Bulletin 2020- Medical Physics and Radiation Science Group Full2

Annual VOL. 002
Bulletin 31 DEC 2020
2020

MEDICAL PHYSICS AND
RADIATION SCIENCE GROUP

MEDICAL [email protected]
PHYSICS http://medicalphysics.wixsite.com/mysite
TEAM
EDITEDORITOR

NursNaukrisnaakhinSauharSduiardi

Copyright@2021
School of Physics
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
11800 Penang,
Malaysia.

Annual Bulletin 2020: Medical Physics and Radiation Science Group
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other
electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the editor, Dr.
Nursakinah Suardi. The editor retains sole copyright to her contribution. All the photos
belong and copyrighted to School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Edited by: Dr. Nursakinah Suardi
Designed by: Dr. Nursakinah Suardi
Support Team: Choong Heng Jie,  Nur Farah Huda Binti Zulkafli, Authors and  Medical
Physics Team

Table of
Contents

Introduction

03 WIWnteerollccdooummciitnnioggnMMtoeessthsseaaggPeeroFFgrrrooammmmDEdeeiatonr
09 2020 Activities 

LIAUS2VIHNMnne0itryes.ttretSrr2atpiiwnooufmr0icecgddnaS riTMAuuiltan3htrRccuplageDettIdpaiiidnrnooRerdmSitionncnenailaaiaigaltdcTTltlcooiieIigoaaPnhreGTntnthiarnodEyeSkcnsaAeUheit&caNpm2IsrndT0EienCa24Mlnget0letiSecn/P2tdiirmc0lioaca2unnal1linlaPcPistrniaohgTcnyhtSsiTrcioyocaosusltlgkehimt (TPS)

20 S  h8LIAERFWnaeix agMthSretpdh’eistoreiuntnnanrGdOsitgteTiehhonrnhnisgfpFDcetrI?elWonPoiWgwtTAemoheohrnsntrs!rnedlApTSdseHehnhrtOceaiuEptnniM:vxddeBPceseh:ea-mnaToyuonnhotssrgeneEyedB-xLSpWMeaetsnuyorteidreCTd.enhsoncivntesigd-A19boEuxtpMeyrience
30 Sharing from Alumni

WWUMGnreooekdrrenkkicniionnaowgglvnPaAehtCxsioypOasneVircNiIeisDentw-c1ineM9PieFnadrMnoicdneaetdllimniPceiahclyHCIsneiOcdroiVusestI,DstrI-yK1N9

39 Research and Publications
41 Graduate List and Memories
46 Closing

INTRODUCTION 03

Welcoming Message

DEAN

Asalamualaikum Warahmatullahi
Wabaraktuh dan Salam Sejahtera...

First, I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations
to the Chairman of the Medical Physics Programme, Dr.
Nursakinah Suardi and all those involved for their
initiatives and commitment in producing the Annual
Bulletin 2020 Medical Physics and Radiation Sciences. It
is hoped that with this publication, all activities disclosed
in the form of publication can be referred by the Physics
students and staff specifically and USM and its
communities in general.

This year is a challenging year for teaching and learning
activities worldwide, including Fizik@USM, overwhelmed
by the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been trying to cope
with it with many different approaches and sometimes
those approaches are out of the ordinary. It is hoped that
from this experience, the event teaches us always to be
willing to face any possibilities and prepare Physics
graduates who are not only "Future-Proof' but also
"Recession-Proof".

Finally, I urge the Medical Physics Programme Group to
continue to pursue continuous efforts in developing and
communicating information on all student activities and
lecturers in supporting the aspiration of USM and country
to develop human capital and USM graduates of a GREAT
nature (Holistic, Entrepreneurial, Balanced, Articulate,
Thinking).

Thank you.

Prof. Azlan Abdul Aziz

Dean

Welcoming Message

EDITOR

2020: A YEAR FULL OF CHALLENGE AND CHANGE.
EMBRACE CHANGE OR PERISH.

Assalamualaikum and Salam Sejahtera...

It is a pleasure to welcome you to This annual bulletin was
our second publication of this created  with the intention   of
bulletin.  Year 2020 has  definitely providing a space for us to connect,
'special' to us, me included. It has update and communicate with each
taught us valuable lessons that other. While the thought of this year
shows real face of life. With the would be idle with no students in
pandemic, it forced us to adapt with campus, we successfully organized a
new norm. Not just adapting but number of program virtually. I
thrive on the changing reality. Even would like to thanks everyone who
though it has brought many has contributed in any ways for this
challenges, it also presented us with year achievements. 
the opportunity to get ourselves out
of our comfort zones to try new Nursakinah
ways of working.
Editor

Dr. Nursakinah Suardi

Program Chairman Medical Physics
School of Physics,
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
11800 Penang.
[email protected]
+6046535104

INTRODUCTION 05

Administrative and Laboratory Staff

Prof. Dr. Azlan Abdul Aziz Dr. Norhaslinda Mohamed Tahrin Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lim Hwee San
Dean Deputy Dean (Academic, Career & Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation &

School of Physics International) Industry-Community Engagement)
(2016-2020) School of Physics School of Physics

Dr. Nursakinah Suardi Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azhar Abdul
Programme Chairman Rahman

Medical Physics  Research Leader

Dr. Siti Khadijah Mohd Mr. Mohd Rizal Mohamad Mr. Hazhar Hassan
Bakhori  Rodin  Assisstant Science Officer
Medical Physics Laboratory
Research Officer Medical Physics Assisstant Science Officer
Laboratory Biophysics Laboratory 

INTRODUCTION 06

List of Medical Physics Lecturers

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azhar Abdul Assoc. Prof. Dr. Iskandar
Rahman Shahrim Mustafa
[email protected] [email protected]

Dr. Naser Mahmoud Ahmed Dr. Ramzun Maizan Ramli
[email protected] [email protected]

Dr. Norlaili Ahmad Kabir Dr. Nurul Zahirah Noor Azman
[email protected] [email protected]
Dr. Nik Noor Ashikin Nik Ab Dr. Nursakinah Suardi
Razak [email protected]
[email protected] Dr. Yasmin Md Radzi
Dr. Nurul Hashikin Ab. Aziz [email protected]
[email protected]

Bsc. Applied Science (Medical Physics)

Medical Physics is one of the established programmes at School of Physics,
Universiti Sains Malaysia. We are one of the leading universities in Malaysia

leading education role in Medical Physics since 1995. Medical
Physics is a branch of applied physics that focuses on nuclear medicine,

radiotherapy, and diagnostic radiology modalities.

YEAR Physics I (Mechanics)
01 Physics II (Electricity and Magnetism)
Physics III (Vibrations, Waves and Optics)
Physics IV (Modern Physics)
Electronics I
Calculus
Physics Practical I
Physics Practical II
Computational Approach in Physics Learning
Language

Quantum Mechanics YEAR
Complex Analysis and Differential 02
Equations
Thermodynamics
Optics
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Physics Practical III
Medical Physics Practical
Medical Instrumentation

YEAR Solid State Physics I
03 Statistical Mechanics
Physics of Diagnostic Radiology
Physics of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine
Medical Physics Project (two semesters)
Radiation Biophysics

Medical Laser YEAR
Physics of Medical Imaging 04
Non-Destructive Testing
Atomic and Nuclear Physics
*Electives
1 Semester Industrial Training

Msc. (Medical Physics)

The programme aims to provide knowledge and skills as a medical physicist. The course is designed to
produce graduates in medical physics with a strong capacity to work effectively in operating and
maintaining medical equipments. Successful graduates are expected to have a career as medical
physicist in hospital, academic institutions or research institutes.

Semester 01 Human Anatomy and Physiology (core - 4 units)
Radiation Physics (core - 4 units)
Dosimetry and Radiation Protection (core - 4units)
Physics of Diagnostic Radiology (core - 4 units)
Medical Physics Practical (core - 4 units)

Semester 02 Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy Physics (core - 4 units)
Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (elective - 2 units)
Radiobiology and Radiation Chemistry (elective - 2 units)
Medical Physics Practical II (core - 4 units)
Research Project (core- 8 units)

Msc. (Radiation Science)

The programme aims to provide knowledge and skills in radiation physics, protection, and dosimetry.
The course is designed to produce graduates in Radiation Science with a strong capacity to work
effectively as key members of a collaborative team for radiation protection and safety. Successful
graduates can expect to have a career as radiation scientist in academic institutions, research
institutes or environmental departments.

Semester 01 Radiation Protection I (Core - 4 units)
Radiation Protection II (Core - 4 units)
Radiation Physics (Core - 4 units)
Dosimetry and Radiation Protection (Core - 4 units)
Practical (Core - 4 units)

Semester 02 Dissertation (Core - 20 units)

2020 ACTIVITIES 09

INTRODUCTION TO

GEANT 4

SIMULATION TOOLKIT

Nursakinah Suardi

One of the activities held earlier this year was
a  sharing session by Dr Ying Chee Keat from
Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (IPPT) and Dr
Nurul Hashikin Ab. Aziz from School of Physics on
'Introduction to Geant 4 Simulation Toolkit'.
The  objectives of the sharing session  are to
introduce the Geant4 Simulation toolkit to
both the students and the researchers,  to learn the
deployment of Geant4 in the vast research areas
within the physics domain,  and to increase the
number of Geant4 users in USM. 

Dr Ying and Dr Nurul Hashikin are actively involved
in Monte Carlo (MC)  simulation using Geant4 and
have published a substantial number of journals
illustrating their research work.

During the presentation, Dr Ying had introduced the
Geant4 MC simulation toolkit and its application.
Geant4 is a powerful MC toolkit that may be applied
in multiple areas in physics, including medical
physics, high energy physics, nuclear physics, space
radiation, and particle physics. According to Dr Ying,
both students and researchers may download the
Geant4  simulation toolkit for free and generate
research yield.

Meanwhile, Dr Hashikin had shed light on several
applications that could be developed using the
human  phantom available in the Geant4 software.
The phantom was constructed based on mird
pamphlet 5 that comprised of adult male and female
phantoms with various organs.

Some applications that can be devised using this
example include internal radiation therapy
(e.g., permanent brachytherapy seeds, high dose rate
brachytherapy, and  radioembolization),  external
beam radiotherapy (e.g., with numerous beams and
field sizes), and  external radiation sources (e.g.,
simulation involving radiation contamination and
exposures).

2020 ACTIVITIES 10

LEARNING RADIATION &
ELECTRONICS THROUGH STEM
APPROACH

Nursakinah Suardi

On 19th February 2020, a group of students from On learning the  radiation segment, the following
MRSM Pengkalan Hulu accompanied by their Physics modules were incorporated:
teachers had visited the  School of Physics to
participate in 'Learning Radiation & Electronics Introduction to radiation
Through Stem Approach' programme  conducted by Radiation detection
Dr Ahmad Fairuz (Electronic) and Dr Nursakinah Time, Distance, and Shielding
(Radiation). The primary objectives of this Radiation warning signs
programme are to introduce the students to the two Radiation protection and handling
topics, for the students to experience real university
life, and to instill more interest towards physics. The The session started with the  theory about radiation,
students were given an opportunity to have hands on followed by a practical session at Laboratory 100 on
experience at the laboratory.  handling radioactive source, as well as the detection
and measurement of radioactive source.

Hopefully, more of such programme will be organized
to nurture young scientists to love physics. 

2020 ACTIVITIES 11

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
IN MEDICAL PHYSICS

Nur Farah Huda Binti Zulkafli

Msc Medical Physics 2019-2020

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the advancement in machine
learning and deep learning that creates a paradigm shift in
virtually every sector of the technology industry. Commonly, AI is
understood as a smart machine with the ability to perform tasks
that demand human intelligence. Robotics are one of the first
instances that comes to mind upon discussing AI.

For this seminar, Dr Adli described the role of AI in medical
physics, along with its advantages. In medical physics, AI helps to
automate laborious processes, improve workflow, and aid
physicians to realize precision medicine. It is typically applied in
computer-aided detection, classification, and diagnosis for
radiology and auto-contouring, treatment planning, image
guidance, motion tracking, and quality assurance (QA)  in
radiation oncology.

For treatment planning, AI enhances efficiency as it enables more
accurate image registration, automated organ, and tumor
segmentation, apart from improving dose optimization. It aids
clinical decision-making due to its potential to make accurate
prediction of response to treatment. As for QA, it optimizes the
QA process and supports a higher level of safety, quality, and
efficiency of care due to its ability in detecting inaccurate event
especially for complex treatments.

From this seminar, the students realized the significant role of AI
in medical physics, along with the rapid advancement of machine
learning and deep learning. The advancement of medical
facilities, especially in medical physics, has a huge impact on AI.
In comparison to earlier days, the advancing technology of
medical physics has made work more efficient and effective,
which benefits physicians, physicists, and most importantly,
patients.

2020 ACTIVITIES 12

HYPERTHERMIA

Nur Farah Huda Binti Zulkafli

Msc Medical Physics 2019-2020

Hyperthermia refers to a condition of high body
temperature, in which the body fails to thermoregulate via
sweating and vasodilation in lowering the temperature back
to normal. The topic of hyperthermia delivered by Ms Hanis
reflected a type of cancer treatment. Ms Hanis is a Medical
Physics alumni who works as a product specialist in Abex.

She elaborated the working principles of hyperthermia, the
common procedure, several associated  complications, and
the  advantages of hyperthermia. Hyperthermia or thermal
therapy refers to a treatment that induces controlled
temperature rise from 41°C to 43°C at the tumor area. Such
high temperature can damage and kill cancer cells, while
causing only minimal injury to normal tissue. Hyperthermia
is usually used with radiation therapy or chemotherapy as it
induces radiosensitivity of the cancer cells.

Ms Hanis had presented some clinical evidence for
treatment with and without hyperthermia in light of various
cancer types. This seminar had deepened the knowledge of
students about the technologies in radiation oncology that
are not limited to linear accelerator (LINAC) and
brachytherapy, but inclusive of various machines and
techniques employed these days to ascertain a  more
effective treatment.

2020 ACTIVITIES 13

VIRTUAL RADIATION SHARING:
Living with radiation: Myths Debunked

Nur Farah Huda Binti Zulkafli Access Here

Msc Medical Physics 2019-2020 The content can be access here:
https://fizik.usm.my/index.php/
The fear of radiation is prevalent in the society. This virtual-radiation-sharing-2020
fear is known as radiophobia. Those with this phobia
tend to think of radiation as a risk to health without
taking the radiation dose into account. Regardless of
high or low dose, they are of the viewpoint that
radiation only adversely affect the body.

Therefore, this program was organized to raise the
awareness of radiation to the public. This program
covered the history of radiation, types of radiation,
the effects of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation on
DNA and cells, as well as radiation biology in cancer
treatment.

Due to the  COVID-19 pandemic, this program was
conducted virtually. The students were assigned to
prepare videos and infographics pertaining to
the  related topics. This program not only benefited
the public, but also the students. The students had
enhanced several skill sets, including presentation
skills as they had to elaborate information clearly
and effectively, apart from enhancing their creativity.
Their videos and posters reflected the development
of their creativity in delivering concise information
both visually appealing and informative.

2020 ACTIVITIES 14

Introduction to
Treatment Planning
System (TPS) using
3D Slicer

Fahmi Rizal

PhD Student

On 30 September 2020, a  webinar was held via
Webex meeting presented by Fahmi Rizal, a  Medical
Physics (PhD) student. This webinar was targeted at
final year and fresh graduates of  Medical Physics
students who wished to learn and practice TPS
before using the  commercial TPS software at
hospital and medical centers. The  3D Slicer is an
open source software platform that may be
deployed  for medical image informatics, image
processing, and 3D visualization. SlicerRT was
implemented as a 3D Slicer extension with
functionality specically designed for radiation
therapy research.

Objectives
To introduce the participants to 3D Slicer medical
imaging software
To expose the participants to the  process of TPS
using 3D Slicer and SlicerRT
To familiarize the procedures of TPS from
importing image, contouring organ/region, setting
up beam, and analyzing using Dose Volume
Histogram.

The participants were enthusiastic to learn more
about TPS and 3D Slicer based on their questions
posed throughout the session. The 3D Slicer is a free
software package  and may be installed on any
computer to enable the participants to practice.

The 3D Slicer can be downloaded here: 
www.slicer.org

2020 ACTIVITIES 15

M.Sc Medical Physics
Clinical Practical

Nur Farah Huda Binti Zulkafli

Msc Medical Physics 2019-2020

M.Sc Medical Physics Practical at Advanced Medical and Dental Institute
(AMDI)

During the second semester, the  postgraduates of Medical Physics had
pursued practical sessions  for radiotherapy, brachytherapy, and diagnostic
radiology at AMDI, USM. The  AMDI is a government institute equipped with
the latest medical and dental facilities. These facilities are provided for
treatment, as well as for practical and research purposes.

In the Oncology and Radiotherapy department, the students were exposed to
several  modalities, including linear accelerator, CT simulator, microselectron
HDR brachytherapy, and treatment planning system, to further implement
theories that they had learnt. As for radiotherapy, the  students were
introduced to CT-simulator and immobilization devices during the simulation
procedure. The students were given the opportunity to explore Intensity
Modulated Radiotherapy Treatment (IMRT) techniques from treatment
planning to patient-specific dose verification using 2D Octavius QA phantom.
For brachytherapy, the students had observed brachytherapy procedures and
performed treatment planning in light of brachytherapy cases. The daily
quality assurance (QA) for brachytherapy included room check, safety check,
and machine check executed by the students.

In the Radiology department, the  students were introduced to imaging
modalities, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), ultrasound, Computed
Tomography (CT), and x-ray machine. The introductory to the imaging
modalities included their main compartments, operating principles, technical
factors, and safety precautions of the modalities, especially for MRI. The
equipment inside the MRI room should be MR safe or MR conditional. This is
because; MRI uses a very strong magnet that can attract metal and cause
harm to the patient during the procedure. The students were assigned to
perform quality control for CT scanner using Catphan 600 phantom and
quality control for x-ray machine.

2020 ACTIVITIES 16

M.Sc Medical Physics Practical at Nuclear Medicine Department, General Hospital Penang

For nuclear medicine practical session, the students were introduced to the imaging modalities, such as SPECT,
PET-CT, and gamma camera covering the quality control of the modalities, as well as their general operations.

Next, the  students took part in the radioactive package acceptance test, wipe test, and ward clearance
procedures, where they were exposed to well counter, Molybdenum/Technetium-99m generator, and survey
meter. The students were given the opportunity to observe several  procedures, such as radioiodine therapy,
and to join the weekly CME (continuing medical education) conducted by physicists and pharmacist. The CME
refers to an interactive class where at the end, they were tested about the topic presented using Kahoot!. The
practical session in the nuclear medicine department had facilitated the students to differentiate SPECT from
PET. The students also learned the common uses of radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine, inclusive of Tc-
99m, I-131, and Y-90. This experience had deepened the students' understanding about the role of physicists in
nuclear medicine department.

Acknowledgement:
We would like to express our appreciation to all the supervisors and instructors for their dedication and
commitment at the Advanced Medical and Dental Institute and Penang General Hospital.
Dr. Nursakinah Suardi, Dr. Mohd Hafiz Mohd Zin, Dr. Noor Diyana Osman, Dr. Nurul Hashikin Ab. Aziz, Dr. Prema
Devi Chellayah, Dr. Mohd Zahri Abdul Aziz, Dr. Norlaili Ahmad Kabir, Dr. Yasmin Radzi, Ms. Suzana Mat Isa, Ms.
Farakhdina Jamaludin, Mr. Khairul Nizam Jaafar, Ms. Nor Hafizah Ishak, Ms. Nursyatina Abdul Raof.

2020 ACTIVITIES 17

New Student Intake
2020/2021

Nursakinah Suardi

7th October -  New students orientation was held virtually to welcome freshies from School of
Physics. The orientation starts with welcoming speech from Prof Azlan, Dean School of Physics
followed ny  language briefing. Next, the session continued with the briefing from Programme
Chairman Medical Physics. This year, there are 35 new students registered for the programme and
most of them from Pra-U, Matriculation/Asasi and diploma track.

Welcome to School of
Physics, USM. 

Can't wait to see all
of you in campus!

Brieifin sessio of
Ne Intak Student

wit Programm
Chairmai Vi tuall

2020 ACTIVITIES 18

What inspired new
generation to choose
Medical Physics?

Because i love physics and for sure this course related with medical subject.
Interested in medical courses and physics is my favourite subject.
I like physics.
Physics is my favorite subject and medical is my choice.
Because i want to be medical physicist.
I found it is interesting and i believe i can survive in this field.
Because i love physics and i can see my future with Medical Physics.
I'm really interested in the program .
I would like to explore more about physics in medical .
I've always wanted to enter both Biology and Physics field at the same time as I love them both.
Medical Physics turned out to be the perfect option. Notably, I also wanted to be a Doctor. And
now Medical Physics also allows me to work in Hospitals.
I choose this course because I think this course is interesting and to me this course is extreme.
Because I'm interested in Physics
I want to explore more about physics in medicine.
LOVE
This course piqued my interest when I first heard of it and I like physics.
Interested with medical's technology
I love physics and would love to learn more about it especially in medical
My interest and curiosity
Physics subject make me feel good, and somehow I want my course related to Medic. 
It's related to medical field .
Because i want to learn something about physics that involves with medical world.
I'm into physics and medical
It have interesting subtopics in it .
I love to learn radiation
Because i love the idea of physics being applied on medical.
Because I want to explore how physics being applied on medicine field .
I love physics 
I would really like to know and learn about the course since I was offered a similar program in
Politeknik but I was not able to join.

Medical Physics

Source: Quick Survey During the Briefing

2020 ACTIVITIES 19

2020 Training and New
Update Ultrasound

Training

NIMBIN
System
Training

SHARING FROM STUDENTS 20

Experience As An Exchange
Students at Keele University, UK

Nur Izzati Ariffin & Siti Nafisah Nasri

Bsc. Medical Physics

As Physics students, with our loads and units of We bought groceries at the town, which was
courses that we had to catch up, it was almost accessible by bus.  Surprisingly, there was a small
impossible to participate in exchange program. As a section in the mall that sold Malaysian food.
matter of fact, it is indeed possible. Our experience Although there was not much food on display, it
as exchange students in the United Kingdom was helped us to prevent from being homesick.
both adventurous and impactful.
Upon arrival, we had to adapt to the weather and the
Prior to the exchange program, my friend and I surrounding. It was difficult to adapt at first with the
had participated in a consultation session with IMCC different time zones and the weather, but eventually
staff about the procedures, the preparation, and our we did it. The facilities and the Physics laboratory
selection of the university and the country. We had to equipment were more advanced and we were lucky
select a  university that offered all the courses that to experience handling them. The number of
we would be taking for the semester and gain students who took the same subjects as we did was
approval from our program chairman, as well as the lower than we had thought. There were less than 20
school dean. As a result, we had chosen the Keele students in a class. This enabled us to place more
University situated in the United Kingdom. focus on the lecture and the lecturer could pay extra
attention to our needs.
Talking about exchange program, each student would
worry about the incurring  fees. Fortunately, we "The thing I liked the most during this exchange
obtained scholarships from Erasmus that covered program was the educational process. We were
our transportation, accommodation, academic, and provided hardcopy notes for every subject that we took.
travel costs. Moreover, we only spent 2-4 hours in class because the
educational system implied spending more time for self
The process of getting accommodation on campus education. We prepared for  our exams by making
was simple as we only applied through their website, additional notes, re-attempting the tutorial questions,
in which we received the application status two and practicing the exercises embedded  in the  study
weeks later. It was composed of an integrated living guides. Fortunately, we were able to complete a
room with kitchen and utilities. Each kitchen should semester as an exchange student. Special thanks is
be used only by six students. And of course, cooking dedicated to IMCC staff for giving us this great chance
Malaysian dishes had been a must! We were in awe as to be an exchange student in the United Kingdom. "
soon as we knew that there was a mosque on ~ Nur Izzati Ariffin
campus. It was a small mosque for Muslim students
to perform daily prayer and Jumuah. Since food was
rather expensive despite buying it from the cafeteria,
cooking our own meals was the best option. 

SHARING FROM STUDENTS 21

"The students (and basically everyone) there were very
kind and friendly to us. We had the opportunity to meet
many people from almost all over the world through
the exchange program. We learned so much back there.
The exchange program was an eye-opener to me.
Being an exchange student had  taught me about new
cultures, how to be independent, and the fact that the
most effective method to learn new things is by
experiencing them. There may be obstacles, but all we
need are determination and dreams to succeed. I am
very thankful that USM had allowed me to experience
this exchange program. Thank you USM. " 
~ Siti Nafisah Nasri

SHARING FROM STUDENTS 22

WHEN THE WORLD
WAS ON PAUSE - MY
COVID-19 EXPERIENCE

Siti Hajar Zuber Dealing with major changes in my everyday life was
not easy. I was unable to continue my work in the lab
PhD Student for several months, which made me worried and
anxious. As I had the obligation to complete my
Year 2020 had been a roller coaster ride for most of studies within a given time (GOT) due to my post-
us. We have never expected this to happen, not in a degree bond with an institution, being stuck  in this
million years. There was neither forewarning nor a sticky situation was less than ideal. It made
single sign when it would hit us. Nonetheless, as the everything worse, at first. I could neither defer nor
saying goes - for every cloud there is a silver lining - request for a time off. It was “now or never” for me.
if there is no opportunity, create one! I believe I am
among the luckiest ones during this pandemic, and I I had to keep going despite everything that was
am beyond grateful for that. I am blessed with a roof happening. Therefore, I wrote and wrote and wrote
over my head, food on the table, and all the throughout the MCO period! It was all about writing
resources that I need to motivate myself, despite the my research paper, reviewing them, and even
worries piling up in my head. Without the support we completing all the necessary chapters in the
need close to us during this pandemic, one can easily manuscript.
spiral into depression, lose willpower to push
through, and become demotivated. Nevertheless, I believe that finding the right balance that suits us in
miracles do  happen! But first, we have to pull this situation is integral to keep us occupied and
ourselves out of the crisis, and reach out to those productive. We have to look at the brighter side and
closest to us. We may not be living with our families be optimistic in every situation. The pandemic most
throughout this trying time, but it is important to likely would not end tomorrow, so it is really
keep in touch with them and reach out to them if we important that we adapt our lifestyle to this new
are in trouble or in need. It might not help much, but I environment so we do not lose track of our studies,
believe that our emotional wounds will heal along the research work, and most importantly, ourselves.
way. Venturing into a new hobby is not too bad of an idea
as it could motivate us to keep our research progress
smooth sailing during this critical time.

Transmission study with Samson,
Medical Physics PhD student and Dr
Mohd Fahmi from School of Health
Sciences, USM

SHARING FROM STUDENTS 23

Let’s go down the memory lane

Nur Farah Huda Binti Zulkafli

Msc Medical Physics 2019-2020

“Find a group of people Little did I know that the decision to further
who challenges and my  studies in medical physics at USM would
significantly change my life for the better. Here, I met
inspires you; spend a lot peers from all walks of life that soon struck a familial
of time with them, and it bond. The exchange of viewpoints among peers and
will change your life.” the numerous collaborative activities were
indeed enriching and broadened my horizon.
— Amy Poehler
The first semester was hectic with classes from
Our Memories morning right until evening, accompanied by endless
assignments and tests. However, with the support of
friends and lecturers in times of hurdle, the journey
of completing the first semester was a breeze and
the overall mood was jovial.

    Semester two, however, started fairly smooth
except for the emergence of Covid-19 pandemic that
was beginning to make headlines worldwide. All
classes and seminars were then shifted to virtual
soon after the implementation of MCO. The revamp
of academic medium from physical to virtual came
with certain challenges for both students and
lecturers, but we were able to overcome and adapt to
it gradually.

      After a while, we finally got to start our practical
and began accumulating data for the project. Ever
since the deployment of MCO, we have learned to be
more appreciative of the things which we have taken
for granted, such as physical classes, gatherings, and
not to forget, face-to-face group discussions! Despite
the single-year academic program, the ups and
downs that we had faced and conquered have taught
us immensely and shaped us into becoming more
resilient, as well as better prepared to face the ever
changing world.

SHARING FROM STUDENTS 24

RADIATING
WONDER

Joshua Ho Chian Sing

Msc Medical Physics 2019-2020

Towards global excellence in transdisciplinary research and education in Physics”, an aptly vision propelling
Malaysia to be a robust contributor of STEM. This riveting vision from School of Physics, USM has and continue to
produce excellent medical physicists serving all around Malaysia. I thoroughly enjoyed my education in the
School of Physics over the past year, with no medical physics background prior. In the first week of class of the
first semester, I vividly remembered being asked what radiation equipment were shown on the projector screen.
Unfettered by my lack of knowledge, I was more thrilled by the prospect of learning them.

Over the past year, I’ve learnt and experienced hands-on,
different radiation modalities through practical and laboratory
sessions. For example, X-ray machine (Radiation Biophysics
Lab) and Ultrasound system (Medical Physics Lab) enabled me
to perform QC pivotal for accurate diagnosis purposes, and
many more. Inside the classroom milieu, two-way teaching
method hones student critical thinking and presentation skill,
albeit cumbersome at times. As a naturally curious individual,
this teaching method kept me focused. An enriching
experience during my second semester were the practical
sessions at various hospitals, essential for integration from
student into the medical workforce. Nonetheless, forming
meaningful camaraderie with other classmates enhances
learning experience, making Medical Physics program all the
more enjoyable.

"It is in your hands I am grateful towards all instructors who diligently imparted
to create a better knowledge to me. And I hope their knowledge will be
world for all who transmitted by these two hands of mine. I am proud to be a
live in it” – Nelson School of Physics graduate and will definitely recommend to
Mandela. those who are interested in radiation studies. I close this
reflection with a quote "It is in your hands to create a better
world for all who live in it” – Nelson Mandela.

SHARING FROM STUDENTS 25

FIGHT OR FLIGHT!

Elham Awadh Mzwd-Yemen Dr Naser was my father and my motivation dose.
When I was facing a problem in my project work, he
Msc Medical Physics 2018-2020 immediately motivated me, "you will do your best to
resolve it". 'Thank you, doctor' for your trust in my
ability. Your words are truly appreciated and
magically uplift myself. Whenever I am in dilemma, I
would seek advice and guidance from Dr Nursakinah.
She has a gold heart and her words are always
soothing in inspiring me and getting myself back on
track. I am grateful to all lecturers for
constantly  helping me  and never failing
to understand me.

COVID-19 was an unexpected event that has affected I would like to express my deepest appreciation to
every nook and corner of  the world. The pandemic my family - brother Saleh, sisters Mona, Hanadi, and
has changed everything, including the whole Hawra -  and all friends who have  helped me during
academic affair. In early days of the  movement trouble times while making life enjoyable. I wish to
control order (MCO), we were advised to stay at express my heartfelt  gratitude to my classmates
home to avoid the infection. Yes, I stayed in my room Choong, Shahir Khan, Mohamed Bagohezl, Shahera,
surrounded by the  four walls at the USM hostel. We Farah, Oliver, Jee, and Iman for their cooperation.
were all in the same boat. Can you imagine that? They stood by me at all times and guided me when I
Boredom, disappointment, pessimism, and personal was grappling in the dark.
issues had begun lurking into my mind.
"Some situations may affect
On the other hand, I had to continue with my your life, but you should
lectures, assignments, and tests. Libraries and study fight your challenges
rooms were all inaccessible. In the beginning, it felt to be as a shining
like a disaster that was difficult to defeat. There was star and not take
not even a pint of desire nor motivation to pursue my the flight!"
studies! After struggling and fighting to get on my
feet again, excellent results was my yield. This
success would have been impossible if  not for some
people whom I must thank.

SHARING FROM STUDENTS 26

8-MONTH INTERNSHIP:
BEYOND WORDS

Nur Afiqah Aimi Ibrahim, Nurul Iman Amira Mohd Hijas We had hands-on experience clearing the ward,
including linen waste clearance -  which was yes - a
Bsc Medical Physics 2016-2020 job scope of physicist! We were entrusted to perform
daily QA of SPECT-CT and SPECT gamma cameras
Although internship course is an elective course under their supervision. Next, we were assigned to
offered in school, I fortunately chose internship over PET-CT modalities, where they were equipped with
going to class. The experience is far too valuable - Cyclotron (one of the few high energy circular
simply unbefitting to describe using layman terms. accelerators available in Malaysia).
Well, an eye opener for a greater, challenging
working life, and it is not exaggerating to say, an eye The best part was, we had the chance to even punch-
opener to adulthood and adaptation. in as early as 4.30 a.m. to observe the synthesis
process  of F-18-FDG. It was definitely a  memorable
We first reported to our clinical supervisor at experience! Oh yes, the most exciting part of this six-
the  National Cancer Institute (NCI), Putrajaya in week journey was when we went to the operation
February. In groups of three, we took turn to rotate theater as medical physicist trainee to observe a
between 3 departments after 6 weeks. However, due Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy procedure for breast
to the Covid-19 pandemic, our internship was halted cancer patients. At the end of the procedure, we
for almost 2 months. Regardless, we managed to claimed, ‘I thought I just watched a Korean drama
resume our internship in June and graduated! Yeay! scene just now!’. The warmth radiated by the staff
made us felt very welcomed.
I would say the first 5 weeks were the most exciting-
but-adapting phase after observing the routine life During the MCO period, we were all ‘trapped’ in our
as a physicist, radiographer, doctor, radiologist, and rental house and did nothing. Reflecting back, it was
nurse. Upon waking up as early as 6 a.m., we (seven actually a reset period for us (or at least for  me) to
of us)  took turns to get ready and made sure that ponder on everything that had happened. Well, this is
we punched our cards by 8.00 a.m. Pheww! Iman and what they call 'blessings in disguise'.
I first reported to the Nuclear Medicine Department,
where physicists dealt with unsealed radioactive Moving on to the  Radiology department, which was
sources.  We stood in awe upon being informed that resumed after the MCO, we witnessed a different
there were 28 isolation rooms or I-131 isolation wards work environment than the previous department
within the huge building, fully protected by Pb from different perspective. Here, we learnt about
equivalent thickness walls, doors, and wastage diagnostic radiology devices, necessary  measures
systems to comply with the radiation protection that should be taken due to machinery malfunction,
principle. the Planned Preventive Maintenance of CT, as well
as engaging with other staff and even engineers from
the manufacturing company.

SHARING FROM STUDENTS 27

Essentially, I had learned that in order to enjoy work, To conclude, I personally thought that this
we need to put ourselves in a happier place, as the internship period was significant to learn more
feeling of being together with colleagues was indeed about myself, explore my very own potential, as
a motivating force to keep working. (A reminder to well as to  improve my  networking and
me in the future too!) communication skills. I sincerely thank my
teammates, clinical supervisors, school
The last department we were assigned to was supervisors, and everyone involved in my journey
the  Radiotherapy department. We mostly learnt as a medical physics trainee. One day, if God is
about radiotherapy treatment planning and quality willing, I’ll become one! I have attached a few of my
assurance of both  patients and machines. The memorable mementos at NCI during our eight-
highlight of this posting was definitely the month internship.
radiotherapy presentation for our supervisor. The
welcoming staff and supervisors at each department
were a  blessing. Time definitely went unnoticed
because after 18 weeks, it was time to say farewell. 

PR202

02O0-20
memories

SHARING FROM STUDENTS 28

A Student's Perspective: The Best
Thing About My Internship? The
Hands-on Experience

Nurul Husna Binti Mohd Noor

Bsc Medical Physics 2016-2020

  As an undergraduate, I had the opportunity to undergo internship. Working experience is essential to boost
employability, particularly as a Medical Physics student. Hence, during my final year at USM, I had decided to
take up internship during the second semester, before I graduate.

    I undertook a twelve-week internship at a government hospital, Penang General Hospital. I was one of
the  seven university-level interns from USM  — we were referred to as “academic interns.” As academic
interns, we had no hope of securing a job with the hospital later, as we knew that it is a government hospital.
Ultimately, we had selected the government hospital to learn and understand the job scope of a medical
physicist.

     I was in Nuclear Medicine Department for about seven weeks, and later continued in Radiology Department
after the MCO period, for about five weeks. Both departments provided radiation services only for diagnostic
imaging purpose, not for therapy. The Nuclear Medicine Department was equipped with PET/CT Scan, SPECT-
CT Scan, as well as  single and dual gamma camera scan machines. A ward was made available  for patients
who received high dosage of iodine 131. Meanwhile, the Radiology Department had mammography, CT-scan,
angiography, fluoroscopy, general, mobile, dental and bone x-ray, as well as MRI.

    First, we were assigned to conduct a weekly Radiation Protection Seminar for the  officers at the
department. Apart from other presentation tasks, we had to perform daily and weekly routines as medical
physicists, such as daily machine quality assurance, radioactive receiving, and I-131 ward clearance, to name a
few. We had the opportunity to perform patient positioning at the Radiology Department. We were assigned a
department supervisor at each department. At the end of each week, we had to present our report with
questions and a summary of what we had learned.

  It was easy to understand the clinical procedures that involved physiological and physical knowledge due to
exposure in classes at USM.  In short, I was treated as a regular medical physicist throughout the twelve
weeks. I had to be there at 7:30 a.m., dressed appropriately and always ready to have pleasant exchanges with
both patients and staff, regardless of how I felt on a personal level. Over those twelve weeks, I formed strong
bonding with my teammates, received input from my superiors, dealt with frustrating technological glitches,
and was initially regarded as a fully grown and responsible adult.

SHARING FROM STUDENTS 29

 

The highlight of my time there was presenting my research (along the attachment period) before the
department staff, including senior oncologists and the  director himself. I have to  admit that  the questions
raised during the Q&A session were challenging, but fortunately, my partner and I understood our research well
and were able to answer the questions posed to us.

My twelve weeks spent at the Penang General Hospital enabled me to develop personally, apart from acquiring
new skills in quality assurance of various radiative machines and patient handling - valuable experiences that I
never had before. I also learnt the significant role of being a medical physicist and the importance of building
network, besides gaining some new potential references. Most importantly, I gained a new sense of
professionalism and better comprehended the complex healthcare field.
Therefore, I would like to urge everyone to take the opportunity to take up  internship, although it is not
required in the industry that you wish to work in. There is plentiful to learn from - both professionally and
personally.

#HPP

INTERNSHIP

2020

SHARING FROM ALUMNI 30

Working As a New Medical Physicist, IKN

Siti Zubaidah Binti Muzakaria

Alumni - Medical Physicist at National Cancer Institute

My name is Siti Zubaidah Binti Muzakaria, graduated in Degree Medical
Physics in 2018 and Master of Medical Physics in 2019, both in USM,
Penang. Since April 2020, I have started working at Institut Kanser Negara
(IKN) in Radiotherapy and Oncology Department as a Medical Physicist. As
a Medical Physicist, my responsibilities are planning for External Beam
Radiation Therapy (EBRT) and Brachytherapy treatments, as well as Quality
Assurance (QA) of machines. IKN has different modalities from Elekta Linac,
Tomotherapy, Varian Novalis TX Linac, and Remote afterloader
Brachytherapy. Hence, we too have different treatment planning systems in
accordance to the treatment machines, such as Xio, Monaco, Eclipse, TOMO,
and Iplan. As a medical physicist, just within 8 months, I am already
proficient in 3DCRT planning using Xio and Eclipse TPS for multiple cases. I
am also already proficient in QA for Elekta Linac machines for both Monthly
and Quarterly.

In my view, the role of Medical Physicists in the Radiotherapy and Oncology
Department is quite challenge. We must be  proficient in treatment
planning, especially when using different TPS for brachytherapy, 3DCRT,
IMRT, and  SRS/SRT. Treatment planning is an advance technology that
demands skill, which cannot be acquired from textbooks. This skill is
developed from continuous practice. When I first started working here, it
was rather stressful  to learn and  understand how the TPS functioned.
Fortunately, the senior medical physicist had helped me a lot by explaining
how the  TPS worked. Understanding radiotherapy during study had  also
helped me a lot to perform my tasks efficiently.

In IKN, manual planning is  still used for certain cases, which means that
medical physicists need to calculate MU manually. The calculation of MU in
radiotherapy during my master's degree had helped me a lot to
manually  plan treatments. Besides, medical physicists need to execute
QA/QC test for every modality found  in the department, including LINAC,
CT sim, and after loader brachytherapy machine, to maintain the quality
and the  performance of these machine for treatment. Medical physicists
need to understand how these machines work, so as to comprehend what
and why the tests are significant. Last but not least, when dealing with
radiation, medical physicists serve as frontliners to keep the environment
safe from harmful  radiation. Medical physicists need to understand
radiation protection in becoming a good protector. Knowledge pertaining to
radiation during the study period is very important when working here.

SHARING FROM ALUMNI 31

Working experience
in Medical Industry

Nurhanis Mohd Huzail

Alumni - Senior Product Executive, Abex Medical System Sdn Bhd.

PROFILE To prepare sales proposals/quotations/forecast and
take responsibility for achievement of sales target.
Nurhanis binti Mohd Huzail Preparation of quotation and tender and ensure that
Email: [email protected] submission will be on timely basis.
Education: Coordinate in exhibitions, events and seminar
Bsc. Applied Science (Medical Physics), 2013-2016 arrangements with relevant party with the ultimate
Msc. Medical Physics, 2016-2017 aim of success.
Profession:
Senior Product Executive, Apr 2020 - Present Job you may pursue if not as a medical physicist
Product Sales Executive, July 2018- Mac 2020
Company Profile: Although medical physics education allows you to get
Abex Medical System Sdn. Bhd. was incorporated on very specific career as a medical physicist, don't feel
11th August 1981 and started its operation on 1st April like you need to limit your job search just to that area.
1982. The company corse business are sales & services
of medical euqipment and started as the sole If you're interested in breaking into the healthcare
distributor of Toshiba Medical Equipment. Our core industry, one of the most common positions you may
competitive advantages are industry in-depth consider as a career is a clinical specialist. Clinical
understanding, expert knowledge and competency to application specialists consult, train and support health
provide high quality and professional services. Today, care professionals in the effective use of health care
Abex growth and expanded beyond medical imaging equipment and software including remote and on-site
field into Oncology, Nuclear Medicine, Dental, QA training.
Instruments and etc.
Here is the list of companies to land your one of many
Responsibilities: jobs in the healthcare industry (Oncology):
Monitor all aspects of a product lifecycle, including - Abex Medical System Sdn Bhd
long/short-term product development and - Siemens Healthcare Pte. Ltd.
marketing. Works with sales team members, to give - Transmedic Healthcare
their in-depth knowledge of products versus the - MexSys Sdn. Bhd.
current competition out in the market. - Brainlab
To deliver effective sales presentations that - Oncoray Sdn. Bhd.
promote the features and benefits of company's
product range.
Responsible for the sales and marketing activities
of the full range of products marketed by the
company in the territory, hospital and projects
assigned.

SHARING FROM ALUMNI 32

International Working Experience

Joined C-RAD clinical roadshow in Hanoi, Vietnam on August Work trip to Yangon, Myanmar on March 2019.
2018.

Attended PTW sales meeting in Bali, Indonesia on August
2019.

Participate Elekta BABS Training and Unity Refreshment
Training at Singapore on 18 and 19 September 2018 and
Elekta Linac Portfolio Product Training at Beijing, China on

10 and 11 October 2018.

Attended Role of Hyperthermia in Clinical Care Symposium Participate in ESTRO Meets Asia event, in Singapore on
in Amsterdam, Netherlands on November 2018. December 2019

Attended PTW sales meeting during ESTRO meets ASIA in “Motivation is what
Singapore on December 2018. gets you started.
Habit is what keeps
you going. Best
wishes for your
bright future!”

SHARING FROM ALUMNI 33

Greenovation

Mahfuzah Binti Muhammad

Alumni - Medical Physicist at  Gleneagles Hospital Penang

A proud alumnus from Msc. Of Medical Physicist, Team work was an integral factor in making  this
Universiti Sains Malaysia (2017), I am  currently project a success. Although it seemed somewhat
working to fight cancer together with patients by complicated in the beginning, it was not impossible
delivering the best radiation treatment to them. to reduce paper usage from 27 pages to merely  2
Quality treatment is impossible without good pages per patient. Besides, the current patient
treatment unit. Therefore, as a medical physicist, I treatment record only requires less than 1 minute for
am responsible to make sure that quality assurance assessment. Behind this simple project, much work
is conducted and maintained accordingly. was poured into it. All radiotherapy staff had truly
worked hard on this project to make it happen. As a
2020 is indeed a year that is not to be forgotten. result, we are used to it and the system really helps
Despite the challenges we all have to face  due to us to improve our quality of treatment.
the  Covid-19 pandemic, I have successfully
implemented a  new workflow in my current working ‘To be a Medical physicist might be tough at the
department. The project involves the whole beginning, but the most important thing is not to stop
radiotherapy team. In the project, a paperless questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for
workflow is deployed  as we wish to be in par with existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he
many other radiotherapy centers established contemplates the mysteries of eternity. It is enough if
worldwide that have embraced the paperless one tries merely to comprehend a little of his mystery
framework by installing electronic medical record each day.’
based on the record-and-verify system.

The objective of this project is  to minimize the use
of  paper and save time. The idea is generated after
pondering upon the safety of  patients, along with
quality as the key factor in radiotherapy treatment.

The previous workflow used papers for most of the
documentation. To date, all documentation, including
assessments and treatment details, is recorded using
the record-and-verify system known as MOSAIQ.

The project was completed within the fixed
time  frame. Much effort was dedicated to  training
from scratch until we could customize the system
according to our preferences.

SHARING FROM ALUMNI 34

Medical Physicist in
Pandemic COVID-19

Hafizah Mislam

Alumni - Medical Physicist at  Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah

Working as a medical physicist in the midst of this The most memorable work performed by the team
pandemic is such a great experience for me and the throughout this pandemic is definitely the handling
whole  medical physicist team. As mostly informed, of Tembok Cluster. Numerous challenges arose when
Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah is the designated Covid-19 dealing with this cluster. First and foremost, this
hospital in Kedah, where all patients from the state cluster had sparked in the Alor Setar prison, in which
are admitted here. In this hospital, a department is none of the patients was allowed to leave the prison,
dedicated to serve for medical diagnostic purposes, thus making the screening procedure even harder.
known as the Radiology Department. This Therefore, the team had to set up several medical
department looks into cases that demand the use of diagnostic equipment outside of the hospital at the
medical diagnostic equipment, including x-rays, CT early stage of the cluster. In addition to that, unlike in
scan, mammography, angiography, and  fluoroscopy, the hospital, the limited space with fully guarded
to name a few. Mobile x-ray and CT scans are often area available had made the equipment setup
required for diagnosis in Covid-19 cases. procedure even more difficult.

Since the start of the Covid-19  pandemic, this Undoubtedly, when dealing with Covid-19 cases, the
department has been providing mobile x-rays team had to adhere to strict procedure by wearing
especially for Covid-19 patients, besides ensuring layers of PPE under the hot scorching sun with
that  all equipment used is not shared with other almost 300 kg worth of equipment, including mobile
patients. The medical physicist team decides which x-rays,  computed radiography, film printer, and
mobile x-ray should be used based on the complete others to be mobilized on uneven surfaces. Despite
set of computed radiography and film printer to these challenges, the team had  managed to
ascertain a smooth work flow. Mobile x-ray is used overcome them with great teamwork and high
for Covid-19 patients ward  to segregate them from fighting spirit from everyone involved.
non-Covid patients ward. In certain cases that
demand further diagnosis, CT scan is a better option
to provide a detailed report.  When dealing with
Covid-19 patients, additional procedure is adhered by
well-trained radiographer, which is quite
challenging. For instance, most equipment in the CT
room is transferred out and the CT machine area is
wrapped with plastic before the patients can undergo
scanning process.

SHARING FROM ALUMNI 35

The equipment was set up at the sidewalk of the The purpose is to avoid cross contamination between
prison building for the screening process. The setting non-Covid patients with Covid-19 patients at the
of the equipment adhered to the Radiation hospital. The equipment used for Covid-19 patients is
Protection Standard, which had been based on the sanitized thoroughly based on the standard
distance and shielding. The selected area was not the procedure and is left unused for a solid hour.
main area for passers-by, especially to the staff and
inmates. The safe distance for the mobile x-ray usage Despite many challenges, the medical staff have put
is 2 m.  Lead gown and mobile lead screening were their best effort in helping the community to put an
provided to the medical staff. Computed radiography end to this pandemic despite the increasing
was placed together with the film printer nearby for workload, heightened risk to virus exposure, and
easy access. With the constant increment of Covid-19 insufficient equipment. And to quote our Director
patients, a mobile x-ray unit was insufficient to cater General Health, “We are still battling this. Our battle
to  the need of all patients. We had to find ways and is not over yet. We have not won and neither have we
pull strings to get another mobile x-ray to meet lost.”
those needs. However, the story did not end
there.  There was a time when the Alor Setar prison We are still
could no longer provide any more placement for the battling this.
inmates, thus making the remaining Covid-19 Our battle is
positive inmates to be transferred to a makeshift not over yet.
treatment center (MTC) in Pokok Sena prison. In We have not
MTC, the same equipment setup was provided. won and
However, the assets were borrowed from Sultan neither have
Abdul Halim Hospital, Kedah.  On the bright side, it we lost.”
was easier to set up equipment in MTC because of its
more spacious area. After the MTC had taken into
place, the low-range Covid center (LRCC) previously
setup in Alor Setar prison was officially closed for
good. 

Meanwhile, the hospital served more critical patients,
in which CT scan was used to diagnose the condition
of the patients. Prior to the screening procedure
using the CT scan, the equipment has to be wrapped
to minimize the exposure of the virus to the
equipment. In addition, the procedure has to be done
off office hour.

SHARING FROM ALUMNI 36

SHARING FROM ALUMNI 37

Unknown COVID-19
Frontline Heroes

Husna Azdiyah  Binti Habita @ Habit

Msc Physics 2018-2020

Have you ever wondered who conducts the detailed When the process is performed, the request form is
laboratory testing for Covid-19 screening and sent to another MLT team to  register the sample
analyses of sample? Well, if you thought that it was using Dynamic Medical System (DMS) and Sistem
your doctors, or perhaps a nurse or someone else Informasi Kesihatan Awam (SIMKA); a website linked
you see at the  health institute, you are incorrect! to the  Ministry of Health (MOH). Simultaneously,
They are your not so well-known LAB people; Medical another MLT team runs the Covid-19 test; either
Laboratory Technologist (MLT). The  MLTs are RTK-Ag or RT-PCR. There are two types of test. For
personals who analyze the samples of suspected nasal swab tested for RTK- Antigen, the result is
Covid-19. They are the hidden heroes in ready within 30 to 60 minutes. If both oral and nasal
the healthcare domain. This probably is the best time swabs are  tested with RT-PCR test, it would take at
to let the world recognize their existence and least 24 hours to get the result. The PCR test is
contribution. I came to know the existence of this more expensive than the Antigen test.
hidden profession after joining the club. Or else, I too
would continue being naive and think that only The  Rapid Antigen tests detect the presence of
doctors, nurses, police, and army are the frontliner. protein structures called spikes, which are unique to
Who is MLT? MLT is someone who performs SARS-Cov2. The sample for RTK-Ag is taken from
laboratory tests on patient samples to provide nose or called Nasopharyngeal swab (NP swab). The
information needed to diagnose or monitor the antigen test is the cheapest, the  easiest, and
treatment. the fastest to obtain the results. However, it is not as
accurate as the RT-PCR test. The antigen test is quite
With experience and basic knowledge using pipette similar with the pregnancy test. The kit contains test
and pipettor during my research study in Master in device, extraction buffer tube with nozzle cap, and
Science (Medical Instrumentation), I secured a job as sterile swab. The test result must always be
MLT in one of the clinical laboratories in Kuala evaluated by two MLTs. Similar to the pregnancy test
Lumpur to  conduct Covid-19 testing. Each day, we kit, a colored band will appear at the top section of
would receive more than 1000 samples from on-site, the result window to display that the test is
excluding drive-thru samples (almost 100+ per day). indeed working properly. This band refers to control
After the nurses send the samples at the laboratory, line (C). A colored band also appears at the lower
the MLTs will start processing the sample.  Before we section of the result window. This band is the test line
begin, we must wear full set of Personal Protective of SARS-CoV-2 antigent (T). The presence of any line
Equipment (PPE) and sanitize ourselves. The on this band, no matter how faint the result is,
samples are received in ice box and packed with denotes positive result.
three layers of biohazard plastic with the label
COVID-19 RTK Ag or RT-PCR with patient’s name and
IC number. 

SHARING FROM ALUMNI 38

The intensity of the  colored test line varies
depending on the amount of SARS-CoV-2 antigen
present in the specimen. A negative result is
obtained if the concentration of antigen in a
specimen is below the detection limit of the test or if
a poor-quality specimen is obtained. Negative
antigen results do not rule out infection and it is
vital  to repeat the test a  few days later to rule out
false negatives. However, for a clinically suspicious
case with a negative antigen test, it will be retested
with RT-PCR prior to treatment. All positive samples
are kept at -80 degree Celsius for retesting if
necessary.

The  RT-PCR test is the gold standard for detecting
SARS-CoV-2 due to its ability to detect even very
small amount of viral material. The result may be
obtained within the same day based on the efficiency
and the  sample load. At times, the test results may
be delayed by logistics from 48 to 72 hours or longer.
This test refers to a technique that identifies bits of
virus genetic material, which is similar to a detective
looking for DNA at a crime scene. This test detects
fragments of virus even after one is no longer
infected. In comparison to the RTK- Antigen test, the
PCR test is the most accurate and reliable test in
diagnosing Covid-19. A positive/detected test means
one is likely infected by the virus. A negative/not
detected test means one is probably not infected by
the virus at the time of the test. Just as a gentle
reminder, PCR only works on DNA, and the Covid-19
uses RNA as its genetic code. Although RNA is
similar to DNA, the former only has a single strand. In
light of Covid-19, PCR is the reverse transcription
PCR, or RT-PCR, in which the viral enzymes are used
to convert RNA to DNA.

To be honest, this job is mentally and physically
exhausting. Nonetheless, my dreams are fulfilled
working as MLT as I have always wanted to become a
Covid-19 volunteer. We are all indebted to all
healthcare workers and frontliners who have  left
their family and risked their health to care for us.

RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS 39

List of Publications

Ahmad, M., Zaki, U.M., Ramzun, M.R., Azhar, A.R., & Zahirah, N.A. (2020). Study of Electrospun of
Bi2O3/WO3/PVA Nanofibre mats as potential X-ray shielding material. Journal of Synchrotron Radiation

Ramzun, M. R., Zahirah, N. A., Azhar, A. R., Zakiah, Y. N., & Yasmin, M. R. (2020). Study of radiation attenuation
ability of clay and cement mixture with added eggshell. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1497, 012010.

Al-Marri, H. M., Ramli, R. M., Azman, N. Z., & Rahman, A. A. (2019). Fetal Biometry Assessment of Femur
Length for Pregnant Women in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. 2019 7th International Conference on Mechatronics
Engineering (ICOM).

Uthaya Kumar, U. S., Abdulmadjid, S. N., Olaiya, N. G., Amirul, A. A., Rizal, S., Rahman, A. A., Alfatah, T., Mistar,
E. M., & Abdul Khalil, H. (2020). Extracted Compounds from Neem Leaves as Antimicrobial Agent on the
Physico-Chemical Properties of Seaweed-Based Biopolymer Films. Polymers, 12(5), 1119.

Okoh, F. U., Yusof, M. F., Abdullah, R., & Kabir, N. A. (2020). Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based bolus material for
high energy photons and electrons. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 785, 012043.

Kabir, N. A., Okoh, F. O., & Yusof, M. F. (2021). Radiological and physical properties of tissue equivalent
mammography phantom: Characterization and analysis methods. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 180,
109271.

Ismail, W. H., & Kabir, N. A. (2020). Validation of kVp measurement using the HVL approach for standard beam
qualities for mammography. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1497, 012021.

Kabir, N. A. (2020). Scintillation and Luminescence Properties of the Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Doped Frit Crystal
Under Gamma Radiation. Journal of Nanoelectronics and Optoelectronics.

Thabit, H. A., Kabir, N. A., & Ahmed, N. M. (2021). Synthesis, structural, optical, and thermoluminescence
properties of ZnO/Ag/Y nanopowders for electronic and dosimetry applications. Ceramics International, 47(3),
4249-4256.

Okoh, F. O., Kabir, N. A., Yusof, M. F., & Abdullah, S. N. (2020). Measurement of mass attenuation coefficient of
polyvinyl alcohol (PVAL) as breast tissue equivalent material in the photon energy range of 16.61–25.26 keV.
Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1535, 012051.

Mutairi, A. M., & Kabir, N. A. (2019). Natural Radionuclides in Soil and Root Vegetables In Malaysia: Transfer
Factors And Dose Estimates. Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 188(1), 47-55.

Habit, H. A. H., Suardi, N., Mahmud, S., Mydin, R. B. S. M. N., & Bakhori, S. K. M. (2020). In vitro toxicity of low-
level green laser irradiation effects on human breast cancer cell lines. Indian Journal of Biochemistry and
Biophysics, 57(5), 627–633.

Ahmad, M. S., Suardi, N., Shukri, A., Razak, N. N. A., Oglat, A. A., Makhamrah, O., & Mohammad, H. (2020).
Dynamic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Model Within a Liver Phantom for Multimodality Imaging. European
Journal of Radiology Open, 7, 100257.

RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS 40

Ahmed Ali, A. M., Ahmed, N. M., Kabir, N.A., & Mohammad, S. M. (2020). Investigation on the characteristics of
ZnO and ZnO-Pb structure for gamma radiation detection. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1535, 012028.

Ahmed Ali, A. M., Ahmed, N. M., Kabir, N. A., & Almessiere, M. A. (2021). Multilayer ZnO/Pb/G thin film based
extended gate field effect transistor for low dose gamma irradiation detection. Nuclear Instruments and Methods
in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 987, 164833.

Zuber, S. H., Hashikin, N. A., Yusof, M. F., & Hashim, R. (2020). Lignin and soy flour as adhesive materials in the
fabrication of Rhizophora spp. particleboard for medical physics applications. The Journal of Adhesion, 1-19.

Zuber, S., Hashikin, N., Mohd Yusof, M., & Hashim, R. (2020). Investigation on Suitable Coating Material for Soy-
lignin bonded Rhizophora spp. Particleboard for Medical Physics Applications. BioResources, 15(4), 7404-7419.

Zuber, S. H., Hashikin, N. A., Yusof, M. F., & Hashim, R. (2020). Physical and mechanical properties of soy-lignin
bonded Rhizophora spp. particleboard as a tissue-equivalent phantom material. BioResources, 15(3), 5558-
5576.

Syahir, M. K., Fahmi, M. R., & Hashikin, N. A. (2020). Dosimetric comparison between different radiotherapy
protocols for prostate cancer using Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1497,
012018.

Hashikin, N. A. A., Abdullah, B. J. J., Yeong, C. H., Ng, K. H., & Chung, L. Y. (2020). Production Of 153 Sm-Labelled
Microparticles And Dosimetric Studies For Potential Application In Liver Radioembolization. Medical Physics
International Journal, 8(2), 99–100.

Jasmine, J. N. Z., Ramzun, M. R., Zahirah, N. A. N., Azhar, A. R., Hana, M. A.-M., Zakiah, Y. N., & Yasmin, M. R.
(2020). Study of radiation attenuation ability of clay and cement mixture with added eggshell. Journal of
Physics: Conference Series, 1497, 012010.

Ramzun, M. R. (2020). Rice Husk as An Alternative Material For Microwave Absorber. European Proceedings of
Social and Behavioural Sciences, 81, 803-809.

Yahaya, N.Z., & Razak, N.N.A. (2020). The dose enhancement of MAGAT gel dosimeter doped with zinc oxide at
6 MV photon beam. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 172, 108739.

Ahmad, A.S., Razak, N.N.A., & Kamal, A.S.M. (2020). A Recent Short Review in Non-Invasive Magnetic
Resonance on Assessment of HCC stages: MRI Findings and Pathological Diagnosis. Journal of Gastroenterology
and Hepatology Research

Choong, H., Suardi, N., & Ahmed, N. (2020). Evaluation of strontium aluminate phosphorescent effect on blood
as potential light source for phototherapy. Biomedical Photonics, 9(3), 21-29.

Gemanam, S. J., Suardi, N., Mustafa, I. S., & Jafri, M. Z. M. (2020). Dielectric spectroscopy of in-vitro human
blood of diabetic and non-diabetic patients through low level laser therapy. Journal of Physics: Conference
Series, 1497, 012016.

Gemanam, S. J., Suardi, N., Mokmeli, S., & Mustafa, I. S. (2020). Evaluation of the proper level of specific
absorption rate of human blood for 532 nm laser in blood low-level laser therapy. Laser Physics, 30(3), 035601.



GRADUATE LIST AND MEMORIES 42

Bachelor of Applied Science Msc. Medical Physics
(Honours) (Medical Physics) (Coursework)

1. Adiela Binti Saiful Fazad 1. Anis Sahira Binti Nik Mohamed
2. Aina Faqihah Binti Mohamad Khirzani 2. Anis Suhaila Binti Abdul Rahman Fuad
3. Amalia Athirah Binti Mohamed Faizal 3. Arifah Nazirah Binti Abdullah
4. Hehmadarsiny A/P Murugan 4. Faizatul Shahira Binti Ismail
5. Intan Nur Amilia Binti Amiluddin 5. Ho Chian Sing
6. Marissa Afnan Rusli 6. Mohammad Shazmi Bin Sapeei
7. Masyithah Binti Ahmad 7. Mohammed Salem Abdullah Bagahezel
8. Muhammad Hariz Bin Rosazman 8. Namuwonge Oliver
9. Muhammad Nazren Bin Mohd Sharif 9. Natasya Aqilah Bt Zainor Amri
10. Nabila Farhanah Binti Bakri 10. Nor Aqilla Nadia Binti Zulkapli
11. Nazihah Marjan Binti Solleh 11. Nur Adibah Binti Kusini
12. Nor Haniza Binti Mohamed Shar 12. Nur Farah Huda Binti Zulkafli
13. Nur Afiqah Aimi Binti Ibrahim 13. Nur Fatin Ayuni Binti Hashim
14. Nur Amirah Binti Ahmad Zaki 14. Nur Fatin Fariha Binti Abd Latif
15. Nur Amirah Izzati Binti Mohamad Kamal 15. Nur Hamizah Binti Kamarudin
16. Nur Athirah Binti Ayub 16. Nur Nabilah Binti Roskhahar
17. Nur Fadilah Binti Ab Aziz 17. Nurul Hanania Binti Abdl Halim
18. Nur Hafizah Binti Mustari 18. Qudri Anis Binti Mohd Safiee
19. Nur Iman Amira Binti Mohd Hijas 19. Shabratul Shamirah Binti Abdul Kather
20. Nurul Anisa Nabila Binti Zulkifli 20. Siti Hajar Binti Abdul Rahman
21. Nurul Firzanah Binti Baharuddin 21. Tan Chuan Ye
22. Nurul Husna Binti Mohd Noor
23. Siti Nur Hazieqah Binti Khasim Msc. (Physics) - Research
24. Umairah Binti Mohd Zaki
25. Wan Fatimah Ariesa Binti Wan Shamsho    1. Husna Azdiyah Binti Habita @ Habit
       Bhakry 2. Ooi Gim Chee
26. Yap Yanling
Doctor of Philosophy
Msc. Radiation Science
(Mixed Mode) 1. Abdulsalam Ali Soud Abuelsamen
2. Al Marri, Hana Mohammed S
1. Abbas Rashid Hatif 3. Suhainah Binti Sudik
2. Albadarneh Laith Khaled Mahmoud 4. Yeap Eng Choon
3. Juliet Anak Albert Agong 5. Wong Ze-Hao
4. Juney Jun Wencislaus
5. Maisarah Binti Musa
6. Nur Adlina Binti Roslan
7. Nur Zahidah Jasmine Binti Jamaluddin

Memories
We don’t remember days, we
remember moments.

BATCH 2002-2005

BATCH 2003-2006

BATCH 2004-2007
BATCH 2005-2008

BATCH 2006-2009

BATCH 2007-2010

BATCH 2009-2012

BATCH 200

CLOSING 46

Sponsorship

Medical physics and radiation science courses are
one of the prominent courses among
undergraduates and postgraduates. Since USM is
the only Malaysian university to offer the courses,
hence it is a responsibility for us to uphold the
standards and expectations by every parties
including students. To ensure students exposure,
these courses have included theoretical and
practical sections as well as clinical experiences.

Many activities have been conducted throughout
the years such as:-

Science Exhibition
Clinical Trip
Practical at Hospitals
Career Sharing from the alumni
Radiation Awareness Program

Therefore, to ensure the continuity of these The contributions shall be used solely for legitimate
clinicals and programmes for every academic purposes of the Universiti Sains Malaysia which is a
session, funding is needed. The funding will be state-owned  body. If you would like to sponsor us,
utilized not only for above programs, it will also use please fill out the attached form and return to us. You
to maintain the performance of the instruments and can make payable to:
equipment in laboratory, to upgrade the equipment
use for practical and project in the laboratory and to UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA
repair the equipment. CIMB BANK BERHAD
98986101300440
Lastly, let’s contribute to further our experiences to Kod swift : CIBBMYKL
other generations. Bank address : Universiti Sains Malaysia,
Blok 32, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang
If you wish to sponsor our yearly events/do
collaboration/give talk, please contact Dr.
Nursakinah Suardi at [email protected]/
04-6535104 for sponsorship opportunities.

CLOSING 47

Contact Us:
School of Physics,
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
11800 USM, Penang, Malaysia
Tel : 604 653 3200 /5104 | Fax: 604 657 9150 |
Email : [email protected]/
[email protected]