Dosimetrist
Job Summary Provides assistance to radiation oncologists in dosimetry and treatment planning to the radiation oncology department, (both external and brachytherapy); dose calculation; fabrication of blocks and compensators; assists in radioactive sources handling, implementing new treatment techniques, and participation in the department's on-going quality assurance program. In collaboration with the chief physicist, performs a variety of quality control procedures on radiation-producing equipment and radioactive sources. Collects and tabulates quality assurance and volume data, and participates in the educational activities of the department. Minimum Qualifications Education/Training Master's degree in Radiological Physics or an equivalent discipline with knowledge of radiological sciences is required. Experience Approximately one to two years of progressively more responsible experience in Radiation Oncology including high-energy accelerators and brachytherapy. On The Job Experience Approximately one to two years to gain familiarity with the Hospital environment, department routines and procedures, and the full range of job duties. License/Certification/Registration Certification by the American Board of Medical Physics or the American Board of Radiology in Radiation Oncology is preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities PROBLEM SOLVING:
Job requires a high level of problem solving due to the complexity of the situations encountered. INTERNAL CONTACTS:
Internal contacts necessary to effectively advise, consult or counsel others to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas or actions. INDEPENDENT JUDGEMENT:
Work assignments are generally received in the form of results expected, due dates, and general approach to be taken. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Advises, assists and confers radiation oncologists and/or physicist in determining therapeutic plans which utilize a variety of photon energies and electron treatment for patient before plan is formalized. Performs dose calculations for external beam and brachytherapy, utilizing the treatment-planning computer to optimize plan and offers alternative treatment strategies, if required. Assists with localization and portal filming; localizes tumors by topographical landmarks, CT scans, etc. Obtains contour/or contours of patient as needed and all the necessary information. Assists in obtaining treatment planning CAT scans that duplicate treatment set-up position. Plans new facilities including shield designs and equipment. Designs and oversees the fabrication of special devices such as compensating filters, shielding blocks, wedge filters, and immobilization devices. Oversees the repair and maintenance of the various radiation therapy machines and dosimetry equipment. Checks patient charts on a regular basis for compliance with treatment plans and documents activities in patient records as necessary. Participates in the daily port conference and chart rounds. Performs on-going quality assurance tasks, such as weekly chart checks, calculation checks, entering data into V&R systems, reviewing microdosimetry, machine QA etc. Works with the radiation oncologist, physicist and therapist on implementing new treatment techniques. Trains, and counsel staff in carrying out routine aspects of treatment planning and delivery including patient contour determinations, simulator procedures, patient dose calculations, treatment spot checks, and patient chart reviews. Assists the chief physicist in reviewing and evaluating physics section operations, making appropriate recommendations, and ensuring compliance with hospital radiation safety program regulations when necessary. Assists in the preparation of operation procedure protocols for the section. Establishes treatment planning methods, equations, and devises for therapeutic dose deliveries consistent with standard protocols. Establishes spot-check procedures including one-point dose constancy checks, timer accuracy's, safety interlocks and signs, and beam alignments. Assembles and prepares brachytherapy applicators and interstitial sources for use; loads and threads sources as needed. Measures dose distributions from brachytherapy sources and develops, by hand and computer calculations, methods for treatment planning for brachytherapy. Oversees department quality assurance activities. Collects and tabulates quality assurance and volume data. Carries out department radiation safety tasks as assigned. Establishes and carries out procedures for periodic calibration of beam dose distributions for all equipment. Performs monthly checks and yearly calibrations on all radiation therapy units as required by the NRC and D.C. Department of Regulatory Affairs. Establishes priorities and programs for timely compliance with NRC, JCAHO, and District of Columbia requirements. Reviews and evaluates all new computer updated software for patient treatment planning prior to its implementation. Develops computer programs related to dosimetry and patient treatment planning as needed. Obtain data for treatment planning systems as needed. Orients and trains employees, patients, and visitors and participates in continuing education programs. Teaches pertinent radiation therapy physics to residents and radiologic technology students. Attends professional meetings to keep abreast of current trends in radiological physics and dosimetry and radiation safety practices. About MedStar Health MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation and research. Our 30,000 associates and 5,400 affiliated physicians work in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest visiting nurse association in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education and professional development of our whole team. MedStar Health offers diverse opportunities for career advancement and personal fulfillment.
Salary Range:
$80K -- $100K
Minimum Qualification
MedicineEstimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Job requires a high level of problem solving due to the complexity of the situations encountered. INTERNAL CONTACTS:
Internal contacts necessary to effectively advise, consult or counsel others to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas or actions. INDEPENDENT JUDGEMENT:
Work assignments are generally received in the form of results expected, due dates, and general approach to be taken. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Advises, assists and confers radiation oncologists and/or physicist in determining therapeutic plans which utilize a variety of photon energies and electron treatment for patient before plan is formalized. Performs dose calculations for external beam and brachytherapy, utilizing the treatment-planning computer to optimize plan and offers alternative treatment strategies, if required. Assists with localization and portal filming; localizes tumors by topographical landmarks, CT scans, etc. Obtains contour/or contours of patient as needed and all the necessary information. Assists in obtaining treatment planning CAT scans that duplicate treatment set-up position. Plans new facilities including shield designs and equipment. Designs and oversees the fabrication of special devices such as compensating filters, shielding blocks, wedge filters, and immobilization devices. Oversees the repair and maintenance of the various radiation therapy machines and dosimetry equipment. Checks patient charts on a regular basis for compliance with treatment plans and documents activities in patient records as necessary. Participates in the daily port conference and chart rounds. Performs on-going quality assurance tasks, such as weekly chart checks, calculation checks, entering data into V&R systems, reviewing microdosimetry, machine QA etc. Works with the radiation oncologist, physicist and therapist on implementing new treatment techniques. Trains, and counsel staff in carrying out routine aspects of treatment planning and delivery including patient contour determinations, simulator procedures, patient dose calculations, treatment spot checks, and patient chart reviews. Assists the chief physicist in reviewing and evaluating physics section operations, making appropriate recommendations, and ensuring compliance with hospital radiation safety program regulations when necessary. Assists in the preparation of operation procedure protocols for the section. Establishes treatment planning methods, equations, and devises for therapeutic dose deliveries consistent with standard protocols. Establishes spot-check procedures including one-point dose constancy checks, timer accuracy's, safety interlocks and signs, and beam alignments. Assembles and prepares brachytherapy applicators and interstitial sources for use; loads and threads sources as needed. Measures dose distributions from brachytherapy sources and develops, by hand and computer calculations, methods for treatment planning for brachytherapy. Oversees department quality assurance activities. Collects and tabulates quality assurance and volume data. Carries out department radiation safety tasks as assigned. Establishes and carries out procedures for periodic calibration of beam dose distributions for all equipment. Performs monthly checks and yearly calibrations on all radiation therapy units as required by the NRC and D.C. Department of Regulatory Affairs. Establishes priorities and programs for timely compliance with NRC, JCAHO, and District of Columbia requirements. Reviews and evaluates all new computer updated software for patient treatment planning prior to its implementation. Develops computer programs related to dosimetry and patient treatment planning as needed. Obtain data for treatment planning systems as needed. Orients and trains employees, patients, and visitors and participates in continuing education programs. Teaches pertinent radiation therapy physics to residents and radiologic technology students. Attends professional meetings to keep abreast of current trends in radiological physics and dosimetry and radiation safety practices. About MedStar Health MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation and research. Our 30,000 associates and 5,400 affiliated physicians work in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest visiting nurse association in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education and professional development of our whole team. MedStar Health offers diverse opportunities for career advancement and personal fulfillment.
Salary Range:
$80K -- $100K
Minimum Qualification
MedicineEstimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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