Medical Dosimetrist Jobs

Medical Dosimetrist

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, 3-D, 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.

Principle duties of the medical dosimetrist include (but are not limited to):

• Participate in continuing education and quality improvement processes.
• Identify and contour normal and dose-limiting 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.
• Review imaging and prior treatment records to provide feedback to physicians on potential dose overlap and other relevant information.
• 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 Oncologist's prescription. This includes 3D and IMRT, and SBRT photon treatment planning.
• Create and transfer reference images and localization markers for portal verification and treatment delivery to include DRRs, CBCTs and other IGRT methods, as specified.
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as necessary which fall under the activities described in the scope of position.
• 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.
• 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.

B.Sc. degree in physics or related science is a requirement for this position. Graduate from an accredited dosimetry program preferred.

• 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.

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 informatics-including 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.