The role of a Medical Physicist in the NHS is a crucial one—positioned at the intersection of healthcare, science, and technology. These professionals ensure that diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine procedures are safe, effective, and accurately measured. From calibrating radiation equipment to developing safety protocols and supporting clinical services, their work directly impacts patient care and safety.
Medical Physicists typically work in hospitals, particularly in radiology, oncology, and nuclear medicine departments. Most enter the profession through the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) or by holding a relevant postgraduate degree in medical physics or clinical science.
Salary expectations vary based on experience and seniority. An NHS Medical Physicist typically earns between £35,392 and £50,056 (Band 6–7 on the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale). With further experience or managerial responsibilities, roles can progress to Band 8a and beyond, with salaries exceeding £58,000.
If you’re preparing for an interview in this field, understanding the types of questions you might face—and how to answer them confidently—can give you a major advantage. Below are 20 commonly asked NHS Medical Physicist interview questions with tailored sample answers to help you succeed.
Tell us about your background and why you want to work as a Medical Physicist in the NHS.
Answer: I have a Master’s degree in Medical Physics and completed my STP placement in radiotherapy. I’m passionate about applying science in a way that directly improves patient outcomes. The NHS’s commitment to evidence-based care and innovation aligns with my own values, making it the ideal place to build a long-term career.
How do you ensure radiation safety in clinical environments?
Answer: I ensure radiation protection by following IRR17 and IR(ME)R guidelines, conducting regular QA tests, calibrating equipment, and educating staff on safety procedures. I also help create and update risk assessments and local rules.
Can you describe the function and importance of a linear accelerator (LINAC)?
Answer: A LINAC generates high-energy X-rays or electrons for cancer treatment. It’s crucial because it delivers radiation with precision, sparing healthy tissue while targeting tumors accurately.
How do you stay current with developments in medical physics?
Answer: I regularly review scientific journals like Physics in Medicine and Biology, attend conferences (e.g., IPEM), and participate in CPD activities to stay informed on new technologies and clinical applications.
What quality assurance processes are you familiar with?
Answer: I’m experienced in performing daily, weekly, and annual QA tests on radiotherapy and diagnostic equipment using phantoms, dosimeters, and imaging tests in line with departmental protocols and IPEM guidelines.
Describe a time you had to troubleshoot faulty imaging equipment.
Answer: During a QA check, I noticed inconsistent CT numbers. I conducted a series of phantom tests, identified a calibration drift, and worked with the manufacturer to resolve the issue—minimizing clinical downtime.
What are the key differences between MRI and CT in clinical imaging?
Answer: CT uses ionising radiation to create images with high spatial resolution, especially for bone and lung tissue. MRI, on the other hand, uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of soft tissues without radiation exposure.
How do you ensure effective communication with clinical staff?
Answer: I maintain open and clear communication, especially when interpreting complex data or technical information. I tailor explanations depending on the audience, be it radiographers, consultants, or patients.
What’s your experience with treatment planning in radiotherapy?
Answer: I’ve assisted with contouring, dose calculations, and plan verification using TPS like Eclipse. I’ve also contributed to patient-specific QA to ensure delivery accuracy.
How would you manage a situation where urgent QA fails just before a patient treatment?
Answer: I would halt the treatment, escalate the issue to senior physicists or engineers, and document the failure. Patient safety is the priority, and I would ensure a resolution or alternative plan is in place before resuming.
Can you explain the purpose of a dosimeter and how you’ve used one?
Answer: A dosimeter measures radiation dose. I’ve used ion chambers and TLDs to verify delivered doses and ensure compliance with treatment plans, especially during commissioning or audit processes.
Describe your experience working in multidisciplinary teams.
Answer: In my clinical rotations, I regularly collaborated with radiographers, oncologists, and engineers. This teamwork was vital in problem-solving, especially during complex patient cases and equipment calibration.
What steps would you take during the commissioning of new equipment?
Answer: I’d follow a structured protocol: verifying manufacturer specs, performing baseline QA, calibrating dosimetry systems, validating imaging systems, and documenting results for clinical sign-off.
What are your thoughts on AI in medical physics?
Answer: AI is promising, especially in image segmentation and dose prediction. However, it should augment—not replace—clinical judgement. Oversight, validation, and ethical governance are essential.
Tell us about a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.
Answer: During my STP, I struggled with time management across modules. I adopted scheduling tools and sought peer support, which helped me balance clinical tasks and academic deadlines more effectively.
How do you approach error reporting and learning from incidents?
Answer: I support a no-blame culture. If an error occurs, I ensure it’s reported through the appropriate NHS systems like Datix, followed by a root cause analysis and implementation of preventive measures.
Why do you think patient-centred care is important in medical physics?
Answer: Even though we work behind the scenes, our work impacts patient experience and outcomes. Tailoring protocols for individual needs and ensuring accurate, safe treatment reflects NHS values of patient-centred care.
What are IRR17 and IR(ME)R, and how do they apply to your role?
Answer: IRR17 governs radiation protection for workers and the public, while IR(ME)R ensures patient safety during exposures. As a Medical Physicist, I’m responsible for compliance with both through policy development and training.
How would you handle a disagreement with a clinician regarding a treatment plan?
Answer: I’d present evidence-based data and guidelines to support my position while respecting clinical autonomy. Open dialogue and mutual understanding are key to resolving such issues collaboratively.
What do you hope to contribute to our department?
Answer: I aim to bring strong technical knowledge, a collaborative spirit, and a continuous improvement mindset. I’m particularly interested in developing innovations in image-guided radiotherapy and contributing to research output.
Final Words: Interview Success Tips for NHS Medical Physicists
Preparing for an NHS Medical Physicist interview goes beyond knowing the technical aspects—it’s also about demonstrating a patient-first approach, strong communication skills, and teamwork. Here are a few tips to leave a lasting impression:
Know the NHS values and be ready to align your answers with them.
Practice explaining complex concepts in lay terms—communication is key.
Reflect on your previous experiences and how they relate to this specific role.
Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the department’s technologies, research, or future plans.
Be yourself—authenticity builds trust and confidence.
You’ve already worked hard to reach this stage. With the right preparation, you’ll be able to walk into that interview room with confidence and leave with a job offer.
Good luck—you’ve got this!
