Senior Radiation Oncology Medical Physicist

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION

The senior physicist uses their knowledge of physics to develop and us medical radiation treatment, devices, and technologies. Their responsibilities include planning radiation treatments, ensuring patients receive the correct dose, and directly participating in a patient's diagnosis and treatment. Working in radiotherapy physics, the physicist will be responsible for the precision and accuracy of treatments by sing advanced computer calculations to develop individual patient treatment plans. The physicist will use images of the cancer to outline target volume. In addition, the physicist will ensure equipment in safe, effective, and working properly, and maintaining it at high quality standards, while performing QA and troubleshooting. The physicist will study how radiation affects the body, researching new treatment options, and developing new safety procedures. There are additional expectations around teaching other team members, advising on radiation safety and identifying problems, developing clinical solutions, and implementing quality management programs.  The senior physicist serves as the designated Certified Radiation Expert for the Armes Family Cancer Care Center.

JOB DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Duty 1 :   Responsible for maintaining and executing the Radiation Oncology Quality Assurance and Safety program (policies and procedures) for radiation therapy and provides appropriate support to staff in this regard.

Duty 2. Implements, manages and maintains all medical physics ancillary QA equipment including preventative maintenance and routine calibrations (e.g., pt. diodes, daily therapist QA).

Duty 3. Coordinates with alternate physicist to ensure on site coverage of patient care during clinic hours and coverage for vacations and illness.  Maintains calendar of coverage and communicates changes at least 30 days in advance.  Available for emergency consultation when necessary.

Duty 4. Responsible for ensuring all local / state / federal regulations and accreditation standards related to medical physics services are met

Duty 5. Consults with Radiation Oncologists, Dosimetrists, and Therapists to ensure safe and effective treatment of patients. Responsible for initial physics consultation with radiation oncologist and dosimetrist for plan development and review. Consultative support of radiation oncologist including special dose measurements, calculations, etc.

Duty 6. Responsible for administration and maintenance of all software systems including treatment planning systems, monitor unit calculation systems, and QA software including oversight of software upgrades.

Duty 7. Performs daily, monthly and annual quality assurance testing on all linear accelerators, CT simulators and treatment planning systems in accordance with local / state / federal regulations.  Serves as point of contact for consulting on equipment downtime.

Duty 8. Responsible for oversight of dosimetrist to include plan reviews for each patient. Assists dosimetrist in planning as necessary and is responsible for quality assurance of each patient plan including special quality assurance for IMRT planning.  Participates in weekly chart round reviews.

Duty 9. Performs dosimetry functions in the absence of dosimetrist

Duty 10. Present at machine for all HyperArc / SBRT / SRS / SRT, high dose treatments and any other treatments as determined by the radiation oncologists.

Duty 11. Responsible for commissioning and maintaining of HyperArc & stereotactic machine model in treatment planning system. Responsible for maintenance and utilization of stereotactic & HyperArc ancillary quality assurance equipment.  Serves as point of contact for all surveys related to radiation safety from regulatory bodies.

Duty 12. Performs weekly patient chart reviews and is responsible for Maintenance of all records pertaining to patient consults and quality assurance as needed.

Duty 13. Responsible for all physics test credentialing, planning, and oversight of RTOG protocol participation. Initiates, implements and performs procedures if program is seeking additional treatment types, accreditations or certifications.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master of Science degree in physics, biophysics, medical physics, radiological physics, nuclear engineering or health physics

Certified by the American Board of Radiology in Therapeutic Medical Physics

Minimum of 3+ years’ experience

Certified Radiation Expert (CRE) certification through the state of Ohio

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires a full range of body motion with intermittent walking, lifting, bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting and standing. The associate will be required to walk for up to one hour a day, sit continuously for six hours a day and stand for one hour a day. The individual must be able to lift twenty to fifty pounds and reach work above the shoulders. The individual must have good eye-hand coordination and fine finger dexterity for simple grasping tasks. The individual must have excellent verbal communication skills to perform daily tasks. The associate must have corrected vision and hearing in the normal range. The individual must be able to operate a motor vehicle for business travel and community involvement.

• This position is classified “at risk” for possible occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens (HBV, HIV, etc.)