Dosimetrist-NE

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The Medical Dosimetrist is a member of the radiation oncology team who has a knowledge of the overall characteristics and clinical relevance of radiation oncology in the management of cancer or other disease process, with special expertise in radiation therapy treatment planning. The essential responsibility of the Medical Dosimetrist is to demonstrate an understanding of topics including, but not limited to, cancer, radiation biology, radiation therapy techniques, radiation oncology physics, equipment technology, radiation safety and protection, anatomy, physiology, and mathematics to generate treatment plans. Once the treatment plan has been generated the Medical Dosimetrist is responsible for communicating the plan to the Radiation Oncologist, and then to the Radiation Therapist for implementation. The Medical Dosimetrist must maintain a commitment to a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and safety. The Medical Dosimetrist must use critical thinking skills when performing treatment planning, plan evaluation, recognizing and resolving equipment problems and treatment discrepancies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1. Must be board eligible for the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) exam. Must obtain Medical Dosimetrist certification through the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) within one (1) year of hire. 

2. State criminal background check and Federal (if applicable), as required for regulated areas 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1. Certified Medical Dosimetrist through the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB).  

2. Completion of a formal medical dosimetry program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

EXPERIENCE: 

1. Three (3) years of medical dosimetry experience.

2. Experience with Varian Eclipse and ARIA.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties.  Other duties may be assigned.

1. Assemble data to identify and contour normal and dose-limiting structures by utilizing images from one or more data sets. Assumes proficiency in image registration with various image data sets to include CT, MRI and PET.

2. Design a treatment plan by means of computer and/or manual computation with optimal beam geometry to deliver a prescribed radiation dose and spare critical structures in accordance with the Radiation Oncologist's prescription.

3. Create and transfer reference images and localization markers for portal verification and treatment delivery to include DRRs, CBCTs and other IGRT methods, as specified.

4. Supervise or assist in simulations and tumor localization using specified imaging devices including, but not limited to CT, MRI, and PET.

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

6. Supervise, perform, or assist in the planning and implementation of the production of molds, casts, and other immobilization devices.

7. Communicate with the radiation therapist(s) and assume an advisory role in the implementation of the treatment plan including: the correct use of immobilization devices, compensators, wedges, field arrangement, and other treatment or imaging parameters

8. Development of optimal treatment strategies that result in attainable radiation therapy plans including localization of tumor volumes, critical structures, generation of isodose distributions, and performance of dose calculations according to the written directive.

9. Maintain accurate evaluation of information generated from radiation treatment plans such as isodose distributions, Dose Volume Histograms (DVH’s) and other data in establishing the appropriateness of the treatment plan.

10. Perform calculations for the accurate delivery of the prescribed dose in MU, document all pertinent information in the patient record, and verify the mathematical accuracy of all calculations by an approved method.

11. Maintain accurate transfer and documentation of treatment parameters either manually or electronically according to departmental policies.

12. Provide assistance and technical support to the Medical Physicist, in radiation safety and protection, qualitative machine calibrations, quality assurance of treatment plans and radiation oncology equipment.

13. Operates and performs quality assurance, under the direction of the Medical Physicist, on the treatment planning computer(s).

14. Supervise, perform, or assist in the application of specific methods of patient and/or beam dosimetry as directed by the Medical Physicist.

15. Assist in brachytherapy procedures by performing treatment planning and dose calculations

16. Participate in the quality improvement processes by performing periodic checks as indicated by the supervising medical physicist.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. The following items under physical demands, psychological demands, work demands and exposure category describe the basic extent of physical demands performed by staff in this position.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Cognizant of environmental factors, infection control issues and maintains a safe environment.

2. Quiet office setting with private workstation.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Ability to be scheduled for work based on operational needs of the hospital.

2. Possesses the ability to deal tactfully and harmoniously with guests.

3. Demonstrates knowledge of and follows correct chain of command in handling challenges and issues, including crisis situations.

4. Assumes responsibility by ensuring continued professional growth of self, attending formal and/or formal educational/professional activities.

5. Ability to organize and prioritize time and tasks to achieve a well-coordinated work effort and to effectively meet work schedules, including an ability to integrate multiple factors which may have an impact on patient care, including variance in human resources.

Additional Job Description:

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Shift:

Exempt/Non-Exempt:

United States of America (Exempt)

Company:

WVUH West Virginia University Hospitals

Cost Center:

158 WVUH Cancer Radiation Oncology