Proton Dosimetrist

Overview

Job Summary

Provides dosimetry services related to the planning and delivery of therapeutic radiation treatment in accordance with the radiation oncologist's prescription.

Essential Functions

• Performs treatment planning dose distributions and calculations for external beams and brachytherapy, including 3-D planning, IMRT, seed implants and stereotactic radiosurgery.
• Oversees medical dosimetry practices and procedures.
• Consults with staff on implementation of the treatment plan.
• Performs calculations and provides technical support as required.
• Creates software files for localization and ensures implementation by staff.
• Participate in clinical research protocols and maintains active Registration and Credential Repository (CTEP) account.
• Enhances professional growth and development by attending continuing education programs, in-services, and maintains medical education requirements as directed by the current license agency, Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB).
• Coordinates and assists with treatment simulations and tumor localizations using all diagnostic modalities.
• Adheres to the Hybrid Dosimetry Assignment Guidelines Policy, and facility approved onsite/remote schedule.

Physical Requirements

Visual and motor skills required. Ability to lift minimum of 40 pounds. Travel to other locations.

Education, Experience and Certifications

HS Diploma or GED required. Board certified by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board required. 1-year medical dosimetry experience required.

Additional Essential Functions:

Administrative

• In collaboration with the Chief physicist and Administration, develop and maintain dosimetry policies and procedures to ensure the safe and accurate implementation of treatment plans, the delivery, and maintain compliance with the state of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
• Participate in the continuous evaluation and review of treatment procedure accuracy, providing recommendations for improvement and policy changes as needed.
• Under the direction of the Chief Proton Physicist, engage in quality assurance checks and data analysis of the treatment planning computer used for the development of proton/photon treatment plans.
• Maintain current knowledge of billing codes and billable items for all aspects of proton treatments, including simulations, treatment planning, and calculation charges.
• Collaborate with the radiation oncologist to assess and determine optimal treatment goals for individual patients, fostering a team-oriented approach to implement the outlined treatment goals.
• Provide ongoing guidance and assistance to radiation therapists during simulation procedures, ensuring precise patient positioning and accurate capture of all relevant treatment planning data.
• Offer continuous guidance and/or assistance to the radiation therapist in all treatments to ensure proper and accurate deliverance of treatments as planned
• Assists in the development and implementation of new treatment techniques.
• Collaborate with the Chief Proton Physicist in all aspects of teaching and training Medical Physics Residents, Medical Dosimetry students, and new-hire proton dosimetrists.

Treatment Planning

• During the initial simulation process, identify and perform fusion (rigid and/or deformable) with different imaging modalities, including diagnostic CT, MRI, and PET.
• Retrieve relevant pre-RT record and perform dose transfer (rigid and/or deformable) and conversion with the feedback from the physician for specific cases.
• Assists in the fabrication of planning and treatment devices, including custom bolus and immobilization devices needed for accurate treatment delivery.
• Perform the assessment of the CT scans during the initial simulation process, to ensure the reproducibility of the setup and accessibility of the optimal beam angles.
• Develop treatment techniques utilizing the treatment planning computer to administer the prescribed dose outlined in the physician's written directive. Perform robustness analysis of the treatment plan independently and exploring approaches to mitigate the uncertainty with feedback from proton physicist for individual cases.
• Perform dose calculations to ensure the prescribed dose is accurately delivered and independently verify the calculations for accuracy.
• Complete and accurately record all patient-specific treatment data in the record and verify system and other required treatment documentation.
• Access the setup for patient under the process of QA CT, and generate QA plan to determine the proper course of treatment with the physician for individual cases.
• Conduct any special calculations or measurements, such as organ at risk doses or in-vivo dosimetry checks.
• Generate proton/photon comparison plan, or photon fall back plan for specific cases.
• Collaborate with chief physicists to develop a library of disease-specific cases with proton vs IMRT plan comparisons for training and reference purposes for the dosimetry staff.
• Participate in data collection and upload of data for clinical trials and protocols.

Additional Training and Certifications

• Proton therapy treatment planning experience is strongly preferred.