The Medical Physicist’s role is essential for ensuring the highest standards in radiation therapy, advancing technology, and upholding regulatory compliance within the department. The Medical Physicist will oversee the delivery of top-quality radiation therapy by managing linear accelerator quality assurance, treatment planning, brachytherapy, and consultations in line with American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) guidelines. The Medical Physicist works as part of the radiation oncology team to assure the accurate delivery of a radiation treatment prescription by performing calculations of dose distributions, designing treatment aids/devices, and assuring the accuracy of the treatment unit parameters and settings for daily patient treatments. The Medical Physicist must exhibit a professional demeanor and emotional maturity to adhere with the organizations Mission, Vision, and Values, and complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE: Minimum of three-years’ experience performing therapeutic radiation physics in a clinical setting (may include experience gained during residency).
EDUCATION: Master of Science or Doctoral degree in Medical Physics, Radiological Physics, Physics, or related discipline required.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRY: Board certified by the American Board of Radiology or the American Board of Medical Physics.
Support the integration of new technologies and continually seek improvements in physics and dosimetry support Conduct quality assurance and calibration for all radiation devices according to established protocols and standards Maintains the technical quality, calibration, and accuracy of radiation treatment equipment and hardware including but not limited to: all linear accelerators, on-board imaging systems, CT simulators, low dose rate brachytherapy program, and all supporting quality-assurance equipment Maintains technical quality and accuracy of the Eclipse treatment planning system, Aria record and verify system, and associated computer systems/interfaces Makes recommendations for purchase or replacement of software and hardware systems as needed Participates in continuous-improvement initiatives Researches methods and techniques which enhance the precision of radiation treatments Develops education plans and disseminates this information to caregivers Provides specific patient services such as special physics consultations, special dosimetry consultations, and computerized treatment planning as needed Handle treatment planning physics, radiation safety, and regulatory compliance Communicate complex concepts effectively and foster collaboration within the radiation oncology team Perform weekly reviews of patient treatment records and periodic/monthly/annual quality assurance tests on equipment Assists in planning for resource allocation with the rest of the radiation oncology team, including equipment usage, selection and replacement, staffing requirements, budget preparation, and review of departmental policies and procedures Performs calibration of the treatment machines and maintenance of all information necessary for their appropriate use Oversees the performance levels of imaging equipment used in radiation oncology Develops and maintains a quality assurance program for all treatment modalities, localization procedures, and computational equipment and programs to assure the patients receive prescribed doses and dose distributions, within acceptable degrees of accuracy and according to the recommendations of AAPM task group reports, industry standards, accrediting organization, and federal and state regulations Works towards obtaining and/or maintaining the American College of Radiology (ACR) for Radiation Oncology Certification Maintains all instrumentation required for calibration of sources, measurement of radiation, and calculation of doses Collects patient-specific in-vivo dosimetry measurements as needed Reviews daily quality assurance metrics, performs weekly chart reviews per HCFA requirements, provides any needed patient-specific calculations, etc Provides deformable image and dose registrations to the Radiation Oncologist Maintains technical accuracy and quality controls over the deformation systems Supports departmental development initiatives such as participation in clinical trials, and student education opportunities Assists in patient-care procedures as requested by the Radiation Oncologists Submits timely and accurate physics charges Maintains familiarity with job-relevant CMS guidance Provides appropriate oversight as custodian of radioactive materials in Radiation Oncology Actively participates in modern quality assurance and quality improvement programs that conform to AAPM recommendations, DNV requirements, and state Health Authority and NRC regulations Participates in the drafting, development, revision, and maintenance of departmental policies, procedures, workflows, and standard work processes Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality Supports the organization's corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings Deliver customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, and is timely, efficient, and accurate May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned Works in conjunction with Radiation Safety Officer to comply with all regulating and certifying agencies Participates on the institutional Radiation Safety Committee and other committees as needed Performs calculation of shielding required for new or renovated treatment rooms, radioactive source storage and handling facilities Consults with Radiation Oncologists on the physical and radiobiological aspects of patients’ treatments and the development of treatment plans