Dosimetrist

In collaboration with the radiation oncologist and medical physicist, use critical thinking and problem solving skills to develop, generate, and evaluate treatment plans using computer software and manual calculations based on prescribed target region and avoidance dose criteria. The Dosimetrist may use a wide variety of patient imaging modalities registered to the planning images; which assists in the identification of physician delineated target structures and critical structures to be avoided. Support and adhere to the US Oncology Compliance Program, to include the Code of Ethics and Business Standards.

SCOPE: In collaboration with the radiation oncologist and medical physicist, use critical thinking and problem solving skills to develop, generate, and evaluate treatment plans using computer software and manual calculations based on prescribed target region and avoidance dose criteria. The dosimetrist may use a wide variety of patient imaging modalities registered to the planning images; which assists in the identification of physician delineated target structures and critical structures to be avoided. Support and adhere to the US Oncology Compliance Program, to include the Code of Ethics and Business Standards.

• Generate radiation therapy treatment plans using computer software and various imaging modalities; demonstrating strong attention to detail.
• Identify and delineates anatomy and anatomical positioning on various imaging modalities.
• Identify the need to create compensation filters, custom shields, and other beam modifying devices.
• Perform patient specific quality assurance activities under the direction of the medical physicist.
• Complete treatment plans accurately and in a timely manner based on complexity.
• Adapt to the ever-changing technology and be open to learning new systems and techniques.
• Perform or assist in the planning of the production of molds, casts, and other immobilization devices while assisting and/or consulting during treatment simulations as necessary in accordance with state laws.
• Effectively communicate plan details with physicians and staff; able to offer alternative solutions.
• Consults and communicates to the therapist staff regarding the implementation of the treatment plan including: the correct use of immobilization devices, compensators, wedges, field arrangement, and other treatment variables.
• Documents treatment planning and quality assurance tasks accurately.
• Transfers treatment plans, treatment parameters, field DRR's, and setup photos and notes to the ROIS (record & verify system). May be asked to understand the transfer process and verify treatment planning information post transfer.
• May be asked to accurately enter codes for technical treatment planning and quality assurance tasks.
• May be asked to perform general computerized tasks, such as word processing, using spreadsheets, moving and altering files and directories, and performing data backup.
• May assist in intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy procedures and in the subsequent manual and/or computer calculation of the dose distributions of these treatments after being appropriately credentialed by the medical physicist.
• May be asked to perform quality assurance procedures on treatment planning system, linear accelerator, and brachytherapy device under the supervision of the medical physicist.
• May be asked to perform radiation protection, qualitative machine calibrations, and quality assurance of the radiation oncology equipment under the supervision of the medical physicist.
• Teach applied aspects of medical dosimetry to students and residents, as assigned.

Credentials as a Certified Medical Dosimetrist (CMD); a current and valid certification as a qualified medical dosimetrist by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to manipulate a computer keyboard and mouse. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Requires vision and hearing corrected to normal ranges.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in an office environment. Involves frequent contact with staff. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to direct contact with patients with potential for exposure to blood, toxic substances, ionizing radiation and other conditions common to a clinic environment.