This review presents the origin, new direction and objectives of the new direction "Radiation Medical Physics". The fundamental physical ideas underlying high-tech medical methods of treating oncological malignancies and some of the most relevant areas of fundamental research in the field of radiation technologies for medicine are discussed. The results of joint work of Moscow University and leading oncology centers of Moscow and Russia, which have received wide recognition and are used to treat patients, are shown. The only multi-stage system in Russia for training personnel - physicists for work in radiotherapy departments of oncology centers and the role of Moscow University in the development of this educational and scientific direction are described.