Sr Dosimetrist

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Director of Physics and/or designated Chief of Dosimetry/Physics, the Medical Dosimetrist III would work from information furnished by physicians for planning the radiation treatment of patients. Develop and present a series of plans of therapy for appraisal and approval of the attending physician or group critique. Provide control liaison between the attending physician and therapist treating the patient. Initiate projects in additional areas which may include: formal teaching, research, in-service education or quality assurance.

Job Responsibilities

Technical Responsibilities

Develops 2-D, 3-D, IMRT, SRS, SBRT external beam treatment plans for the approval of radiation oncologists either manually or utilizing a digital computer. Assists radiation oncologist in delineating target volume and potentially critical structures, using patient contours, radiographs, CT scans and other diagnostic studies including CT-MRI registration based on age-specific criteria of patients (see addendum). Explains treatment plan of patient to technical staff to assure accuracy and reproducibility of the patient set-up. Collaborates with radiation oncologists, clinical physicists, and therapists in developing and implementing new treatment techniques. Ascertains that equipment and treatment rooms are properly prepared for the planned course of treatment. Fabricates a variety of devices to assure patient setup reproducibility and to shape x-ray beams as required by specific treatment plans. Reviews simulation and port films to assure accurate reproduction of treatment plan. Calculates radiation treatment machine meter settings required by treatment plan, documenting information in patient's therapy chart. Transfers Rx data electronically using record- and verify systems. As requested by attending radiation oncologists and or Physicist, performs in-vivo dose verifications, measuring doses directly on patient during radiation treatment. Consults with radiation oncologist concerning radioactive implant sites, volume studies, materials, and the proposed dose distribution. Generates computerized pre-implant brachytherapy plans for both LDR and HDR treatments as requested. Prepares implant apparatus and maintains inventory to assure that correct amount and type of radioactive material will be available to the oncologist. If directed by Physicist, assists radiation oncologist in the operating room and HDR suite with the loading of implant apparatus and the handling of radioactive material. Assists in the loading and removal of temporary implants. Performs required health physics measurements of patient exposure rates and safety surveys of equipment and operating room. Documents the amount and type of radioactive material used. Prepares all paperwork in accordance with established Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulations. Supervises the documentation of final implant placement by radiographs or CT scans. Identifies the location of radioactive sources on final placement films or CT scans and calculates post-implant dosimetry dose for presentation to radiation oncologist. If requested, maintains radioactive storage areas in a clean, orderly and safe condition, ordering supplies as needed. Performs all activities involving patient interaction using standard operating procedures. Participates in TGH Treatment Planning Program. Perform external beam treatment planning, interstitial and intracavitary implant dosimetry and x-ray beam blocking for regional hospitals. Transmit information to participating hospitals. Discusses plans with the referring oncologist to assure mutual understanding of information. Verifies patient meter setting calculations. Reviews and accurately maintains patient treatment records on a weekly basis to assure correct treatment and dosage notation. Attends and presents dosimetric information at new patient conference/huddles. Attends Departmental Chart Round Conference Receives and responds to inquiries regarding patients' treatment parameters. Participates in the clinical instruction of resident physicians, technology and dosimetry students. Actively participates in the interview and acceptance of students in the TGH Medical Dosimetry Program. Attends department meetings. Participates in development and reform of departmental policies and procedures. Performs all job duties and responsibilities in a manner that ensures customer satisfaction and promotes positive and constructive working relationships within the department and throughout the external medical community. Teach formal classes or clinical labs in the technology, dosimetry and/or physics training programs when applicable. Initiates or helps to develops a clinical research project which results in publication in a national journal or in improvement in treatment modality. Assists clinical physicists in the ongoing quality assurance program for computer equipment or formal participation in the departmental quality assurance committee.

Technology and Equipment Use

Demonstrates technical skill in using equipment that is appropriate for the job role. Operates equipment efficiently and properly. Maintains equipment to ensure maximum productivity. Troubleshoots any problems that arise. Adapts to new technology and processes.

Innovation and Resourcefulness

Displays original thinking and creativity to generate suggestions for improving efficiency and effectiveness. Meets challenges with resourcefulness and solution orientation. Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles. Tries new approaches when problem solving, seeking ideas or suggestions from others as appropriate.

Teamwork

Actively participates to move the team toward the completion of goals. Makes procedural or process suggestions for achieving team goals or performing team functions; provides necessary resources or helps to remove obstacles to help the team accomplish its goals. Listens to and fully involves others in team decisions and actions; values and uses individual's differences and talents. Shares important or relevant information with the team. Builds a positive team by offering assistance and support to co-workers, patients, vendors, and partners. Puts success of team above own interests. Works actively to resolve conflicts.

Communication

Articulates thoughts and ideas effectively both verbally and in writing. Restates the opinions of others to clarify understanding. Presents information effectively in a variety of settings: one-on-one, small, and large groups, with peers, direct reports, and superiors. Listens actively and is open to feedback. Provides fair and constructive feedback to others. Keeps team members and customers adequately informed.

Adaptability

Adapts to change and stress in the work environment and manages competing demands while maintaining high performance levels. Treats change as an opportunity for learning; focuses on the beneficial aspects of change; speaks positively about the change to others. Always presents a positive disposition and maintains constructive interpersonal relationships when under stress. Modifies behavior and tries new approaches in response to change.

Accountability

Takes responsibility for own actions. Strives to improve levels of individual, team and organizational performance. Measures self against standard of excellence. Participates in performance improvement efforts. Demonstrates efficient and effective use of organizational resources as well as systems and services.

General Responsibilities

Complies with all Tampa General Hospital policies and procedures, and all applicable accreditation standards, laws and regulations, including those regarding patient confidentiality such as, but not limited to, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, P. L. 104-191 ('HIPAA') and the rules and regulations implemented hereunder. Adheres to and promotes Hospital Safety Standards and the Safety Management Plan. Performs all job responsibilities in alignment with the core values, mission and vision of the organization. Performs other duties as required and completes all job functions as per departmental policies and procedures. Attends staff meetings and completes mandatory in-services and requirements and competency evaluations on time. Maintains current knowledge in present areas of responsibility (i.e., self-education, attends ongoing educational programs). Demonstrates competency in providing patient care that is individualized relative to age, population, developmental, psycho-social-cultural and demonstrated needs. Wears protective clothing and equipment as appropriate.

Qualifications

Education

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree from accredited four (4) year medical dosimetry program.

Required: Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or an accredited radiation therapy technology program (with certification in radiation therapy technology), supplemented by successful completion of a dosimetry training program. On-the-job training for a period of two (2) years may be substituted for formal dosimetry training. Certification by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board. Degree is recommended.

Board Certification

Required: Board Certified by CMD

Experience

Required: Minimum five (5) years of experience in Medical Dosimetry Preferred: Seven (7) years’ experience in Medical Dosimetry

Essential Skills

Supports and models behaviors consistent with the shared mission statement of Tampa General Hospital “We heal. We teach. We innovate. Care for everyone. Every day.” Generate treatment plans with the treatment planning system or by manual computation that will deliver a prescribed dose according to the Radiation oncologist’s prescriptions. While maintain appropriate doses to dose limiting structures per department policy per treatment site. Document all required information in the patient’s chart within Aria Under supervision and direction of the Medical Physicist, provide support in radiation protection, machine calibrations, and quality assurance on departmental equipment Be familiar with and assist as needed with emergency shutdown procedures, and data backup procedures Assist with brachytherapy procedures, including implementation of the applicators, generate and calculate treatment plans and the implementation of the treatment plans. Participates in clinical research within the department for patients enrolled in clinical trials, as well as implementation of new techniques Identify needs and sets goals for own growth and development Meets all mandatory annual training required by institution Maintain competency in all standards relevant to job performance Perform other duties that help meet the needs of the department General skills such as: General Computer Skills General IT Network Skills General IT Security Skills Analytical Skills Organizational Skills Customer Service Skills Strong Communication Skills Strong Interpersonal Skills Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word

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