Dosimetrist

Location: Chicago, IL Hospital: RUSH University Medical Center Department: Medical Physics Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE 1.0) Shift: Shift 1 Work Schedule: 8 Hr (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Summary: The medical dosimetrist is a member of the radiation oncology team who has special expertise in radiation therapy treatment planning. This position provides a wide range of clinical dosimetry services to oncology patients receiving radiation therapy. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures. Responsibilities: TREATMENT PLANNING 1. Assists with simulations and tumor localization using specified imaging devices including, but not limited to CT, MRI, and PET. 2. Checks patient data for accuracy and completeness. 3. Identifies and contours normal and dose-limiting structures by utilizing images from one or more data sets. Seeks and achieves an acceptable level of proficiency in image registration with various image data sets including: CT, MRI and PET. 4. Stays current on dose tolerance levels for anatomical organs. 5. Develops and presents optimized plans to medical physicist for review and to the physician for approval. 6. Performs secondary calculations to ensure accuracy of dose computations and document all pertinent information in the patient record. 7. Creates and uploads reference images for treatment delivery verification to include DRRs, CBCTs and other IGRT methods, as specified. 8. Assists the radiation therapist in implementation of treatment plans.Special dosimetry. 9. Under the supervision of the Medical Physicist, participates, performs and reports the results for in-vivo patient dosimetry. Brachytherapy. 10. Assists with applicator preparation and treatment simulation. 11. Approves patient simulation images for planning. 12. Generates computer plan for medical physicist review and physician approval. 13. Assists with the loading and removal of radioactive sources. 14. Participates in QA of applicators, planning computers, treatment machines and sources. DOSE CALCULATIONS 15. Performs and verifies dose calculations using specialized software or hand calculations. 16. Understands radiobiological concepts such as BED, EQD2, etc. and is able to run simple BED calculations. 17. Assists with dose calculations for intra-op, total body irradiation, SRS-SBRT, and other special procedures. QUALITY ASSURANCE 18. Assists the Medical Physicist in quality management for planning computer systems and treatment machines. 19. Provides support in weekly chart rounds by preparing and presenting individual patients plans. Treatment Devices. 20. Participates in the planning, design and clinical implementation of custom shields, custom bolus and other beam modifying devices. 21. Performs and participates in the manufacturing of treatment devices (blocks, compensators, boluses, etc.) Teaching/Research 22. Teaches applied aspects of medical dosimetry to medical students, radiation therapists and residents. 23. Participates or/and assists with clinical research. 24. Provides dosimetry coverage for satellite(s) as needed or requested. 25. Attends medical physics conferences and participates in educational activities required to maintain dosimetry certification. 26. Has routine access to and maintains confidentiality with the following patient health information as it relates to treatment and healthcare operations: Patient Charts and Electronic Medical Records, Clinical Data and Results, Insurance Information, ARIA, MOSAIQ, MIM, Mirada, etc., EPIC, PACS, Easyviz, etc. Other information: Required Job Qualifications: • Qualified to practice in medical dosimetry only when the knowledge and skills to perform dosimetric tasks has been established. • Certified by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board. • Associate's Degree and have Clinical Experience as a RTT or a Bachelor's Degree and on-the-job training. • Board-eligible and complete the certification process within three years of hire date. • Good working knowledge of the following areas: anatomy, physiology, clinical oncology, radiobiology, radiation physics and radiation safety. • Expertise in the technical aspects of radiation oncology and medical physics to develop optimal treatment plans. • Basic computer knowledge. • Able to understand patient data acquisition, data transfer, storage and retrieval. • Working knowledge of radiation safety principles and practices as well as current rules and regulations of national and state regulatory agencies. • Strong understanding of basic medical physics and radiation dosimetry. • Good organizational skills and interpersonal skills necessary to work with a diverse group of people, including patients, family members, the radiation oncology treatment team and outside parties. • Demonstrate an acceptable level of critical thinking and problem solving skills related to clinical operations. • Good mathematical skills including algebra, trigonometry and introductory calculus. • Must be self-motivated and must be able to use time and institutional resources effectively and judiciously. • Ability to work independently with minimum supervision while fostering good collaboration with Radiation Oncology staff. • Ability to promote teamwork by working together with other department staff and peers. • Ability to follow the requirements and develop treatment plans as specified in national and/or institutional treatment protocols. • Ability to maintain courteous, helpful and professional behavior at all times. • Possesses the ability to promote compliance and comply with all policies, standard operating procedures, and regulations related to routine clinical operations. • Ability to operate specialized equipment and handling of radioactive materials; ability to handle heavy equipment and devices required for clinical tasks. Physical Demands: • Ability to perform light work, including but not limited to: standing, reaching, walking, lifting, or carrying objects up to 35 pounds, pushing, pulling, stooping, reaching, handling, finger manipulation, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, eye-hand coordination. Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Created: 2024-10-19