Rad Oncology Dosimetrist
Job Requirements
General Summary Under general supervision, provides comprehensive treatment planning by calculating computerized isodose plans for radiation oncology patients.
Principal Responsibilities and Tasks The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
- Computes dose distributions and generates isodose curves for external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy in accordance with departmental procedures and generally accepted dosimetry practices.
a. Consults with Radiation Oncologists, Physicists and Senior Dosimetrists to generate optimal treatment plans for external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy using different treatment planning computers.Incorporates anatomical information from computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, radiographs, ultrasound, etc. to minimize dose to normal structures and maximize dose to treatment targets identified by physicians. b. Calculates treatment machine settings including field arrangements and shapes (dose to be delivered from machine to patient); documents calculations and records treatment data in therapy chart.
- Performs verification checks and applies quality assurance procedures to ensure accuracy of dose calculations.Evaluates patient charts to ensure that the treatment plan reflects the prescriptions, the documentation is complete and the dose calculations are accurate.Reports to physicist and physician on dose errors and changes in treatment parameters.
- Assists in complex simulation and fabrication of custom treatment devices.
a. Assists technical staff with patient set-up, contouring and other simulation procedures. c. Designs and fabricates shields, immobilization devices and other treatment aids.
- Assists in brachytherapy procedures.
a. Orders radioactive sources for permanent and/or temporary implants requested by physicians.Prepares brachytherapy procedures including preparing sources, maintaining source inventory and records and bringing the sources to where the procedure takes place. b. Assists physicist in QA checks of brachytherapy devices including HDR.Generates treatment plans including the calculation of seed strengths and physical loading of seeds under the direction of a Physicist or Radiation Oncologist.Performs patient and facility radiation surveys using appropriate survey instruments.
a. Attends and participates in in-service and other relevant training courses for professional development. b. Attends and participates in dosimetry treatment planning conference and patient review conference. c. Actively participates in formal or informal dosimetry training programs under the direction of the Chief Dosimetrist d. Assumes instructional responsibilities for Medical Dosimetry Trainees
Work Experience
Education and Experience
- Board Eligible for Medical Dosimetry Certification Board (MDCB)
- Certification by the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board (MDCB) within 2 years of hire date is required.
- Bachelor of Science degree in Physics or related fields plus training in radiation dosimetry required; or, graduation from an AAMD accredited dosimetry training program required.CPR Certification for Health Care Professionals
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - General knowledge of anatomy and physiology.Understands physics and dosimetry principles of external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy.
- Ability to operate radiation therapy equipment including linear accelerators, radiation therapy simulator and CT simulator.Understand the working principles of dose measurement instruments such as radiation survey instruments, diodes, ionization chambers, TLDs and film dosimetry.
- Knowledge of radiation safety policies and procedures and the safe handling of radioactive materials.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills are required in order to work with patients, medical and radiation personnel.
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient populations(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.
- Proficiency in treatment planning within 1 year of hire.
Patient Safety Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.
- Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
- Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
- Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.
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