Soft skills for medical physicists: Evolving a profession

Medical physicists are essential healthcare professionals who bridge the gap between technology and patient care, particularly in radiation oncology and medical imaging. With the profession expanding its clinical and global roles, the need for competencies beyond technical expertise-such as communication, leadership, and cultural awareness-is increasingly evident. These competencies, commonly referred to as soft skills, are critical for patient-centered care but remain insufficiently integrated into formal education and training pathways. The aim of the present work was to identify soft skills relevant to medical physics practice and investigate where in a career they are acquired and used.

This paper presents the views of a group of medical physicists affiliated with leading organizations in medical physics education and professional development. The group conducted a comprehensive analysis of the role and relevance of soft skills in clinical practice, academic settings, and international training programs. Their discussions led to the identification, classification, and mapping of essential soft skills across different career stages and professional roles within the field. The findings aim to inform curriculum development, professional standards, and capacity-building initiatives in medical physics worldwide.

A framework of core soft skills was developed and categorized into seven domains: professionalism, leadership, cultural/political awareness, communication, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and ethical reasoning. These skills were mapped to various career stages of medical physicists, from university coursework to clinical practice and international expert missions. The analysis demonstrated that soft skills are dynamic, teachable, and essential across academic, clinical, and global contexts. The study also reviewed current gaps and opportunities in integrating soft skills into medical physics curricula, clinical residency programs, and continuing professional development.

To meet the evolving demands of healthcare, soft skills may need to be embedded in the education, training, and professional development of medical physicists. These skills enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, patient engagement, and leadership capacity, positioning medical physicists as integral members of the healthcare team. Academic institutions, professional societies, and global organizations are encouraged to work together to define, teach, and assess these competencies in ways that are practical and culturally adaptable.