Medical Dosimetrist - Radiation Therapy

Under the general direction of the Chief Medical Dosimetrist, work from information furnished by physicians for planning the radiation treatment of patients. Develop and present a series of plans of therapy for appraisal and approval of the attending physician or group critique. Provide control liaison between the attending physician and therapist treating the patient. Initiate projects in additional areas which may include: formal teaching, research, in-service education or quality assurance.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

Develops 2-D and 3-D external beam treatment plans for the approval of radiation oncologists either manually or utilizing a digital computer. Assists radiation oncologist in delineating target volume and potentially critical structures, using patient contours, radiographs, CT scans and other diagnostic studies including CT-MRI registration based on age-specific criteria of patients (see addendum). Collaborates with radiation oncologists, clinical physicists and therapists in developing and implementing new treatment techniques.

• Ascertains that equipment and treatment rooms are properly prepared for the planned course of treatment. Reviews simulation and port films to assure accurate reproduction of treatment plan. Calculates radiation treatment machine meter settings required by treatment plan, documenting information in patient's therapy chart.
• Transfers Rx data electronically through the use of record- and verify systems.
• As requested by attending radiation oncologists, performs in?Consults with radiation oncologist concerning radioactive implant sites, volume studies, materials, and the proposed dose distribution. Prepares implant apparatus and maintains inventory to assure that correct amount and type of radioactive material will be available to the oncologist.
• Assists radiation oncologist in the operating room ands GammaMed Suite with the loading of implant apparatus and the handling of radioactive material. Assists in the loading and removal of temporary implants.
• Performs required health physics measurements of patient exposure rates and safety surveys of equipment and operating room.
• Documents the amount and type of radioactive material used. Prepares all paperwork in accordance with established Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulations.
• Identifies the location of radioactive sources on final placement films or CT scans and calculates post-implant dosimetry dose for presentation to radiation oncologist.
• Participates in brachytherapy conference, presenting implant isodose distributions for discussion and review by staff oncologists.
• New Haven Hospital Regional Treatment Planning Program. Perform external beam treatment planning, interstitial and intracavitary implant dosimetry and x?ray beam blocking for regional hospitals. Discusses plans with the referring oncologist to assure mutual understanding of information.
• up and quality assurance procedures on computerized treatment planning data.
• Participates in the clinical instruction of resident physicians, technology and dosimetry students. Actively participates in the interview and acceptance of students in the Yale?New Haven Hospital Dosimetry Training Program.
• Attends bi?Participates in development and reform of departmental policies and procedures.
• Performs all job duties and responsibilities in a manner that ensures customer satisfaction and promotes positive and constructive working relationships within the department and throughout the external medical community.
• Teach a minimum of five (5) formal classes or clinical labs in the technology and/or dosimetry training programs.
• Initiates or helps to develops a clinical research project which results in publication in a national journal or in improvement in treatment modality.
• Assists clinical physicists in the ongoing quality assurance program for computer equipment or formal participation in the departmental quality assurance committee.

Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or an accredited radiation therapy technology program (with certification in radiation therapy technology), supplemented by successful completion of a dosimetry training program. On-the-job training for a period of two (2) years may be substituted for formal dosimetry training. Certification by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board. A minimum of five (5) years of full-time employment as a dosimetrist.

Medical Dosimetry Credentialing Board Certification

Perform computerized and manual external beam and brachytherapy planning. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of medical physics, clinical oncology, radiographic anatomy and health physics.