John Amuasi

Completion date: PhD 1982 (non-clinical)

Professor John Amuasi has led a distinguished career in medical physics at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) for over 40 years. In 1976, he came to the UK to carry out his MSc and PhD at the ICR.

John gained a UK Technical Assistance (UKTA) award from the British Council (also known as the Ministry of Overseas Development award) to come and pursue his studies at the ICR. Following the completion of his MSc in Radiation Physics in 1978, his funding was then extended to undertake PhD in Medical Physics.

“The training component, in areas of Radiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine and Radiology, was very good. All the necessary gadgets were available to gain hands-on experience,” he says.

After graduating in 1982, John returned to Ghana where he has led a distinguished career within the field of medical physics. His wealth of achievements include helping to establish two National Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine Centres and serving as an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expert in several African countries.

He is also very proud to have assisted to establish the Ghana Society for Medical Physics, serving as its first President.

John has received several prestigious awards and accolades in recognition of his many achievements - most recently (June 2018) for ‘outstanding services and exceptional achievements in driving GAEC to heights of excellence.’

Now in his seventies, he still lectures part-time after having held the position of Founding Dean / Director of the Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences at the University of Ghana.

“My goal is to continue to mentor young medical physicists to achieve their goals, including strengthening the health-care delivery system with medical physics practice,” he says.

John feels he owes much of his experience to the consistent guidance, support and teaching he received from his supervisor at the ICR. He says: “With his encouragement, I participated in external conferences and other relevant activities that provided inspirations that strengthened the direction of the rest of my career.”

Advising students who are considering a PhD at the ICR, John says: “It’s the best place to pursue a career in radiation oncology and in medical physics. The experienced staff will induce and inject passion and perfection into your chosen career.”