Certified Medical Dosimetrist

Summary: The Dosimetrist is a member of the Radiation Oncology team and is thoroughly familiar with the physical and geometric characteristics of the radiation equipment and radioactive sources commonly employed in the Radiation Oncology Department. The Dosimetrist has the training and expertise to perform patient treatment simulation, measure and generate radiation dose distributions and calculations manually and with the aid of the treatment planning computer under the direction of the Radiation Oncologist and Medical Physicist.

Prerequisite: It is the organizational philosophy that all employees MUST have a positive attitude and demonstrate behavior consistent with BCC’s mission and values. This employee utilizes good interpersonal relations with employees, physicians, and guests by communicating, cooperating, and assisting promptly in a courteous manner. BCC is committed to providing a safe environment and reducing risk to patients. All employees are responsible for identifying, reporting, and managing both actual and potential risks to patient safety.

General Duties for Dosimetrist:

1. Listens, motivates and participates in team efforts. Actively works to generate respect and enthusiasm. Cooperates with others through sharing duties. Is perceived as available and responsive to team members. Sets a positive example for desired work ethic and attitude.

2. Maintains appropriate verbal and non-verbal behavior in the work area being aware of the patient, family, staff, and other customer’s perception of your behavior. Respects the individuality and wishes of others by such actions as extending a warm welcome, introducing self and making eye contact. Demonstrates appropriate telephone etiquette.

3. Adheres to dress code policy. Wears ID badge so identification is visible.

4. Demonstrates the responsibility and accountability by taking the initiative to identify problems, offering appropriate solutions and following through on solutions in a timely manner. Seeks ways to improve performance of self. Participates in or pursues cross training opportunities if available. 5. Maintains patient, customer, and employee confidentiality.

6. Demonstrates knowledge and compliance with all safety, security and infection control procedures such as utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment, demonstrating proper body mechanics, etc. Follows established procedures in risk occurrence and reporting variances, injury and incidents.

7. Maintains education, certifications and validations required for position.

8. Responsible for staff meetings through attendance and active participation and/or review of minutes.

Primary Duties Dosimetry:

1. Consults with the Radiation Oncologist to determine the individual treatment plan objectives, desired doses, critical organ locations, and other dose limiting factors, by utilizing the treatment planning computer and/or manual calculations.

2. Uses images (CT, MRI, PET, US) contours, and/or data collection from simulation to complete treatment planning. Documents dose in accordance with the Radiation Oncologists prescription.

3. Works with the therapist staff in the implementation of the treatment plan including the correct use of immobilization devices, compensators, wedges, field arrangement and other treatment variables.

4. Works with department staff to study, develop and implement new processes and treatment techniques if needed.

5. Performs and documents calculations and all pertinent information in the patient record. Verifies accuracy of all calculations using a system established by the Medical Physicist.

6. Reviews all charts for accuracy of entries, total dosage and changes on a weekly basis.

7. Maintains protocol files and collects necessary information required by an on treatment protocol.

8. Assists in various aspects of physics within the department such as radiation protection, qualitative machine calibrations, and quality assurance of the radiation oncology equipment.

9. Assists in the application of specific methods of dosimetry including ion chamber, TLD, diode or film measurement as directed by the Medical Physicist.

10. Aids in troubleshooting malfunctions with treatment planning computer and related systems. Performs periodic QA as directed by Medical Physics.

11. Assists with brachytherapy procedures utilizing safety at all times.

12. Assists in manual and/or computer calculations to determine dose distributions for all brachytherapy procedures.

13. Assists in planning and fabrication of compensating filters, custom blocks, wedges and other beam modifying devices.

14. Assists in planning and fabrication of molds, casts, and other patient immobilization devices. 15. Consistently demonstrates the ability to provide appropriate services and care in accordance with the patient’s age and the unique needs inherent therein.

16. Has the ability and desire to learn new skills and to stay current with BCC trends.

Communication:

1. Communicates and interacts with customers (patients, employees, and other key constituencies) to assess their needs to ensure their expectations are being met.

2. To work with patients and their family member to put them at ease.

3. Communicate with fellow employees in a professional, informative, and courteous manner.

Meetings: Attend necessary meetings as appropriate, i.e.: staff meetings, education, and patient care meetings.

Teamwork: To utilize good interpersonal relations with patients, employees, physicians, and guests by communicating, cooperating, and assisting promptly in a courteous manner.

Free Time: Demonstrate commitment to the organization by showing initiative in utilization of free time. Exhibit flexibility by acceptance of variable work schedules and assignments.

HIPAA/Confidentiality: To maintain patient/customer/employee confidentiality.

Working Conditions: (Environmental) Clean, well lit, climate controlled environment.

Physical Demands: Sitting, walking, and standing: Continuous throughout shift Lifting: Shoulder to above head 0-25 lbs. infrequently 25-35 lbs. seldom Waist to shoulder 0-25 lbs. infrequently 25-35 lbs. seldom Floor to waist 5-35 lbs. occasionally Hand functions: Grasp and pinch frequently Push/Pull carts 0-40 lbs. infrequently 40-120 lbs. seldom Visual: Optimal vision required Revised 3.29.24 Verbal and auditory: Must communicate effectively with the public, employees, and physicians

Education: Certification in medical dosimetry is required. ARRT registration in radiation therapy preferred. CPR certification must be completed within six weeks of employment, and recertified as required Experience: Minimum of two years’ experience is radiation therapy preferred. Computer experience required Job Knowledge: Knowledge of the usage of linear accelerators, simulation equipment and procedures, and computer treatment planning. Knowledge of radiation safety procedures. Ability to effectively present information. Ability to define problems collects data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Mental Demands: Requires the ability of correct independent judgment and reasoning, assessment of information and the ability to initiate appropriate action. Ability to work under stressful conditions. Special Demands: Occasional late evening work may be required when patient load is high Blood/Body Fluid Exposure This job position does have some exposure to ionizing radiation. Exposure to blood borne pathogens and other infectious diseases.

Compensation:

$130K to $150K per year annual salary

"Benefit packages for this role may include healthcare insurance offerings and paid leave as provided by applicable law."