Dosimetrist

Albany Medical Center • City of Albany, NY

2d

About The Position

The Medical Dosimetrist is a member of the radiation therapy planning team, familiar with the physical and geometric characteristics of radiation equipment and radioactive sources commonly employed, with the training and expertise necessary to generate radiation dose distributions and calculations under the directions of the Radiation Oncologist and Medical Physicist. (S)he communicates with the therapists to assure correct implementation of the treatment planning and assists during simulations and with the fabrication of custom designed blocks and molds as needed. Duties also include preparation for, and assistance with all types of brachy therapy procedures and quality assurance of treatment machines. The Medical Dosimetrist is a member of the radiation therapy planning team, familiar with the physical and geometric characteristics of radiation equipment and radioactive sources commonly employed, with the training and expertise necessary to generate radiation dose distributions and calculations under the directions of the Radiation Oncologist and Medical Physicist. (S)he communicates with the therapists to assure correct implementation of the treatment planning and assists during simulations and with the fabrication of custom designed blocks and molds as needed. Duties also include preparation for, and assistance with all types of brachy therapy procedures and quality assurance of treatment machines. Primary Age Groups Served: All ages.

Requirements

• Certified as a Medical Dosimetrist or to have the educational background as required to qualify for the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) Exam.
• 1 year
• Certified Medical Dosimetrist. (MDCB)
• A graduate of a formal university, college or hospital based dosimetry program.
• Registered Radiation Therapist. (ARRT)
• A bachelor’s degree in the physical or biological sciences.
• Must be able to understand the technical aspects of radiation oncology and physics to derive computerized treatment plans, and communicate these aspects to the Radiation Oncologists for plan approval, and to the Radiation Therapists for plan interpretation.
• Performs routine duties independent of supervision, but consults with the Radiation Oncologist and Medical Physicist as required.
• Works directly under the supervision of the Chief Medical Physicist.
• Operates and performs quality assurance under the direction of the Medical Physicist on the treatment machines.
• Has a working knowledge of radiation safety and current rules and regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
• Has the ability to interpret and execute treatment plans as defined in relevant treatment protocols.
• Has the ability to work in a team with physicians, physicists, therapists, nurses, patients and all other hospital staff.
• Assists during preplanning medical imaging such as CT and MRI.
• Teaches applied aspects of medical dosimetry to students and residents as assigned.
• Must possess mathematical skills including algebra, trigonometry, and introductory calculus and be able to visualize objects in three-dimensional concepts to facilitate the planning process.
• Has the dexterity and skills to assist in all aspects of brachy therapy procedures.
• Has the dexterity and skills to fabricate custom designed molds and custom blocking.

Responsibilities

• Design a treatment plan by means of computer and/or manual computation with optimal beam geometry to deliver a prescribed radiation dose and spare critical structures in accordance with the Radiation Oncologist's prescription. The types of plans required are 2D planning, 3D conformal planning, IMRT/VMAT planning, 4D planning and SRS/SBRT planning.
• Identify and contour normal and dose-limiting structures by utilizing images from one or more data sets. Assumes proficiency in image registration with various image data sets to include CT, MRI and PET.
• Create and transfer reference images and localization markers for portal verification and treatment delivery to include DRRs, CBCTs and other IGRT methods, as specified.
• Oversee, perform, or assist in simulations and tumor localization using specified imaging devices including, but not limited to CT, MRI, and PET.
• Oversee, perform, or assist in the planning and implementation of the fabrication of compensation filters, custom shields, wedges, and other beam modifying devices.
• Oversee, perform, or assist in the planning and implementation of the production of molds, casts, and other immobilization devices.
• Communicate with the radiation therapist(s) and assume an advisory role in the implementation of the treatment plan including: the correct use of immobilization devices, compensators, wedges, field arrangement, and other treatment or imaging parameters.
• Perform calculations for the accurate delivery of the prescribed dose, document all pertinent information in the patient record, and verify the mathematical accuracy of all calculations by an approved method.
• Provide assistance and technical support to the Medical Physicist, in radiation safety and protection, qualitative machine calibrations, quality assurance of treatment plans and radiation oncology equipment.
• Operates and performs quality assurance, under the direction of the Medical Physicist, on the treatment planning computer(s) and radiation oncology equipment.
• Oversee, perform, or assist in the application of specific methods of patient and/or beam dosimetry as directed by the Medical Physicist.
• Assist in brachytherapy procedures by performing treatment planning and dose calculations. May perform or assist in the receiving, loading, and shipping of radioactive materials.
• Utilize radiation monitoring devices to measure radioactivity and perform assays.
• Teach applied aspects of medical dosimetry to students, radiation therapists and residents.
• Participate in clinical research as necessary.
• Participate in continuing education.
• Participate in quality improvement processes.

Benefits

• Excellent health care coverage with no copay at Albany Medical Center providers
• A wide array of services and programs to support emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level