Dosimetrist

Job Summary

As a member of the healthcare team, the Dosimetrist is a member of the radiation oncology team who has knowledge of the overall characteristics and clinical relevance of radiation oncology in the management of cancer or other disease processes, with special expertise in radiation therapy treatment planning. The Dosimetrist functions under the direction of the Medical Physicist for the Radiation Oncology Department.

Essential Functions

• Works and interacts with others in a cooperative and positive manner. Treats others with courtesy, dignity and respect. Considerate of others. Treats patients with empathy and caring through individual actions.
• Supervises, performs, and/or assists in the planning and implementation of the fabrication of compensation filters, custom shields, wedges, and other beam modifying devices.
• Communicates with the radiation therapist(s) and assume an advisory role in the implementation of the treatment plan including: the correct use of immobilization devices, compensators, wedges, field arrangement, and other treatment or imaging parameters.
• Performs calculations for the accurate delivery of the prescribed dose, document all pertinent information in the patient record, and verify the mathematical accuracy of all calculations by an approved method.
• Provides assistance and technical support to the Medical Physicist, in radiation safety and protection, qualitative machine calibrations, quality assurance of treatment plans and radiation oncology equipment.
• Operates and performs quality assurance, under the direction of the Medical Physicist, on the treatment planning computer(s).
• Supervises, performs, and/or assists in the application of specific methods of patient and/or beam dosimetry as directed by the Medical Physicist.
• Assists in brachytherapy procedures by performing treatment planning and dose calculations. May perform or assist in the receiving, loading, and shipping of radioactive materials.
• Utilizes radiation monitoring devices to measure radioactivity and perform assays
• Teaches applied aspects of medical dosimetry to students, radiation therapists and residents when applicable.
• Participates in clinical research.
• Participates in continuing education.
• Participates in quality improvement processes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree graduate of a JRCERT accredited Medical Dosimetry program required
• 1-3 years work experience in medical dosimetry preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledgeable in the areas of anatomy, physiology, clinical oncology, radiobiology, radiation physics, and radiation safety.
• Expertise in the technical aspects of radiation oncology and medical physics to develop optimal treatment plans.
• Knowledgeable in health care informatics-including the resources, devices and methods to acquire, store and retrieve data. Tools include computers as well as clinical guidelines, current medical terminology, information and communication systems.
• Possess good communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate the exchange of information with patients, family members, the radiation oncology treatment team as well as outside entities.
• Has high level critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Works independently, but in collaboration with the Radiation Oncologist and Medical Physicist.
• Has working knowledge of radiation safety principles and practices as well as current rules and regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other regulatory agencies.
• Has the ability to interpret criteria and develop treatment plans as defined by relevant treatment protocols.
• Has mathematical skills including algebra, trigonometry, and introductory calculus.
• Windows Professional Operating System Computers and Printers

Licenses and Certifications

• CMD - Certified Medical Dosimetrist Current Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB), or obtain within 12 months of starting in role required