Sr. Dosimetrist

Houston Methodist•Sugar Land, TX

About The Position

At Houston Methodist, the Senior Dosimetrist position is responsible for designing a treatment plan under the direction of the Medical Physicists and the Radiation Oncologists. This position has broad knowledge of the physical and geometric characteristics of the radiation equipment and radioactive sources employed and keeps abreast of latest technology through continuing education. The Senior Dosimetrist position effectively teaches and mentors others and staff Dosimetrists in various aspects of Dosimetry. This position independently creates complex treatment plans using any treatment modality on any treatment planning software in the department. The Senior Dosimetrist position is able to work with physicists to provide oversight and leadership for new treatment techniques. If applicable, this position creates Brachytherapy plans independently and helps maintain Brachytherapy program. Houston Methodist Standard PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity. HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values: INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do. COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs. ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions. RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value. EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate. Practices the Caring and Serving Model Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words) Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

Requirements

Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.
Four years experience as a Dosimetrist.
May consider HM employee with three years' experience, as a Dosimetrist who demonstrates progressive abilities.
CMD - Certified Medical Dosimetrist (MDCB)
Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital / Radiation Oncology Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents.
Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers.
Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing work flow and actively participating in problem-solving.

Nice To Haves

BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA)

Responsibilities

Assumes an advisory role and communicates with the radiation therapist(s) in the implementation of the treatment plan including: the correct use of immobilization devices, compensators, wedges, field arrangement, and other treatment or imaging parameters
Guides and mentors Dosimetrists and radiation therapists to help build confidence in skills, knowledge and abilities. Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards department goals for retention and employee engagement.
Facilitates open, professional (verbal, nonverbal, written) communication to achieve mutual understanding. Communication to promote both work efforts and problem resolution is clear and professional, providing the highest quality service during every customer and patient encounter.
Applies advanced knowledge and skills to develop complex treatment plans. Provides recommendations and consultation in collaboration with the Radiation Oncologist on development of treatment plans to achieve desired outcome.
Assumes proficiency and mentors others and provides training to staff Dosimetrist 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.
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. Provides guidance in simulations and tumor localization and makes recommendations for use of custom shields, wedges, and other beam modifying devices.
In collaboration with the Medical Physicist, provides technical support to Dosimetrist and Radiation Therapist in radiation safety and protection, qualitative machine calibrations, quality assurance of treatment plans and radiation oncology equipment. Operates and performs quality assurance, in collaboration with the Medical Physicist, on the treatment planning computer(s). Follows principles of radiation protection for patient, self and others. Follows safety standards and conducts all radiation therapy procedures accordingly. Maintains proper sterile techniques for procedures, regularly practices aseptic techniques, and ensures compliance with radiation safety and infection control procedures.
Providing input into research protocols and data collection for RTOG (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group) and other national data collection organizations.
Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures, with an advanced understanding of Dosimetry-related charges and billing procedures. Enters, validates and reviews charges at the time service is delivered, as appropriate. Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Utilizes efficient and cost-effective work practices with department resources and supplies; provides recommendations to reduce expenses. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.
Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that improve quality or service. Seeks opportunities to advance skills and knowledge in new technology. Collaborates with Physics and Physicians for initial and ongoing treatment to advance Radiation Oncology, supports new protocols.