Dosimetrist

Medical Dosimetrist

The medical dosimetrist 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.

Responsibilities

1. Design a treatment plan by means of computer and/or manual computation that will deliver a prescribed radiation dose and field placement technique in accordance with the Radiation Oncologist's prescription to a defined tumor volume.

2. Consider dose-limiting structures in the design of treatment plans and document dose in accordance with the Radiation Oncologist's prescription.

3. Supervise, perform, or assist in treatment simulations and tumor localization on dedicated devices, including CT, MRI, and PET when indicated, for radiation oncology treatment planning.

4. Supervise, perform, or assist in planning or fabrication of compensation filters, custom shields, wedges, and other beam modifying devices.

5. Supervise, perform, or assist in the planning and production of moulds, casts, and other immobilization devices.

6. Supervise the therapist staff in the implementation of the treatment plan including: the correct use of immobilization devices, compensators, wedges, field arrangement, and other treatment variables.

7 Perform calculations for the accurate delivery of the Radiation Oncologist's prescribed dose, document all pertinent information in the patient record, and verify the mathematical accuracy of all calculations using a system established by the Medical Physicist.

8. Supervise, perform, or assist patient treatments on the linear accelerator as need arises.

9. Supervise, perform, or assist in the application of specific methods of dosimetry including ion chamber, TLD, diode, or film measurements as directed by the Medical Physicist.

10. Participate in continuing education in the area of current treatment planning techniques, and advances in medical dosimetry.

11. Supervise, perform, or assist in other duties as required by the department supervisor.

Qualifications

Junior Dosimetrist- One who has an associate of science degree in Radiation Therapy and is a member in good standing with ASRT. Must have a minimum of two years radiation therapy experience covering both patient treatment and simulation. This position is training under the direct supervision of a Medical Physicist in order to meet the eligibility requirements of certification exam.

Dosimetrist- One who has completed the certification process and is a member in good standing of the American Association of Medical Dosimetrist. This position works under the supervision of the Medical Physicist and Radiation Oncologist.

1. Must be able to understand the technical aspects of radiation oncology and medical physics to derive computerized treatment plans, and communicate these aspects to the Radiation Oncologist for plan approval, and to the Radiation Therapist for plan implementation.

2. Performs routine duties independent of supervision, but consults with the Radiation Oncologist and Medical Physicist as needed.

3. Operates and performs quality assurance, under the direction of the Medical Physicist, on the treatment planning computer.

4. Has working knowledge of radiation safety and current rules and regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

5. has the ability to interpret and execute treatment plans as defined in relevant treatment protocols.

6. Must possess mathematical skills including algebra, trigonometry, and introductory calculus and be able to visualize objects in three-dimensions concepts to facilitate the treatment planning process.