Physics World Weekly Podcast Pathways to commercial and academic success in medical physics
Sep 24, 2026
Nick Zacharopoulos, a medical physicist and CEO of Aktina Medical, grew up building radiotherapy equipment with his father. He shares his unexpected journey from aspiring architect to medical-physics innovator, leaving a PhD to develop breathing-synchronization technology, reviving a machine-vision prototype for LINAC quality assurance, and balancing commercial success with academic research and mentorship.
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From Family Garage To Radiotherapy Manufacturer
- Nick Zacharopoulos grew up assembling radiotherapy accessories his father designed for Siemens in the family basement and garage.
- FDA regulation eventually forced the operation into a formal facility with engineers and a quality system.
A Sudden Switch From Architecture To Physics
- Zacharopoulos initially pursued architecture, then switched to physics after realizing during his second year that architecture was not a fit.
- A sudden love of physics improved his performance and ultimately led him toward medical physics and the family company.
The Product That Pulled Him From His PhD
- While unhappy in a PhD program without suitable laboratories, Zacharopoulos saw a flawed prototype for the Active Breathing Coordinator.
- He left the program, recruited electrical engineers, and helped bring the respiratory-synchronization device to market.