Juliet Li – Graduate Profile: Bridging Research, Innovation, and Clinical Practice in Medical Physics
- uwamedicalphysics
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
We are pleased to highlight the achievements of one of our outstanding graduates, Juliet Li, who has commenced a PhD while also undertaking a professional role within the Department of Health.
Juliet holds a double major in Physics and Data Science—a powerful combination for success in the field of medical physics—along with a Master of Physics (Medical Physics), reflecting her strong commitment to academic excellence and professional development.
She is currently pursuing a part-time PhD with our group while working full-time at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH), demonstrating balance between research and clinical practice.
Here are some comments from Associate Professor. Pejman Rowshan Farzad who was Juliet’s course coordinator, and lecturer:
Juliet Li was an exceptional student who demonstrated outstanding academic excellence, professionalism, and research capability throughout her studies. She achieved the highest mark ever recorded in our Dosimetry unit (99), reflecting not only her strong technical knowledge but also her dedication to learn.
Juliet has also shown remarkable strength in research, particularly in the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare under the supervision of Adj/Prof Martin Ebert and Dr. Jake Kendrick. Her work is innovative, clinically relevant, and aligned with the future direction of medical physics.
A notable highlight of Juliet’s achievements is the publication of her Masters research in EJNMMI Physics, a leading journal in nuclear medicine and medical imaging, which is a significant accomplishment at an early stage of her career.
Juliet’s ability to successfully balance a part-time PhD with a full-time professional role at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital is a testament to her work ethic, commitment, and passion for advancing patient care through research and technology. She is a highly motivated and talented individual, and we are confident she will continue to make meaningful contributions to the field of Medical Physics.
Juliet has kindly accepted to answer a few questions about his experience in the UWA Medical Physics Research Group and give some advice to future students.
Introduction and Current Role:
My name is Juliet, and I hold a bachelor degree in Physics and Data Science. I completed my masters in Medical Physics at the University of Western Australia in late 2023. In June 2024, I began my PhD, focusing on liver cancer. Currently, I work as a programmer in the Radiation Oncology department at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital while pursuing my PhD part-time.
What did you enjoy most about UWA and the Medical Physics research group?
The Medical Physics program at UWA offers a unique and immersive experience that is unlike the traditional academic settings. Most students complete their coursework and research within a hospital environment, ensuring direct exposure to real-world clinical applications. Our research is highly patient-centred, focusing on improving workflows in radiation oncology and diagnostic imaging. This hands-on approach allows students to see the immediate impact of their work, reinforcing the practical application of their knowledge.
One of the most defining aspects of the program is the opportunity to collaborate closely with clinical staff in a friendly and supportive environment. Pejman, one of the most dedicated and compassionate professors, takes a personal interest in each student's success, ensuring not only that they acquire the necessary expertise but also that they have strong career pathways post-graduation. The support from Pejman, other teaching staff, and experienced students within the medical research group makes the academic journey more manageable and fulfilling.
The UWA Medical Physics research group offers a wide range of research opportunities tailored to diverse interests. Many students have been fortunate to secure employment while working on their projects, as all research is clinically relevant and focused on improving patient outcomes rather than purely theoretical advancements.
Additionally, practical training is an integral part of the program. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences, including operating medical machines after hours. This exposure not only enhances technical skills but also reinforces the real-world significance of their research, ensuring they are well-prepared for impactful careers in medical physics.
Can you give us your top three reasons to study Medical Physics?
Before returning to UWA to pursue a master’s degree in medical physics, I spent three years working in the corporate sector. While I gained valuable experience during that time, I wanted to apply my physics background in a way that had a more direct impact on people’s lives. That’s when I discovered medical physics.
Medical physics is one of the few branches of physics with direct real-world applications. While I have a deep appreciation for theoretical physics and even considered pursuing a degree in it, medical physics offers a unique blend of scientific depth and tangible impact, keeping me motivated through its real-life applications.
The field of medical physics is vast and diverse, offering numerous career and research opportunities. With its constantly evolving landscape, there are always novel projects to explore and meaningful contributions to make in both clinical and research settings.
How do you feel you have made a difference in your field of research?
In addition to my background in physics, I hold a second degree in Data Science and Computer Science. As a result, my research projects have been heavily focused on AI and coding. Many of the studies we are conducting are, to our knowledge, the first of their kind in the literature. In an era where AI is at the forefront of technological advancement, it is incredibly rewarding to contribute to bridging the gap between AI and medicine. Knowing that my research sets benchmarks for future studies while advancing the integration of AI in healthcare is both fulfilling and impactful. Given AI’s transformative influence across various industries, it is exciting to witness its potential to enhance healthcare, improve patient outcomes, and ultimately make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
What is your best advice to current students and Medical Physics applicants?
Medical Physics is a field that allows you to dream big while also engaging in rigorous, impactful work. It strikes a rare and magical balance between innovation and practicality, offering both intellectual challenge and the opportunity to make a real-world difference. Finding genuine enjoyment in work is invaluable, and in this field, it is possible to experience both fulfillment and purpose.
Don't be afraid to dream big—medical physicists are at the forefront of technological advancements in healthcare and often play a key role in introducing new innovations. At the start, the journey may feel overwhelming, with a steep learning curve, extensive coursework, and foundational knowledge to build. However, if you push through, the reward is far greater than just earning a degree. The ability to contribute to cutting-edge research, improve patient outcomes, and drive meaningful advancements in medicine makes the effort worthwhile.
One of the most important lessons in this field is that you don’t have to navigate it alone. As physics graduates, we take pride in our analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, but leveraging the experience and knowledge of others will not only save time but also foster meaningful and supportive professional relationships. Collaboration is at the heart of medical physics, and by working together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone.”
Here is Juliet’s recorded final research project presentation.
Juliet’s publication is available here:
Auto-segmentation, radiomic reproducibility, and comparison of radiomics between manual and AI-derived segmentations for coronary arteries in cardiac [18F]NaF PET/CT images
Li, J., Kendrick, J., Ebert, M., Hassan, M., Barry, N., Wright, K., Lee, S., Bellinge, J. & Schultz, C., Dec 2025, In: EJNMMI Physics. 12, 1, 17 p., 42.
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