Dosimetrist

Overview

The medical dosimetrist is a member of the radiation oncology team who has knowledge of the overall characteristics and clinical relevance of radiation oncology treatment machines and equipment, is cognizant of procedures commonly used in brachytherapy and has the education and expertise necessary to generate radiation dose distributions and dose calculations in collaboration with the medical physicist and radiation oncologist.

Responsibilities

• Design a treatment plan by means of computer and/or manual computation that will deliver a prescribed radiation dose and field placement technique in accordance with the Radiation Oncologist' s prescription to a defined tumor volume.
• Consider dose-limiting structures in the design of treatment plans and document dose in accordance with the Radiation Oncologist' s prescription.
• Supervise, perform, or assist in treatment simulations and tumor localization on dedicated devices, including CT, MRI, and PET when indicated, for radiation oncology treatment planning. Supervise, perform, or assist in planning or fabrication of compensation filters, custom shields, wedges, and other beam modifying devices.
• Supervise, perform, or assist in the planning and production of moulds, casts, and other immobilization devices.
• Supervise the therapist staff in the implementation of the treatment plan including: the correct use of immobilization devices, compensators, wedges, field arrangement, and other treatment variables.
• Perform calculations for the accurate delivery of the Radiation Oncologist' s prescribed dose, document all pertinent information in the patient record, and verify the mathematical accuracy of all calculations using a system established by the Medical Physicist.
• Supervise, perform, or assist patient treatments on the linear accelerator as need arises.
• Supervise, perform, or assist in the application of specific methods of dosimetry including ion chamber, TLD, diode, or film measurements as directed by the Medical Physicist.
• Participate in continuing education in the area of current treatment planning techniques, and advances in medical dosimetry.
• Supervise, perform, or assist in other duties as required by the department supervisor.

Qualifications

Junior Dosimetrist Qualifications

• Associate of Science degree in Radiation Therapy required.
• Must be a member in good standing with the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
• Minimum of two (2) years of radiation therapy experience, including both patient treatment and simulation.
• Must be training under the direct supervision of a Medical Physicist to meet eligibility requirements for the certification examination.

Dosimetrist Qualifications

• Must have successfully completed the Medical Dosimetrist certification process.
• Must be a member in good standing with the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD).
• Works under the supervision of the Medical Physicist and Radiation Oncologist.
• Must possess a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of radiation oncology and medical physics necessary to develop computerized treatment plans.
• Must be able to communicate treatment planning information effectively to the Radiation Oncologist for plan approval and to the Radiation Therapist for plan implementation.
• Ability to perform routine duties independently while consulting with the Radiation Oncologist and Medical Physicist as needed.
• Working knowledge of radiation safety principles and current Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations.
• Ability to interpret and implement treatment plans in accordance with established treatment protocols.
• Experience operating treatment planning systems and performing quality assurance procedures under the direction of the Medical Physicist.
• Strong mathematical aptitude, including algebra, trigonometry, and introductory calculus.
• Ability to visualize and evaluate three-dimensional anatomical structures to support the treatment planning process.