Medical Dosimetrist

Medical Dosimetrist

Tennessee Oncology, one of the nation's largest, community-based cancer care specialists, is home to one of the leading clinical trial networks in the country. Established 1976 in Nashville, Tennessee Oncology's mission remains unchanged: To provide access to high-quality cancer care and the expertise of clinical research for all patients, at convenient locations within their community and close to their home. Our growing network of physicians and locations is based on this mission. Tennessee Oncology is committed to advancing both the science of detection and targeted treatments, and to making these advances available to every patient. We believe caring for cancer patients is a privilege.

The Medical Dosimetrist is responsible for the safe, accurate, and effective use of modern treatment planning systems to design radiation therapy plans that fulfill the Radiation Oncologist's prescription. Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team - including Radiation Oncologists, Medical Physicists, and Radiation Therapists - the dosimetrist develops treatment plans that balance target coverage, organ-at-risk sparing, and clinical objectives. The dosimetrist is proficient with current planning systems and Oncology Information Systems, with the ability to work effectively both onsite and remotely. The dosimetrist must be adaptable to evolving treatment technologies, emerging workflows, and integration of new imaging, planning, and delivery techniques. Additional responsibilities include maintaining accurate electronic medical record documentation, supporting image fusion and contouring processes, utilizing electronic process management tools, contributing to complex case planning, participating in continuing education, and assisting in training students and interns.

Essential Functions:

• Design high-quality treatment plans using computer-based and manual computation methods, employing optimal beam geometry, dose–volume objectives, and advanced planning algorithms in accordance with the Radiation Oncologist's prescription.
• Maintain proficiency with evolving treatment technologies, planning algorithms, adaptive approaches, and new workflow enhancements as they are adopted into clinical practice.
• Identify and contour normal and dose-limiting structures, utilizing CT, MRI, PET, and multimodality image fusion/registration with competency in both rigid and deformable alignment techniques.
• Perform or assist in simulations and tumor localization using specified imaging modalities including, but not limited to, CT, MRI, and PET.
• Participate in simulation and tumor localization processes, including selection or creation of immobilization devices, molds, and masks to support accurate treatment delivery.
• Ensure proper implementation of the treatment plan, including field arrangements, beam-modifying devices, biological evaluation, and all treatment variables relevant to accurate and safe plan execution.
• Collaborate closely with radiation therapists, providing clear guidance and troubleshooting support during plan setup, immobilization device use, and other parameters relevant to daily treatment delivery.
• Assist Medical Physics with complex or specialized planning needs, including SBRT, SRS, CSI, re-irradiation, and cases requiring additional modeling or dosimetric evaluation.
• Perform verification dose calculations, ensure accurate documentation in the electronic medical record, and validate that prescription and plan parameters match the approved clinical intent.
• Review all external beam plans with Radiation Oncologist for appropriateness and approval.
• Utilize the Oncology Information System for record/verify, import/export processes, charge capture, plan documentation, workflow management, and accurate electronic medical record maintenance.
• Create and transfer reference images and localization markers for portal verification and treatment delivery to include DRRs, CBCTs and other IGRT methods as specified.
• Work effectively both onsite and remotely, maintaining clear communication, reliable documentation, and seamless collaboration with all team members across locations.
• Teach applied aspects of medical dosimetry to students, radiation therapists and residents.
• Participate in continuing education and maintain current professional knowledge in treatment planning, imaging, workflows, and new technologies.
• Develop comparative treatment plans and collaborate with Radiation Oncologists and finance teams to generate documentation demonstrating the dosimetric benefits of various treatment approaches for clinical decision-making or cost justification.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Current certification by the MDCB.
• Minimum of 3 years of clinical treatment planning experience.
• Clinical treatment planning experience with Varian Eclipse TPS and Aria OIS.

Preferred Experience:

• Bachelor or Master of Science Degree in a physical or biological science or registered radiation therapy technologist.
• Proficient in 3DCRT, IMRT, VMAT, Electron, SBRT and SRS planning techniques.
• 5 + years of photon planning experience.
• Flexibility to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Proven time management skills.
• Knowledgeable in the areas of anatomy, physiology, clinical oncology, radiobiology, radiation physics, and radiation safety.
• Possess good communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate the exchange of information with patients, family members, and the radiation oncology treatment team as well as outside entities.
• High-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Works independently, but in collaboration with the Radiation Oncologist and Medical Physicist.
• Has basic-to-intermediate knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word.

Physical Requirements:

Job Title: Physical Activity Required

Amount of time

None Less than 1/3 (Occasionally) 1/3 to 2/3 (Frequently) More than 2/3 (Regularly)

Standing X

Walking X

Sitting X

Fingering or manual dexterity X

Repetitive finger motion X

Lifting or exerting force X

Up to 10 pounds X

Up to 25 pounds X

Up to 50 pounds X

Up to 100 pounds X

Over 100 pounds X

Reaching or stretching X

Climbing or balancing X

Crouching or stooping X

Speaking X

Hearing X

Seeing (with correction) X