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Department of Biomedical Imaging

Welcome to the Department of Biomedical Imaging at the Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia. Our department is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and practical use of biomedical imaging techniques in diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine, oncology, and radiotherapy. Our ultimate goal is to improve health outcomes and enhance the quality of life by revolutionising disease diagnosis and cancer treatment approaches.

Vision

To become a preferred Academic-Scientific centre in biomedical imaging in Southeast Asia region by 2027.

Mission

1) To provide quality educational and research programmes in biomedical imaging that benefits the community.

2) To foster collaborations in the advancement of biomedical imaging sciences and technologies through basic and clinical research to improve health and quality of life.

The Department of Biomedical Imaging is led by the Head of Department, who directly reports to the Director and Deputy Directors of AMDI USM. Our team consists of medical physics lecturers, medical lecturers including radiologist, nuclear medicine specialists, oncologist, and a trainee lecturer. An academic and research coordinator support the department in executing academic and research programme. Additionally, an operational administrative assistant provides assistance in the management of the department's administrative tasks.

We focus on two core areas including academic and research programme. Our research primarily revolves around biomedical imaging technologies and their clinical applications in diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine, oncology, and radiotherapy. Our aim is to improve health outcomes and quality of life through enhanced disease diagnosis and more effective cancer treatment. In our department, all members actively participate in supervising research, mix-mode and coursework students.

Our students engage in highly interdisciplinary projects that involve collaboration and cooperation among various fields and disciplines. These projects bring together medical physicists, radiologist, nuclear medicine specialists, oncologist and other relevant expertise to tackle complex challenges in the realm of biomedical imaging. By combining their expertise and perspectives, our students gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and contribute to ground-breaking advancements in disease diagnosis and cancer treatment. These interdisciplinary projects foster a dynamic learning environment and equip our students with valuable skills for their future careers in the field of biomedical imaging.

Recognition & Achievement

In 2020, AMDI USM achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first globally recognised brachytherapy educational center in Malaysia. This recognition, a pioneering achievement in the country, was bestowed upon AMDI USM by Nucletron Operations B.V. (Elekta), a renowned company specializing in brachytherapy and based in Veenendaal, The Netherlands. As the sole referral institute in the northern region of Malaysia, AMDI USM was chosen by Nucletron as a comprehensive cancer service provider and a center for therapeutic/diagnostic nuclear medicine. This recognition highlights AMDI USM's exceptional capabilities, including state-of-the-art cancer treatment facilities, in delivering advanced cancer services to the community.

Academic Programme

The Department offers a unique Master of Medicine (Nuclear Medicine) programme designed to train medical graduates as competent and knowledgeable Nuclear Medicine specialists. It is worth noting that USM is the sole university in Malaysia offering this distinctive four-year academic program. The inaugural batch of this programme graduated as nuclear medicine physicians in 2012 from USM, marking a significant milestone. The curriculum standards of this program have received accreditation from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Nuclear Medicine involves the use of radioactive materials to gather clinical information for the purpose of diagnosing and treating specific diseases. The program encompasses various aspects such as radiopharmaceutical handling techniques, medical physics, radiation dosimetry, and radiation protection, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

Candidates enrolled in the programme are also actively engaged in research activities, where they acquire research methodologies and data analysis skills. Access to state-of-the-art instruments empowers candidates to generate high-quality clinical and research outcomes.

The academic programme comprises a combination of structured courses, laboratory sessions, research dissertations, and clinical training. A range of teaching and learning approaches are employed, including hands-on sessions, practical exercises, seminars, journal club presentations, problem-based learning sessions, and online self-learning.

The Master of Medicine (Nuclear Medicine) programme equips students with the necessary knowledge, practical skills, and research competence to excel as Nuclear Medicine specialists

Student Activities

Course Structure

Phase I

Year 1
The candidates will learn about the following topics at AMDI USM:

  • Basic clinical imaging (nuclear medicine, radiology) applied medical physics and nuclear pharmacy.
  • Basic clinical anatomy and physiology

Phase II

Year 2 & 3
THe candidates (posting to various accredited Nuclear Medicine centres)

  • Specialist in nuclear medicine in-training
  • Advanced clinical nuclear medicine and clinical pathophysiology.

Phase III

Year 4
Candidates (posting to various accredited Nuclear Medicine centres)

  • Advanced nuclear medicine specialist training

Research Programme

Advanced Management of Liver Malignancies

The Department of Biomedical Imaging Department leads translational research programme focusing on Advanced Management of Liver Malignancies. The department is dedicated to advancing knowledge, improving diagnosis, and developing innovative treatments for liver cancer, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of liver malignancy management.

The Advanced Management of Liver Malignancies Research Programme is a specialised translational research initiative focused on the development and improvement of strategies for managing liver malignancies. The programme was led by Dr. Mohd Syahir Mansor. This programme aims to improve the management of liver malignancies through advanced screening and treatment through innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The research conducted within this programme encompasses various aspects of liver malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other types of liver tumors. The primary goal is to explore and identify novel approaches for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of liver malignancies, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Researchers involved in this programme employ state-of-the-art techniques and methodologies to investigate the underlying mechanisms of liver cancer, including genetic, molecular, and cellular aspects. By studying the complex nature of liver malignancies, they strive to unravel key factors that contribute to disease progression and resistance to existing treatments.

The programme also focuses on developing innovative advanced therapeutic interventions for liver cancer, such as targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and precision medicine approaches. Researchers work towards identifying potential biomarkers for early detection and prognosis, as well as studying the efficacy and safety of emerging treatment modalities.

Furthermore, the Advanced Management of Liver Malignancies Research Programme emphasises close collaboration with scientists from various fields, clinical practitioners, radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists to ensure the translation of research findings into clinical practice. This multidisciplinary approach facilitates the integration of cutting-edge research discoveries into patient care, leading to more personalised and effective management strategies for individuals affected by liver malignancies.

Collaboration