Spotlight on Zhen Chen: A Wise Man’s Tale

Updated: Oct 31

We are pleased to highlight the achievements of one of our outstanding graduates, Zhen Hui Chen, who has been continuously advancing in his career and is now working as a Radiation Oncology Medical Physics Registrar at Westmead Hospital’s Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre.

Zhen holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Science in Physics, as well as a Master of Physics (Medical Physics), which reflect his interests in academic excellence and professional growth.

Zhen’s journey showcases the diverse pathways our graduates pursue, and we are proud to celebrate his contributions to the field of Medical Physics.

Here are some comments from Dr. Pejman Rowshan Farzad who was Zhen's course coordinator, lecturer, and principal supervisor:

"Zhen showed exceptional dedication to Medical Physics since his undergraduate years, bringing great passion and curiosity to the field. Throughout his coursework, Zhen consistently excelled, demonstrating a analytical approach and strong commitment to expanding his knowledge base.

Beyond his core studies, Zhen eagerly embraced additional skills, including statistics, programming, image processing, and machine learning, enhancing his versatility as a medical physicist.

Zhen’s research was equally impressive: he submitted his masters research findings to a leading peer-reviewed Medical Physics journal, reflecting the high quality of his work.

Due to his outstanding performance, Zhen secured a position as a Medical Physics Scientific Officer in the Radiation Oncology Department at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.

His impressive capabilities and determination later earned him a highly competitive position as a Radiation Oncology Medical Physics Registrar at Westmead Hospital’s Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre.

I am confident that Zhen will continue to achieve great success in his career, and I wish him all the best in the future."

Zhen 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 your current position and role:

I am Zhen Hui, and I completed my Master of Physics: Medical Physics at the University of Western Australia in 2023. I am currently a Radiation Oncology Medical Physics Registrar at Westmead hospital (Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre).

What did you enjoy most about UWA, and Medical Physics research group?

The programme at UWA provides students with a unique opportunity to study in a clinical environment. Not many medical physics students from other institutions have the opportunity to be taken under the wing of world class researchers who are willing to dedicate their time and knowledge for your success, while also having free access to a hospital’s radiation oncology department. Being taught by clinical physicist, having the opportunity to assist in day-to-day QA, working with medical linear accelerators and sim CTs, having access to 3D printers, and exposure to collaborative multidisciplinary teams, sets up the individual for success, not just academically, but also professionally for any career path they may choose. The Medical Physics research group exemplifies collaboration, where everyone strives to help you, creating an environment where students can thrive and learn without the worries that usually accompany a competitive environment.

Can you give us your top three reasons to study Medical Physics?

It is very fulfilling. As you progress through your studies, you will find that it requires the rigour that most physics majors crave, while knowing that your clinical research project may one day impact patients directly. It is a very humbling experience to know that hundreds or thousands of patients whom you’ve never met may one day benefit from the work that you do. The biggest challenge in medical physics is the ability to take responsibility for clinical decisions, and this challenge I believe, puts a different perspective on physics, where mistakes in calculations can no longer be thought of as trivial. The hope patients place in you helps to mould you into a confident and competent professional.
It is flexible. Medical physics requires strong knowledge in multiple fields of study, such as Physics & Math, Statistics, Anatomy & Physiology, Data science, and even Computer science. The breadth and depth of knowledge required both allows the individual to be constantly challenged and also opens up different possible career paths, as long as one is willing to seek and grab any opportunities that come by.
There is a growing demand for medical physicists. As the prevalence of cancer rises, so does the need for medical physicists. There will be growing clinical and research opportunities, not just in Australia but also worldwide. This opens many doors for career paths.

How do you feel you have made a difference in your field of research?

My research “Quantifying Radiation Isocentre Variability in Linear Accelerators: Implications for Commissioning, QA, and Clinical Protocols” allowed for the verification of linac parameters that hopefully opens the door for more discussion on the way patients are treated and some of the assumptions that physicists currently hold. This research project has not only allowed me to gain a deeper understanding into the inner workings of a linac and treatment protocols, but also a shift in perspective – there are many ways of doing things and one should not be stuck in a way of doing things, always question why, for your why, and the answers that follow, will only serve to benefit the patients further.

What is your best advice to current students and Medical Physics applicants?

For the two years of your studies, immerse yourself as much as possible in the clinical environment, volunteer to help the clinical physicists with their QA tasks – there is no substitute to practical experience, seek opportunities and think outside the box. During my studies, I did internships in consulting and worked in data science roles, which expanded my perspectives and also my knowledge, ultimately benefitting my studies and professional development. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Pejman and the rest of the team are always willing to help.

Seek understanding in all that you do – much like UWA’s motto “Seek Wisdom”. From understanding your course material from first principles, to understanding the impact you have in all decisions that you make. One may be intelligent, but they may not necessarily be wise. A wonderful privilege has been afforded to you. Regardless of the path you may choose, do your best, for yourself, for those that depend on you. The world is your oyster, luck favours the well prepared.

Here is Zhen’s recorded final research project presentation.