapy, and imaging. Though challenging, it’s incredibly rewarding to use your expertise to contribute to life-saving treatments.
(2) Medical Physics is a constantly growing field, with new advancements every day. This keeps me intrigued and fascinated by the innovations and possibilities.
(3) There is an increasing need for medical physicists around the world. As cancer becomes more common, the demand for medical physicists also rises. This creates more opportunities for both clinical work and research, opening up a range of career options in Australia and globally.
How do you feel you have made a difference in your field of research?
I completed a research project titled “Comprehensive Analysis of Peripheral Doses in Electron Beams with Varian and Elekta Linacs”. This work focused on measuring radiation doses outside the treatment field, highlighting that radiation carcinogenesis can occur even at doses below 0.1 Sv, as stated in the ICRP No.103 report. My research led to the publication of 3 papers: a systematic literature review titled “Peripheral Doses Beyond Electron Applicators in Conventional C-Arm Linear Accelerators,” published in Technology in Cancer Research and Treatment (TCRT), and original research titled “Comprehensive Analysis of Peripheral Doses in Electron Beams with Varian Linac”, published in Radiation in Science and Medicine. A third paper, “Characteristics of the Electron Beam Outside the Applicator in an Elekta Versa HD Linac” which in under review in “Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine”.
These research papers have direct contributions Medical Physics by providing valuable insights into peripheral dose measurements, helping to improve radiation safety. Furthermore, the experience has equipped me with essential skills (research and analytical) and the ability to ask critical questions, which continue to shape my career in Medical Physics.
What is your best advice to current students and Medical Physics applicants?
Work hard, but make sure to enjoy the process. Publishing your work and building your skills is essential, as TEAP positions are competitive. Forge strong connections with your classmates and collaborate—teamwork is invaluable. Make the most of practical sessions, shadow medical physicists across different specialties, and expand your network. Manage your time wisely, focus on understanding rather than memorizing, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Above all, value the privilege of learning and growth.
Here is Kapil’s recorded final research project presentation and links to his publications:
List of Kapil's publications:
1- Peripheral Doses Beyond Electron Applicators in Conventional C-Arm Linear Accelerators: A Systematic Literature Review
KD Maharaj, J Dass, M Ibrahim, T Mahmood, P Rowshanfarzad
Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment 23, 15330338241239144
2- Comprehensive analysis of peripheral dose in electron beam therapy with a Varian TrueBeam Linac Authors
Kapil Dev Maharaj, Mahsheed Sabet, Joshua Dass, Mounir Ibrahim, Talat Mahmood, Pejman Rowshanfarzad
Radiation Medicine and Protection https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radmp.2024.10.003
3- Peripheral doses outside the electron applicators in an Elekta Versa HD Linac
Kapil Dev Maharaj, Simon Goodall, Masheed Sabet, Joshua Dass, Mounir Ibrahim, Talat Mahmood, Pejman Rowshanfarzad
Under final revision at Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine : https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3747339/v1
We wish Kapil all the best in his career and life.
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