Medical Dosimetrist - Radiation Therapy

Medical Dosimetrist

Kaweah Health is a community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia area in central California. With more than 5,000 employees, Kaweah Health provides state-of-the-art medicine and high-quality preventive services in our acute care hospital, specialized health centers and clinics. Our eight-campus healthcare district has 613 beds and offers comprehensive health services across a broad continuum of care.

It takes a special person to work for Kaweah Health. We serve a region where the needs are great, which makes the rewards even greater. Throughout it all, our focus is to make a difference, and we do — in the health of our patients, our loved ones, and our community.

The Medical Dosimetrist designs the treatment plans used to provide radiation therapy to our cancer patients. With the use of complex software programs and in collaboration with the radiation oncologists and the medical physicist, the Dosimetrist utilizes images acquired, and the technology of our therapy units to set programs for the safest treatment doses with exacting location to provide accurate and effective treatment.

Relocation Assistance Available

Certified Medical Dosimetrist (CMD) BLS

Registered radiation therapist with on-the-job training in dosimetry under the supervision of a dosimetrist, medical physicist, or radiation oncologist, and an additional three years of practical experience in radiation dosimetry; or Graduate of a Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) approved program in medical dosimetry plus CMD.

Designs treatment plans by means of a computer and/or manual computation that will deliver prescribed radiation dose and field placement techniques in accordance with the Radiation Oncologist's prescription to a specified tumor volume.

Works closely with the Simulation therapist to coordinate treatment simulations and tumor localizations on dedicated devices, utilizing diagnostic imaging studies as indicated, for radiation oncology treatment planning.

Utilizes CT information to accurately generate a reasonable, clinically acceptable treatment plan considering dose-limiting structures while achieving optimum tumor volume coverage.

Using a system established by the Medical Physicist, verifies the accuracy of all mathematical computations and notifies physicist and physician of any discrepancy.

Performs/assists in the design and fabrication of compensation filters, shielding blocks and molds as required.

Prepares both physical and electronic chart (IMPAC) for treatment delivery and verify all treatment parameters coincide with the treatment plan and the Radiation Oncologist's prescription.

Is a resource to the radiation therapy staff in the implementation of the treatment plan including the correct use of immobilization devices, compensators, wedges, field arrangements and other variables.

Assists in teaching applied aspects of medical dosimetry to students, as assigned.

Assists the Medical Physicist in performing TLD measurements as is assigned and directed.

Works with the Radiation Oncologist on application of new techniques in Radiation Oncology.

Provides assistance to the radiation oncology physicist regarding protection, qualitative and quantitative machine calibrations, and quality assurance of the radiation therapy equipment, as needed.

Ability to discern when to seek assistance in order to provide quality patient care and meet center's patient care objectives.

Must be aware of The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Participates in continuing education in the area of treatment planning techniques, and advances in medical dosimetry.

Participates in Quality Improvement studies.

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and services appropriate to the population served on the assigned unit or work area. Knowledgeable of growth and development for all patient/family cultural, linguistic, spiritual, gender, and age specific needs.