Medical dosimetrists are trained to work as team members in managing cancer patients going through radiation treatments. They are trained in all areas of basic medical physics with special emphasis in treatment planning. The primary role is to understand and integrate the clinical information specified by the radiation oncologist for each patient. They then utilize departmental resources to design optimal treatment strategies and to ensure that such treatments are properly delivered. They work closely with physicists, physicians, therapists, nurses, and engineers.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Collection and analysis of patient data; interaction with radiation oncologists to define target volumes and critical structures.
- Design of an optimal approach for the treatment.
- Basic dose calculation and 2D, 3D, IMRT or Adaptive treatment planning using treatment planning software on several different platforms.
- Design of immobilization device(s) or other accessories to ensure reproducibility of the treatments and conformation to the plan and/or the simulation.
- Design of custom shielding blocks, compensators and other beam modifying devices to optimize dose distributions. When necessary, they also may fabricate these devices.
- Radiation dosage calculation and documentation of radiation beam output according to the plan and the physician’s description.
- Implementation of the treatment plan in the clinic.
- Verification of the doses delivered to the patient. When necessary, the dosimetrists may be required to perform dose measurements on a patient or in a physical object simulating the patient and interpret the results.
- Participation in the “on call” weekend treatment planning activities for emergency treatments.
- Besides planning for brachytherapy, dosimetrists may also be required to assist in the loading and removal of sources from patients.
- Participate in continuing education and quality improvement processes.
- Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as necessary. These fall under the activities described in the scope of position.
Qualifications
A. Education
Bachelor’s degree in physics or related science major topic is a requirement for this position. Graduate from an accredited dosimetry program is required.
Knowledgeable in the areas of anatomy, physiology, clinical oncology, radiobiology, radiation physics and radiation safety.
Knowledgeable in the technical aspects of radiation oncology and medical physics and able to develop clinical treatment plans.
Practical knowledge of health care informatics: resources, devices and methods to acquire, store and retrieve data required for the treatment planning process.
B. Experience and certification:
Graduation from accredited dosimetry program and eligibility for certification board are required.
C. Other skill requirements
The dosimetrists must be mature, considerate and honest individuals as they interact with multiple disciplines that are involved in their daily routines towards successful patient treatment. Professionally, they should have the ability and the desire to provide competent and efficient health care. Because of the multitude and diversity of treatment data involved in their daily work, dosimetrists should have the ability to attend to details in complex processes. Furthermore, they should have the desire and capacity to learn and expand their knowledge.
BWH is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
Primary Location
75 Francis St
Job
Radiation Therapy/Dosimetry
Organization
Brigham & Women's Hospital(BWH)
Schedule
Full-time
Standard Hours 40
Shift
Day Job
Employee Status
Regular
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