Radiation Oncology Chief Physicist

JOB SUMMARY

Primarily and professionally engaged in the design optimization, technical evaluation, and precise and accurate delivery of treatment plans. Responsible for the radiation protection of patients and staff. Responsible for the design and implementation of the aspects of the quality management program that involve the use of external beam radiotherapy equipment and therapeutic radioisotopes. Responsible for the review and approval of the procedures followed by the radiation therapy staff in the delivery of the prescribed dose.

Professional Relationships

Accountability: Accountable directly to the medical director of radiation oncology. If the administrative structure precludes direct reporting to the medical director on administrative matters, the physicist is administratively accountable directly to the appropriate senior level administrator.

Authority: Directs the radiation oncology physics program, which includes the technical direction of medical dosimetrists, therapy equipment service engineers, and other physics support staff personnel.

Job Qualifications

Master of Science or Doctoral degree in Radiological Physics, Physics, or related discipline. Certification by the American Board of Radiology in Therapeutic Radiological Physics or Radiological Physics or comparable certification board and compliance with the ACR Standard for Continuing Medical Education.

Must also meet any qualifications imposed by the federal or state radiation control agency to practice radiation oncology physics and/or provide oversight of the establishment and conduct of the radiation quality management program.

Experience

At least ten years post-degree clinical experience or completion of a post-degree clinical medical physics residency program under the preceptorship of a physicist certified by Therapeutic Radiological Physics or Radiological Physics.

Responsibilities

• Calibrate therapy equipment in a manner suitable for accurate radiation dose delivery.
• Direct the determination of radiation dose distributions in patients undergoing treatment (i.e. computerized dosimetry planning or direct radiation measurement).
• Direct the acceptance testing of new equipment and treatment devices.
• Direct the design and construction of patient treatment aids or special devices (blocks, compensators, molds, etc.).
• Direct the radiation safety program for the radiation oncology department.
• Provide continuing education lectures to staff, technologists and associated allied health personnel.
• Responsible for equipment planning and evaluation, program planning, staff review and budget preparation.
• Maintain proper records necessary for JCAHO, NRC, state, or other regulatory agencies.
• Review and approve department policies and procedures.
• Develop policies and procedures related to radiation safety and radiation oncology physics.
• Provide consultation for personnel radiation exposure.
• Design and implement pertinent aspects of the quality management program that involve the use of external beam radiotherapy equipment and therapeutic radioisotopes.
• Manage the medical physics service in a manner to meet or exceed established standards of practice consistent with the facility size and available resources.
• Serve as a member of various committees such as the Radiation Safety Committee, Cancer Committee, CQI Committee, and the Hospital Safety Committee.
• Establish, develop, and monitor procedures for measuring the performance levels of imaging equipment used in radiation oncology.
• Evaluate new technologies and implement as needed.
• Consult with the radiation oncologists, as required, concerning patient doses and optimization of patient treatment plans and delivery.
• Provide technical direction of radiation oncology staff as specified by the department medical director.
• Serve as the focal point for machine maintenance and repair.
• Prepare quarterly and annual Physics Department QA reports and present to physicians and administrator within 30 days of completion.