Session in Memory of Peter J. Biggs: Reinventing Residencies: Innovative Approaches to Strengthen the Future Medical Physics Workforce
Description
The future of medical physics depends on how effectively we train and support the next generation. As the field, certification requirements, and trainees themselves continue to evolve — driven by advances in artificial intelligence, imaging technologies, and data-driven decision-making among others — residency program administrations and curricula must adapt to meet the dual challenge of rapid technological innovation and workforce sustainability. This symposium brings together educators, program directors, and professional leaders to explore how medical physics residency programs across all specialties are reimagining training to prepare physicists for modern clinical and research environments. Presentations will highlight innovative educational and recruitment frameworks, such as competency-based assessment, hybrid clinical-academic pathways, off-cycle position offerings, hub-and-spoke programs, etc., that align with emerging technologies and practice models. Panelists will also discuss strategies to address recruitment, retention, and wellness, ensuring that residency education remains both rigorous and responsive to workforce needs. Attendees will gain insight into actionable approaches to modernize residency training while maintaining accreditation standards, fostering professional growth, and remaining mindful of resident certification goals. The session will emphasize adaptability, inclusivity, and forward-thinking design as essential components of a resilient, future-ready medical physics workforce.