Q: What is Radiology? What do students in this department study?
A: It all starts with the atomic structure of matter. Atoms consist of a nucleus and orbiting electrons. Traditionally, Radiation refers to the release of particles (electrons, protons, neutrons) or energy (photons) when an atom’s structure becomes unstable or is impacted by external forces.
In medicine, ionizing radiation has high energy that can penetrate the body. While this can damage cells, its penetrative power makes it an invaluable diagnostic tool (like CT scans or X-rays), and its ability to target cells is used to destroy cancer cells in Radiation Therapy. As technology evolves, we also utilize non-ionizing radiation (such as MRI and Ultrasound) for diagnosis.
Simply put: combining biological knowledge with chemistry gives us pharmacy and molecular biology; combining biological knowledge with physics principles creates the field of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences. Our students master the principles and technologies behind these physical applications in medicine.
Q: What kind of professionals does CGU Medical Imaging aim to cultivate?
A: We have two primary goals:
- To provide professional training for Medical Radiological Technologists.
- To provide the foundational scientific knowledge required for advanced research in medical imaging and radiological sciences.
We want our graduates to be more than just technical experts; we want them to be scientific thinkers capable of analytical problem-solving. Our curriculum balances clinical practice with rigorous foundational sciences. While most graduates take the national exam to become licensed technologists, we actively encourage students to explore diverse "second specialties" based on their interests.
Q: What are the career prospects for graduates?
A: Many assume the only paths are becoming a clinical technologist or a medical physicist. At Chang Gung, the possibilities are much broader due to our focus on interdisciplinary integration. Career paths include:
- Clinical Practice: Licensed Radiological Technologists or Medical Physicists.
- Research & Academia: Professors, researchers, or R&D scientists.
- Industry: Application engineers, medical device R&D, and product marketing/planning for global med-tech firms.
- Bio-tech Startups: Innovation in medical software and AI.
- Public Service: Specialized government roles in Customs, Taipower, or the Nuclear Safety Commission.
Q: Are there risks of occupational injury or radiation exposure?
A: Every profession has inherent risks (for example, taxi drivers face higher rates of traffic accidents). However, the risk of radiation injury in this field is extremely low.
Radiation has been studied for over a century. While early pioneers lacked shielding knowledge, modern science has made the risk of injury due to ignorance virtually non-existent—statistically much lower than common daily risks. Because of public sensitivity toward radiation, the resources invested in safety and monitoring far exceed those of almost any other industry. In Taiwan, generations of radiological professionals have shown no evidence of higher cancer rates compared to the general public. A core part of our training is Radiation Protection, ensuring our professionals have the expertise to protect both themselves and their patients.
Q: What is the defining characteristic of the Department at Chang Gung?
A:
In Clinical
Teaching: We are backed by the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital system—the
largest healthcare network in Taiwan. Because CGMH consistently invests in the
latest technology (like Proton Therapy), our students interact with world-class
equipment and cutting-edge techniques during their studies. Many lab courses
are held directly in the hospital, guided by senior clinical physicists and
technologists.
In Research &
Education: Our faculty members hold Ph.D.s from top-tier global universities or serve
as senior attending physicians. For students interested in research, we
offer "Special Research Topics" starting in the second semester
of their sophomore year. Our professors blend theoretical rigor with
real-world clinical examples, making the learning process both practical
and engaging.