Dosimetrist Advanced

The medical dosimetrist is a member of the radiation oncology team who has knowledge of the overall characteristics and clinical relevance of radiation oncology in the management of cancer or other disease processes with special expertise in radiation therapy treatment planning. The dosimetrist provides technical information and support to radiation therapists physicians residents and clinical fellows; performs basic dose calculations 2D 3D IMRT and/or IMPT treatment planning for patients receiving photon and proton therapy. Accepts assigned responsibilities for quality assurance of radiation therapy procedures; participates in clinical research projects; educates visiting professionals in the technical aspects of the use of photons and protons in radiation therapy.

This position reports to and takes directives from the Director of Dosimetry.

Certification by the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board and 2 years practical treatment planning experience is required.

Certification by the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board within 3 years of hire is required for all staff hired after 1999. For hires prior to 1999 significant direct experience at MGH may be considered in lieu of CMD certification.

Perform basic dose calculations and 2D treatment plans for non CT based radiation therapy treatments. Design treatment plans by means of computer computation with optimal beam geometry to deliver a prescribed radiation dose and spare critical structures in accordance with the Radiation Oncologists prescription. This includes 3D and IMRT for photon treatment planning and may include 3D and IMPT for proton treatment planning.

The position may include responsibilities for all aspects of planning and implementing treatments for eye tumors including observation of the localization of the tumor in the operating room simulation of patients for treatment and development of a treatment plan; accepts assigned responsibilities for confirmation of correct alignment of tumor in the proton beam prior to treatment.

Identify and contour normal and doselimiting structures by utilizing images from one or more data sets. Perform image registrations with various data sets including but not limited to CT MRI and PET.

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

Communicate with physicians physicists radiation therapists mold room technicians and machine shop staff to advise in the implementation of treatment plans including: the correct use and choice of immobilization devices compensators wedges field arrangement and other treatment or imaging parameters. This may require participation in patient treatments.

Document all pertinent information in the patient record including billing and verify the mathematical accuracy of all calculations by an approved method. Verify treatment record accuracy for patients under treatment

Review imaging and prior treatment records to provide feedback to physicians on potential dose overlap and other relevant information.

Teach applied aspects of medical dosimetry to students radiation therapists residents or visitors.

Participate in clinical research by generating and maintaining data for prospective and retrospective studies.

Participate in continuing education and quality improvement processes.

Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as necessary which fall under the activities described in the scope of position.

B.Sc. degree in physics or related science is a requirement for this position.

CMD with 2 years practical planning experience; meets required competencies related to all routine planning including:

• 2D & 3D

• basic IMRT or basic Proton plans

  Knowledgeable in the areas of anatomy physiology clinical oncology radiobiology radiation physics and radiation safety.

  Expertise in the technical aspects of radiation oncology and medical physics to develop optimal treatment plans.

  Knowledgeable in health care informaticsincluding the resources devices and methods to acquire store and retrieve data. Tools include computers as well as clinical guidelines current medical terminology information and communication systems.

  Possess good communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate the exchange of information with patients family members the radiation oncology treatment team as well as outside entities.

  Has high level critical thinking and problem solving skills.

  Can work independently and in collaboration with other professionals.

The workday is expected to coincide with the departments treatment hours but nonstandard hours may be expected in the interest of patient treatments; will be required to work in a radiation environment which is protected and monitored according to federal and state regulations.