Under the direct supervision of the Chief Physicist, the Physicist ensures the quality of care in the use of radiation producing sources and imaging equipment. The physicist also assists in matters of protection of patients and staff from radiation in the Department of Radiation Oncology. Responsible for overall functioning of radiation therapy equipment, radiation safety considerations and operational aspects of the WellStar Radiation Oncology facilities. Calibrates all radiation therapy equipment, conducts routine quality control procedures on all radiation treatment devices. Helps in planning of radiation treatments. Recommends radiation safety procedures to areas using radiation. Educates personnel in radiation protection practices. Shares responsibility for brachytherapy source inventories, surveys, leak tests.
Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions:
Daily duties
Work with other physics staff and assist in the general medical physics duties pertaining to operating a radiation therapy facility.
Ensures that every treatment plan is checked and/or IMRT QA performed before the first fraction.
Provides quality assurance of patient treatment through weekly checking of patients charts and attending General chart rounds.
Performs routine or specialized dosimetry to check the treatment plan parameters.
Performs spot checks and reviews all technical and scientific data generated from simulation through treatment in order to ensure accuracy and precision of patients treatment plan.
Designs and fabricates special ancillary equipment, immobilization devices, compensating filters, molds and blocking devices.
Performs chart checks for any mathematical errors or prescription changes that may have occurred throughout the course of treatment.
Provides consultation to assure accurate radiation dose delivery.
Verifies proper operation and safety of all machines and sources producing radiation in accordance with established guidelines and protocols.
Upholds, maintains and establishes adequate protocols to ensure accurate patient dosimetry.
Follows all radiation safety standards and regulatory requirements. Maintain safe environment for patients, personnel and visitors.
Ensures proper documentation is recorded and maintained.
Participates in all ongoing protocol studies with respect to gathering correct data and documentation of materials.
Assists RSO with the Radiation Safety Program
Assures the efficient operation of workflow of the department by performing other duties as assigned by the Radiation Oncology Manager. QA
Performs routine checks on the radiation therapy equipment in accordance with the guidelines provided by AAPM.
Performs VMAT/IMRT QA on all IMRT/VMAT plans.
Performs daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly checks on all radiation delivery machines.
Assists the Chief Physicist during Annual machine QAs.
Performs machine QA after a component changes.
Works with the field service engineer to ensure that the machine is in compliance after service events. Staff training and education
Educates staff and physicians on radiation safety procedures.
Educates personnel on care for brachytherapy patients.
Keeps up with continuing education credits required to maintain the certification.
Required Minimum Education:
Master's Degree Required or Ph.D degree required with at least five years of direct experience in the field. Required
Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s):
All certifications are required upon hire unless otherwise stated.
Medical Physicist ABR
Additional License(s) and Certification(s):
Certification by the American Board of Radiology Upon Hire Required
Required Minimum Experience:
3-5 years of experience in Radiation Therapy. Required
Required Minimum Skills:
Must be familiar with a variety of the fields concepts, practices, and procedures and be able to rely on extensive experience and judgement to plan and accomplish goals. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Must have ability to be self-motivated and self-directed in daily/routine tasks. The individual must be able to communicate and understand the verbal and written English language and display a positive attitude (see WellStars Standards of Gold).