What's the main difference, besides qualifications? I'm a 3rd year undergrad physics student, and I'm thinking of becoming a medical physicist, which means becoming educated to the PhD level. I think a biomedical engineer requires a BSc or above.

From what I understand, Medical physicists work in either radiation treatment for cancer, or diagnostic imaging, with most working in a clinical setting alongside oncologists.

What else might be different? I know medical physics normally work in tandem with oncologists when in radiation therapy. Is there a lot of research in the field?

I've always had an interest in medicine, and I'd have become a doctor, but I simply couldn't bear to part ways with physics so abruptly. Medical physics seems like a good way to integrate the two. Would much change if I decided to get my M.D. in addition to the PhD in physics?|||yeah dont go for physics you will never make any money. I work for a prestigious name in physics I cannot name. Biomed engineering is very big right now. I reccommend it. Dont worry about the MD, it does not mean much unless you want to be a medical doctor. If you know your stuff in biomed, you will have plenty of work.|||I disagree with the above poster. There are many opportunities as a physicist, especially at the PhD level. Many university hospitals have the resources to hire a medical physicist. They make a good amount but there is not as much research in the field unless you are working at the University side and not the medical side. All that would change if you get your MD is that you are in school longer and that you will have to pay for medical school. If you get a PhD, you get paid to be a graduate student. And unless it takes you forever to get that PhD, you will be in school for less time.

Look at employment websites for Medical Physicists and see what they do.

A Biomedical Engineer also has more opportunities with a higher degree. If you are doing medical Physics, you can transfer over easily as long as you know some programming.