What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dosimetrist - Days - Full-Time position at Houston Methodist?
Overview
At Houston Methodist, the Dosimetrist position is responsible for creating and documenting radiation treatment plans, determine treatment dimensions, and promoting the implementation of the treatment plans for radiation therapy patients. This position participates in the simulation, dose computations, treatment plans, immobilization and other aspects of treatment planning for patients receiving external beam radiation therapy. The Dosimetrist position has knowledge of the physical and geometric characteristics of the radiation delivery equipment and human anatomy as they relate to radiation therapy anatomy contouring.Houston Methodist Standard
PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVEDRefer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS
- Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
- INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
- COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
- ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
- RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
- EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.
- Practices the Caring and Serving Model
- Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards
- Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)
- Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience.
- Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job
- Displays cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles
- Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values
Responsibilities
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS- Appropriately communicates to facilitate patient care in regards to treatment planning/including: the correct use of immobilization devices, compensators, wedges, field arrangement, and other treatment or imaging parameters.
- Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards department goals for retention and employee engagement.
- Uses open, professional (verbal, nonverbal, written) communication to achieve mutual understanding. Communication to promote both work efforts and problem resolution is clear and professional, providing the highest quality service during every customer and patient encounter.
- Designs a treatment plan by means of computer and/or manual computation with optimal beam geometry to deliver a prescribed radiation dose and spare critical structures in accordance with the Radiation Oncologist's prescription. Identifies and contours normal and dose-limiting structures by utilizing images from one or more data sets. Assumes proficiency in image registration with various image data sets to include CT, MRI and PET.
- Creates and transfers reference images and localization markers for portal verification and treatment delivery to include DRRs, CBCTs and other IGRT methods, as specified. 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.
- Performs, or assists in simulations and tumor localization using specified imaging devices including, but not limited to CT, MRI, and PET. Perform, or assists in the planning and implementation of custom shields, wedges, and other beam modifying devices.
- 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).
- Follows principles of radiation protection for patient, self and others. Follows safety standards and conducts all radiation therapy procedures accordingly. Maintains proper sterile techniques for procedures, regularly practices aseptic techniques, and ensures compliance with radiation safety and infection control procedures.
- Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures, utilizing knowledge and understanding of Dosimetry-related charges and billing procedures. Enters, validates and reviews charges at the time service is delivered, as appropriate.
- Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Utilizes efficient and cost-effective work practices with department resources and supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.
- Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that improve quality or service.
- Collaborates with Physics and Physicians for initial and ongoing treatment to advance Radiation Oncology, supports new protocols.
Qualifications
EDUCATION- Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section
- No experience
License/Certification
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED- CMD - Certified Medical Dosimetrist (MDCB)
- BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA)
KSA/ Supplemental Data
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES- Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
- Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
- Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
- Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital / Radiation Oncology Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents
- Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
- Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing work flow and actively participating in problem-solving
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
- Uniform Yes
- Scrubs Yes
- Business professional Yes
- Other (department approved) Yes
ON-CALL**Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
- On Call* Yes
TRAVEL****Travel specifications may vary by department**
- May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
- May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes
Company Profile
Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2025, will be Houston Methodist's ninth hospital and will incorporate the most advanced technology available from the day the doors open. With 100 beds (at our opening; licensed for 276) and a prime location in the heart of the rapidly growing U.S. 290 corridor, the hospital will be equipped with technologically advanced innovations implemented during COVID, many of them designed to make patient communication with physicians, staff and families the very best and most effective in any health care facility. Even though the hospital won't be fully operational until 2025, we have several services and specialties opening in 2024.
