Physics and Engineering & Division

The Physics and Engineering Division of the JPNM consists of the physicists and engineers hired by the JPNM hospitals to provide clinical service and conduct research. Members of the division are engaged in education, collaborative research across hospitals and clinical service at their respective hospitals. Members of the Physics and Engineering division teach an introductory course in Physics and Instrumentation for the first year residents. This four month course involves didactic sessions, laboratory experiments and problem solving exercises. For advanced residents a course in Image Science is taught in which image reconstruction and image processing are studied in depth. In addition, members of the group contribute to courses conducted by other JPNM faculty members.

The research interests of the members of the Physics and Engineering Group include investigation of detectors of ionizing radiation, dual isotope imaging, quantitative and qualitative performance of nuclear medicine instrumentation, development of new imaging instrumentation, optimizing clinical imaging protocols and development and testing of software corrections for physical effects. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a special area of interest. An important aspect of the division is to support the faculty and residents in pursuit of their research objectives.

Significant effort of the Physics and Engineering group is devoted to harmonize matters directly related to clinical work across the JPNM hospitals. Common quality control protocols are developed and frequently reviewed. Clinical imaging protocols that involve multiple hospitals are implemented and monitored.

Members of the Physics and Engineering Division of the JPNM:

• Robert E. Zimmerman, MSEE -Director
• Stephen C. Moore, PhD -BWH
• Georges El Fakhri, PhD-BWH
• Daniel J. de Vries, PhD -DFCI
• Matthew Palmer, PhD -BIDMC
• Jeffrey Yap, PhD -DFCI
• Fred H. Fahey, D.Sc. -CHB