Aaron Fenster awarded Gold Medal for Medical Physics

The Gold Medal is the highest award given by the Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists (COMP) and has been awarded to Robarts Scientist Aaron Fenster PhD, FCCPM, in recognition of an outstanding career as a medical physicist.

The field of medical physics as we know it today started with the discovery of x-rays in the 1890s and now includes ultrasound, magnetic resonance, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, x-rays, and radiation therapy. The Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists is the main professional body for medical physicists practising in Canada. Every member has an educational or professional background in physics or engineering as it applies to medicine.

Throughout his career Dr. Fenster has used inexpensive ultrasound components, computer equipment, software, and ingenuity to devise several systems which are improving the diagnosis and management of many cancers and carotid artery disease - generating an impressive 25 patents and two spin-off companies as well as licensing agreements with nine different companies.

Regardless of the application - to prostate cancer, breast cancer, or atherosclerosis - the innovations coming out of Dr. Fensters' laboratory are saving lives and significantly advancing the field of medical physics.