UNDIP, Semarang (30/6) – Physics is often perceived as a science far removed from everyday life. However, behind various modern medical devices that help doctors make diagnoses, physics plays a significant role. One example is Computed Tomography (CT) Scan technology, a medical imaging device capable of displaying the inside of the body in greater detail.
The central figure in this engaging discussion was Dr. Choirul Anam, S.Si., M.Si., F.Med., a Computational Medical Physics expert from the Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Universitas Diponegoro (FSM UNDIP). His name is listed among the elite 2% of World Top Scientists. This global recognition places him as one of the most productive and internationally impactful young scientists in the field of medical physics.
On this occasion, Dr. Anam explained how physics, technology, and research can work together to support safer, more accurate, and more beneficial healthcare services for the community. According to Dr. Anam, CT scans are a crucial technology in medicine because they allow medical personnel to view the condition of organs or body tissues in three dimensions. Unlike conventional X-rays, which produce two-dimensional images, CT scans work by taking images from various angles and then reconstructing them into a more complete image.
“A CT scan allows doctors to see the inside of the body more clearly. For example, to determine the location of abnormalities, the size of tumors, or the condition of certain organs. This information is very helpful in the diagnostic process,” explained Dr. Anam.
Despite its significant benefits, CT scans still require proper use. This is because the device utilizes ionizing radiation in the form of X-rays. The radiation dose from a CT scan is relatively higher than a regular X-ray because the scan is performed from multiple angles. Therefore, patient safety is a primary concern in the development of medical imaging technology.
Dr. Anam emphasized that the public should not be overly concerned about CT scans. The risks are relatively small, especially if the examination is performed according to medical indications and safety standards are followed. However, even the smallest risks must be managed through the principle of optimization, which aims to achieve the best image quality with the lowest possible radiation dose.
“Radiation doses should not be excessive because they risk triggering stochastic effects or the potential for long-term cancer,” said Dr. Choirul Anam while sharing his story in the UNDIP Podcast studio. “However, if the dose is too low, the resulting images will be full of visual interference or noisy , making it difficult for doctors to make an accurate diagnosis. This is where the optimization process is absolutely necessary,” he said.
It was from this need that Dr. Anam and his team developed software to support radiation dose measurement and image quality in CT scans. One such software is IndoseCT, used to calculate the estimated radiation dose received by patients during CT scans. He also developed IndoQCT, software that assists in the automatic, rapid, and objective quality control process for CT scan images.
Dr. Anam began designing this cutting-edge device in mid-2018 to track the accuracy of patient radiation doses, followed by the development of an automated computer image quality control system in 2021. “Before the automated system, CT scan image quality measurements were often done manually. This process is time-consuming, requires high accuracy, and is highly dependent on the examiner’s experience. Through IndoQCT, various image quality parameters can be measured more efficiently, from noise and CT number accuracy to advanced parameters such as the detectability index,” he explained.
Innovation of Our Nation that Goes Global
IndoQCT’s primary advantage lies in its comprehensive features, surpassing similar devices made in the United States and France. This software can instantly analyze basic and advanced parameters, such as the objective detectability index, without being tied to a specific CT scanner brand.
Interestingly, IndoQCT was developed for use with various types of phantoms, or image quality testing devices commonly used in CT scans. This makes the software more flexible and can be used with free access through https://indosect.com/indoqct/ by students, lecturers, researchers, and medical physics practitioners.
Dr. Anam stated that IndoQCT has been downloaded by users from more than 90 countries. This achievement demonstrates how research from Indonesia can make a real contribution to the scientific community and global healthcare. “Initially, we just wanted to create something useful. If the research results are published and recognized, for me, that’s a lasting impact. The main goal remains to produce work that can be used by others,” he said.
When asked about the integration of artificial intelligence, Dr. Anam explained that this cutting-edge technology has penetrated widely into various medical sectors, from image reconstruction to automated disease detection. However, for basic image quality evaluation in IndoQCT, conventional objective mathematical calculations are currently considered far more robust and adequate. AI development will only focus heavily when systems begin to be directed at independently diagnosing diseases.
On that occasion, Dr. Anam also explained the profession of medical physicist. According to him, medical physics is a branch of physics that utilizes physical concepts and methods for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This field encompasses radiological and interventional physics, radiotherapy physics, and nuclear medicine physics.
The presence of medical physicists is becoming crucial as healthcare technology becomes increasingly complex. Equipment such as CT scans, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine require regular monitoring, measurement, and evaluation to ensure their safe and accurate use in patient care.
A Message to Strengthening Character for the Younger Generation of Researchers
Dr. Anam’s research track record, which has resulted in hundreds of globally renowned scientific articles published in Scopus, stems from a courageous stance during his doctoral studies. Overcoming feelings of inferiority amidst the technological dominance of developed countries like Germany, Japan, and the United States was the key to his success.
“The fundamental difference between scientists in developed countries lies in their consistency and steadfastness,” recalled the recipient of the Early Career Award from the International Organization for Medical Physics (IOMP). “They are willing to learn deeply into a specific topic for decades. It is the continuous, step-by-step evolution of small pieces of research that ultimately transform into extraordinary work.”
For all Indonesian academics and young researchers, Dr. Anam emphasized the importance of instilling early confidence in transforming from mere technology users to creators of innovation. For him, formal performance reports and publications in reputable journals are merely side effects or positive side effects. The primary focus of every aspect of scientific research should be a genuine dedication to solving real problems and making a tangible contribution to the wider community.
“The key is to believe you can do it, then keep learning. Read journals, ask people who know more, try, improve, and stay consistent. Research doesn’t always lead to big results right away. Many things start with small steps taken consistently,” he concluded.
Dr. Choirul Anam’s work exemplifies how Universitas Diponegoro continues to encourage research that goes beyond publication and goes beyond providing tangible benefits and direct impact on the global public good. (Public Communications/UNDIP/DHW)
