Job Description
General Summary
Under general supervision, provides comprehensive treatment planning by calculating computerized isodose plans for radiation oncology patients.
Principal Responsibilities and Tasks
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
- Computes dose distributions and generates isodose curves for external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy in accordance with departmental procedures and generally accepted dosimetry practices.
- Consults with Radiation Oncologists, Physicists and Senior Dosimetrists to generate optimal treatment plans for external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy using different treatment planning computers. Incorporates anatomical information from computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, radiographs, ultrasound, etc. to minimize dose to normal structures and maximize dose to treatment targets identified by physicians.
- Calculates treatment machine settings including field arrangements and shapes (dose to be delivered from machine to patient); documents calculations and records treatment data in therapy chart.
Verification and Quality Assurance
Performs verification checks and applies quality assurance procedures to ensure accuracy of dose calculations. Evaluates patient charts to ensure that the treatment plan reflects the prescriptions, the documentation is complete, and the dose calculations are accurate. Reports to physicist and physician on dose errors and changes in treatment parameters.
- Assists in complex simulation and fabrication of custom treatment devices.
- Assists technical staff with patient set-up, contouring and other simulation procedures.
- Designs and fabricates shields, immobilization devices and other treatment aids.
Brachytherapy Procedures
- Orders radioactive sources for permanent and/or temporary implants requested by physicians. Prepares brachytherapy procedures including preparing sources, maintaining source inventory and records and bringing the sources to where the procedure takes place.
- Assists physicist in QA checks of brachytherapy devices including HDR. Generates treatment plans including the calculation of seed strengths and physical loading of seeds under the direction of a Physicist or Radiation Oncologist. Performs patient and facility radiation surveys using appropriate survey instruments.
Education and Training
- Attends and participates in in-service and other relevant training courses for professional development.
- Attends and participates in dosimetry treatment planning conference and patient review conference.
- Actively participates in formal or informal dosimetry training programs under the direction of the Chief Dosimetrist.
- Assumes instructional responsibilities for Medical Dosimetry Trainees.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Board Eligible for Medical Dosimetry Certification Board (MDCB).
- Certification by the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board (MDCB) within 2 years of hire date is required.
- Bachelor of Science degree in Physics or related fields plus training in radiation dosimetry required; or, graduation from an AAMD accredited dosimetry training program required. CPR Certification for Health Care Professionals.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- General knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Understands physics and dosimetry principles of external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy.
- Ability to operate radiation therapy equipment including linear accelerators, radiation therapy simulator and CT simulator. Understand the working principles of dose measurement instruments such as radiation survey instruments, diodes, ionization chambers, TLDs and film dosimetry.
- Knowledge of radiation safety policies and procedures and the safe handling of radioactive materials.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills are required in order to work with patients, medical and radiation personnel.
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient populations(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.
- Proficiency in treatment planning within 1 year of hire.
Patient Safety
Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.
- Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
- Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
- Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.
Additional Information
MC Radiation Oncology Dosimetrist
Full time - Day Shift
Baltimore, MD
Come elevate your skills by working with a world-class, NCI designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) is the flagship academic medical center at the heart of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) and includes the 789-bed downtown Baltimore campus and the 177-bed midtown campus one mile north. Home to the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center and The R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center.
We are looking for a talented Dosimetrist to join our team here at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Job Summary:
Under limited supervision, performs as Staff Dosimetrist in providing comprehensive treatment plans for patients undergoing radiation therapy.
As a team member, you'll experience:
- A supportive and collaborative work environment
- An Achievable Professional Advancement Model: Opportunities to progress in function, skills, and pay through our achievable promotion schedule
- A comprehensive benefits package including health, vision, and dental coverage including prescription drug coverage, Tax-Free Savings Plans, and more!
- A highly competitive wage scale : Annual merit increases and a base wage scale that is measured against market standards.
- A hybrid telecommute work option.
Job Requirements
- A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in physics or related fields; or graduation from an approved Medical Dosimetry Program through the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD).
- Certification by the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board (MDCB) within 2 years of hire date is required.
- CPR Certification for Health Care Professionals.
Why choose the University of Maryland?
Nestled in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay region, you are close to everything. Outdoors enthusiasts will appreciate the abundant wildlife, boating, hiking, and the many State Parks. Ocean City Maryland and some of the best beaches are a short drive away. Baltimore's Inner Harbor offers a multitude of cultural activities and entertainment; from there you can take a water taxi to one of the many trendy neighborhoods around Baltimore. Remember that Washington DC is only a short drive, or a convenient ride on the MARC train.
The University of Maryland is an innovator in the field of Radiation Oncology, working closely with vendors to develop new technologies. At the University of Maryland Medical System research and innovation go hand-in-hand with serving the clinical needs of our patients. The department maintains a strong sense of team through department sponsored social events, teleconferencing and periodic face-to-face collaboration across the system.
The Department of Radiation Oncology currently provides clinical services at seven locations across Central Maryland, the Eastern Shore, and now the Capital Region: the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore, Central Maryland Radiation Oncology in Columbia, the Tate Cancer Center at Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie, the Upper Chesapeake Health Kaufman Cancer Center in Bel Air, Shore Hospital in Easton, Capital Region Medical Center in Largo, and the Maryland Proton Treatment Center in downtown Baltimore.
A total of 12 Linear Accelerators are available for treatment across all practice sites. The state-of-the-art proton center uses pencil beam scanning exclusively in its 4 gantry rooms, and the single fixed beam room. Each practice site is equipped with a 4D-capable multi-slice CT scanner. All sites utilize an integrated ARIA record and verify system. Eclipse and RayStation serve as the primary treatment planning systems. The Department developed and houses a Gamma Pod for stereotactic partial breast treatments. A full range of brachytherapy services are available at most locations.
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