Proton Physicist

Position Summary

As a top cancer care provider in Florida, Orlando Health Cancer Institute is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary cancer program consisting of six treatment sites and more than 10 practice locations that serve the region's adult oncology needs. Specializing in more than 200 types of cancer, an expert team of medical professionals provides personalized care with the most state-of-the-art technologies, such as advanced radiation and proton therapies, and bone marrow transplant and cellular therapy. Through a robust research program, the institute also supports physician involvement in numerous research studies and clinical trials that give patients access to innovative diagnosis, treatment and symptom management options. In addition to being accredited by the Commission on Cancer, a program of the American College of Surgeons, Orlando Health Cancer Institute has earned accreditations and certifications in several areas - including medical oncology and hematology/oncology, radiation oncology, cellular therapy, rectal cancer, and breast care - from the respective accrediting organizations, and recently was named in the 2023 Becker's Hospital Review "60 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs" list.

Orlando Health Cancer Institute is part of the Orlando Health system of care, which includes 24 award-winninghospitals and ERs, 9 specialty institutes, 14 urgent care centers, 100+ primary care practices and more than 60 outpatient facilities that span Florida's east to west coasts and beyond. Collectively, we honor our 100-year legacy by providing care for more than 142,000 inpatient and 3.9 million outpatient visits each year.

Orlando Health is committed to providing you with benefits that go beyond the expected, with career-growing FREE education programs and well-being services to support you and your family through every stage of life. We begin your benefits on day one and offer flexibility wherever possible so that you can be present for your passions. "Orlando Health Is Your Best Place to Work" is not just something we say, it's our promise.

Position Summary

In collaboration with the Department of Radiation Oncology Administration, plan for the proper allocation of Department resources within the proton center, including equipment usage, selection, and replacement; recruitment; budget preparation; program operation and continuing review of policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions
• Supervise proton center dosimetrists and technical staff.
• Develop and administer a comprehensive Quality Assurance (QA) program for proton therapy equipment, localization procedures and computational equipment and programs sufficient to assure the accurate delivery of prescribed dose to patients.
• Collaborate with the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and Radiation Oncology Administration to develop and administer a comprehensive radiation safety program in compliance with relevant State of Florida Department of Health rules and regulations and licenses, including a personnel radiation monitoring program.
• Monitor on a regular basis the performance of the therapy staff and treatment areas and provide the necessary equipment and support to assure the accurate delivery of patient treatments.
• Assist in the development of and ensure staff adherence to all policies and procedures related to technical aspects of proton therapy.
• Assist the Chief of Proton Therapy Physics in developing and implement a proton-specific training schedule for dosimetry, RTTs, and technical staff.
• Assist the Chief of Proton Therapy Physics in developing proton-specific policies and procedures and review/update those on a regular basis.
• Develop performance, acceptance testing and commissioning specifications for all newly acquired equipment. Approve for clinical use. Review staff training and competency.
• Calculate, or review, and certify for use all shielding for new or modified radiation areas.
• Collaborate, as requested, with the Radiation Oncologist and/or physics and/or dosimetry staff on individual patient treatment plans.
• Develop, or review, and approve for clinical use new or non-standard treatment techniques.
• Provide, as requested, statistical analysis for evaluation of treatment efficacy.
• Review and approve for use all necessary charts and tables for all treatment units to enable the accurate calculation of patient treatments.
• Evaluate and approve for use new or improved treatment aids applicators or instruments.
• Research and evaluate new developments in the field of Radiation Oncology to assess the need for and acquisition of new or improved equipment for simulation, planning or treatment.
• Constantly review and implement process changes on all aspects of clinical operation to increase workflow efficiency.
• Acquire/review all proton dosimetry data required for accurate calculation of patient treatments. Verify accuracy of computer calculations and approve for clinical use. Review regularly and update as required in accordance with established QA program.
• Review and approve for clinical use all new and special treatment procedures. Periodically review current treatment procedures and update as required. Initiate and periodically review a written procedure manual for standard calculation techniques.
• Calculate or review and approve for submission benchmark calculations and studies done for formal clinical trials and protocols. Review before treatment protocol patients and review the documentation of their treatment before submission.
• Create a library of disease-specific cases with proton vs. IMRT plan comparisons for training and reference use by dosimetry staff.
• Assist in providing software and hardware vendors with a works-in progress list of quality performance issues, bugs, desired features, and overall performance to ultimately enhance our clinical operation.
• Perform or review regular calibrations and routine QA checks on all radiation producing equipment. Perform and evaluate annual calibration of all radiation producing equipment and maintain appropriate records. Update treatment planning computer systems, charts, and tables as appropriate.
• Review results of test procedures for computer software updates and approve for clinical use.
• Supervise the program of weekly chart review for patients under treatment.
• Participate in weekly chart review as assigned.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive process for patient-specific QA.

Other Related Functions
• Treat all patients and staff in a courteous and understanding manner, preserving their privacy and dignity at all times.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the special needs and concerns of the aged, infirm, and impaired.
• Address all issues in a prompt and professional manner.
• Any other duties as assigned or needed including assisting in all aspects of QA, weekly chart checks, morning warm-up procedures, special procedures, and weekend coverage for non-proton modalities.
• Participate as required in corporate wide training, continuing education, and committees to assure
• Compliance with corporate and department policies and regulatory agencies. Provide continuing education for other team members as required.
• Collaborate with colleagues and staff on various clinically related R&D projects as needed. Self-initialing of such projects is highly recommended and encouraged.
• Participate in mentoring and didactic teaching of medical physics residents.
• Take a lead role in commissioning and acceptance of the proton therapy system.

Qualifications

Education/Training

Must have a graduate (M.S. or Ph.D.) degree in medical physics, physics, biophysics, radiological physics, medical health physics, or equivalent discipline from an accredited college or university. Graduation from an accredited residency program is preferred, but not required.

Licensure/Certification

Must have a current license in Therapeutic Radiological Physics (State of Florida Department of Health).

Must have been granted or in the process of obtaining certification in Therapeutic Radiologic Physics from The American Board of Radiology, The American Board of Medical Physics, or the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine. If the certifying body has maintenance of certification, you must meet all the requirements to maintain certification.

Experience

A minimum of 2 years direct clinical experience in therapeutic radiologic physics is required. Proton therapy experience is highly desired. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.