Nick Zacharopoulos, a medical physicist and CEO of the US-based company Aktina Medical, has built a career that spans academic research and commercial innovation in radiation oncology. In a new interview, he traces his path from a childhood spent helping his father build radiotherapy components in the family garage to leading a company that develops advanced technologies for cancer treatment.
Zacharopoulos's early exposure to the field came through hands-on work with his father, an experience that sparked a lifelong interest in the intersection of physics and medicine. That foundation eventually led him to pursue formal training in medical physics, a discipline that applies physics principles to the diagnosis and treatment of disease, particularly cancer. His career has since included roles in both academic research and industry, giving him a rare perspective on how new technologies move from the laboratory to the clinic.
One of the pivotal moments in his career came during a chance lunch with a colleague, which ultimately led to his enrolment in a PhD programme at McGill University. That decision marked a turning point, allowing him to deepen his technical expertise while also building the networks that would later support his commercial ventures. At McGill, Zacharopoulos conducted research that contributed to the broader field of radiation oncology, where precise delivery of radiation is critical to effectively treating tumours while sparing healthy tissue.
In his current role at Aktina Medical, Zacharopoulos has been instrumental in the development of a pivotable product designed to improve the accuracy and flexibility of radiation therapy. The device addresses a common challenge in radiotherapy: the need to position patients and equipment with extreme precision. By allowing for adjustable movement, the technology aims to enhance treatment outcomes and streamline clinical workflows. Zacharopoulos credits his persistence and willingness to learn from both successes and setbacks as key factors in bringing the product to market.
His journey reflects a broader trend in medical physics, where collaboration between academia and industry is increasingly essential for translating research into practical tools. Medical physicists play a vital role in ensuring that radiation equipment is calibrated correctly, that treatment plans are optimised, and that new technologies are safely integrated into patient care. As CEO of Aktina Medical, Zacharopoulos now oversees a team that works directly with hospitals and clinics to implement these solutions.
The interview also highlights the importance of mentorship and serendipity in scientific careers. Zacharopoulos notes that his path was not linear; it involved taking risks, seizing unexpected opportunities, and learning from colleagues across disciplines. His story may serve as an encouraging example for early-career physicists considering careers outside traditional academic tracks, showing that commercial success and scientific rigour can go hand in hand.
Looking ahead, Zacharopoulos continues to focus on innovation in radiation oncology, a field that is constantly evolving with advances in imaging, software, and hardware. As cancer rates rise globally and demand for precise, effective treatments grows, the work of medical physicists like Zacharopoulos will remain central to improving patient outcomes. His trajectory from a garage workshop to the helm of a medical technology company underscores the diverse pathways available to those with a background in physics and a commitment to solving real-world problems.
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