MEDICAL DOSIMETRIST

The medical dosimetrist is a member of the radiation oncology team who has knowledge of the overall characteristics and clinical relevance of radiation oncology in the management of cancer or other disease processes, with special expertise in radiation therapy treatment planning. The dosimetrist provides technical information and support to radiation therapists, physicists, physicians, residents, and clinical fellows; performs basic dose calculations, 3D, IMRT/VMAT and/or IMPT treatment planning for patients receiving photon and/or proton therapy; accepts assigned responsibilities for quality assurance of radiation therapy procedures; participates in clinical research projects; and educates visiting professionals in the technical aspects of the use of photons and/or protons in radiation therapy. This position reports to and takes directives from the Director of Medical Dosimetry.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Provides direction for CT scans of patients for treatment planning purposes including immobilizing and positioning the patient; specifies isocenter/reference point, designs treatment fields and contours organs at risk; transfers CT images, contours and treatment fields to treatment planning computers; responsible for quality assurance control of CT scans through established procedures, including checking for patient motion, artifacts in the scan parameters and other problems.
* Consults with physicians and radiation therapists as to optimum patient treatment positioning and participates in the design and improvement of patient immobilization devices.
* Identify and contour normal and dose-limiting structures by utilizing images from one or more data sets. Perform image registrations with various data sets including but not limited to CT, MRI and PET. Review imaging and prior treatment records to provide feedback to physicians on potential dose overlap and other relevant information.
* Perform basic dose calculations for non-CT based radiation therapy treatments. Design treatment plans using computerized 3D planning system with optimal beam geometry, directions, and weights to deliver a prescribed radiation dose and spare critical structures in accordance with the Radiation Oncologist's prescription. This includes 3D and IMRT/VMAT for photon treatment planning and may include 3D proton treatment planning.
* Document all pertinent information in the patient record and verify the mathematical accuracy of all calculations by an approved method to assure correct simulation and treatment positioning of patients to deliver the planned treatment. Create and transfer reference images and localization markers for portal verification and treatment delivery to include DRRs, CBCTs and other IGRT methods, as specified.
* Communicate with physicians, physicists, radiation therapists, mold room technicians and machine shop staff to advise in the implementation of treatment plans including: the correct use and choice of immobilization devices, compensators, wedges, field arrangement, and other treatment or imaging parameters. This may require participation in patient treatments.
* Ensure that patients are aligned properly for radiation therapy; provide expertise on technical aspects of the patient's treatment; review set-up radiographs with physicians and therapists to establish precision of alignment of each treatment portal; input and update radiographic and computer assisted positioning for patients.
* Participate in continuing education and quality improvement processes. Learn new treatment planning software as they are introduced in the clinic; develops treatment plans incorporating new techniques for treatment delivery as they become available in the clinic.

The principle qualifications of the medical dosimetrist include:

* BS degree in physics or related science is a minimum requirement for this position. Graduation from a JRCERT-accredited medical dosimetry program preferred. Certification by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board within 3 years of hire is required.
* New graduates from a JRCERT-accredited medical dosimetry program are encouraged to apply.

* Knowledgeable in the areas of anatomy, physiology, clinical oncology, radiobiology, radiation physics, and radiation safety.
* Expertise in the technical aspects of radiation oncology and medical physics to develop optimal treatment plans.
* Knowledgeable in health care informatics-including the resources, devices, and methods to acquire, store and retrieve data. Tools include computers as well as clinical guidelines, current medical terminology, information, and communication systems.
* Possess good communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate the exchange of information with patients, family members, the radiation oncology treatment team as well as outside entities.
* Has high level critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
* Can work independently, and in collaboration with other professionals.

---