Dosimetrist

Mercy Cedar Rapids•Baltimore, MD

About The Position

This position supports Mercy’s philosophy of patient centered care by taking the patient's data and creating a radiation therapy plan that helps destroy the cancer while limiting the treatment side effects. Is a member of the radiation oncology team who has knowledge of the overall characteristics and clinical relevance of radiation oncology treatment machines and equipment. Is cognizant of procedures commonly used in brachytherapy and has the education and expertise necessary to generate radiation dose distributions and dose calculations in collaboration with the Medical Physicist and Radiation Oncologist.

Requirements

A qualified Medical Dosimetrist is able to demonstrate an understanding of topics including, but not limited to, cancer, radiation biology, radiation therapy techniques, radiation oncology physics, equipment technology, quality assurance, radiation safety and protection, anatomy and physiology, and mathematics to generate treatment plans.
They are responsible for communicating the plan to the Radiation Oncologist, Medical Physicist and Radiation Therapist from creation to implementation.
Knowledgeable in the areas of 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.
Knowledgeable in health care informatics-including the resources, devices and methods to acquire, store and retrieve data. Tools include computers as well as clinical guidelines, current medical terminology, information and communication systems.
Possess good communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate the exchange of information with patients, family members, the radiation oncology treatment team as well as outside entities.
Has high level critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Works independently, but in collaboration with the Radiation Oncologist and Medical Physicist.
Has working knowledge of radiation safety principles and practices as well as current rules and regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other regulatory agencies.
Has the ability to interpret criteria and develop treatment plans as defined by relevant treatment protocols.
Has mathematical skills including algebra, trigonometry, and introductory calculus.
Education sufficient to obtain required certification.
Board eligible with certification within 1 year of hire required.

Nice To Haves

Previous medical dosimetry or radiation therapy experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Designs 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.
Identifies and contours 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.
Creates and transfers reference images and localization markers for portal verification and treatment delivery to include DRRs, CBCTs and other IGRT methods, as specified.
Supervises, performs, or assists in simulations and tumor localization using specified imaging devices including, but not limited to CT, MRI, and PET.
Supervises, performs, or assists in the planning and implementation of the fabrication of compensation filters, custom shields, wedges, and other beam modifying devices.
Supervises, performs, or assists in the planning and implementation of the production of molds, casts, and other immobilization devices.
Communicates 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.
Performs 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.
Provides 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).
Supervises, performs, or assists in the application of specific methods of patient and/or beam dosimetry as directed by the Medical Physicist.
Assists in brachytherapy procedures by performing treatment planning and dose calculations.
May perform or assist in the receiving, loading, and shipping of radioactive materials.
Utilizes radiation monitoring devices to measure radioactivity and perform assays.
Teaches applied aspects of medical dosimetry to students, radiation therapists and residents.
Participates in clinical research, continuing education, and in quality improvement processes.
Follows Mercy's safety guidelines, carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities, and promptly reports any unsafe conditions, situations, incidents and injuries.
Follows Mercy's safety guidelines, carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities, and promptly reports any unsafe conditions, situations, incidents and injuries.