Joshua James

B.S., Physics, Western Kentucky University, Summa Cum Laude, May 2003

Name and address of current employer

University of Louisville Brown Cancer Center
Department of Radiation Oncology
529 S. Jackson St.
Louisville, KY 40206

Current position

My current position is a Clinical Medical Physicist. I provide technical expertise in the treatment of cancer with radiation.

What I got from the WKU Physics and Astronomy department that helps me to be successful in this job

I obtained the necessary physics training and experience I needed in order to be accepted into and be successful in a highly respected medical physics graduate program.

Tips and advice for someone wanting to pursue a career in my area

Diversify your class schedule. Medical physics uses concepts from many disciplines besides physics including biology, chemistry, computer programming, engineering, anatomy and physiology. Research the types of classes and work you might be doing in medical physics graduate school and use your undergraduate training to better prepare yourself for the next step in your academic career.

If you are unfamiliar with the field of medical physics, please take a moment to check it out at http://www.aapm.org.

Favorite memory from my time at WKU

I have three favorite memories from my time at WKU. The first are the trips to Chicago with the physics department. Road trips are always fun and a great way to become closer to fellow students and your professors. The second is WKU basketball. If you really want to experience the college life, you have to go some of the athletic events; and it doesn't get any better than Hilltopper basketball. And, of course, my favorite memory is graduation. It was time to look back at all the hard work and realize that it was worth it.