Chief Medical Physicist

Job Summary

Responsible for establishing radiation policies and protocols for the calibrating, commissioning of equipment, and achieving and maintaining accreditation of the department. Responsible for implementing programs for authentication and  verification of all data input, review of all treatment plans, calculations, and dosage QA. Devises and implements new training programs relevant to new technology. Provides assistance to the Radiation Oncologists for Radiation Oncology patients as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: Master’s Degree in Medical Physics or related field
Minimum Years of Experience: 15 Years of relevant clinical experience in Radiation Oncology
Substitutable Education & Experience: None.
Required Certifications/Licensure: Board certified in Medical Physics
Required Training: None.

Essential Functions

• Able to perform all duties and responsibilities of a Medical Radiation Physicist.
• Along with Director, will write policy and procedures for treatment planning and radiation programs.
• Responsible for creating training programs; to educate staff on new technology.
• Along with Director, will implement and maintain standards and policies for departmental accreditation.
• Responsible for implementation of Cancer Committee radiation protocols.
• Reports to the department Director and  Medical Director concerning professional and technical activities in the Department.
• Checks the accuracy of treatment unit parameters and settings used for a patient’s treatment, including correct transfer of parameters between all equipment and required calculations
• Prepares inverse and forward external beam, SRS/SBRT,VMAT and brachytherapy treatment plans, customized to each patient.
• Presents proposals to Medical Director/Director, such as new devices, protocols, or designs of equipment, changes in treatment, planning, research, etc.
• Performs and verifies equipment, dosage, film, and patient QA measurements.
• Performs specification, acceptance testing, and commissioning of new equipment.
• Calibrates diagnostic, planning, and therapeutic x-ray machines, and determines the distribution of radiation throughout the irradiated area. Transfers data into planning computers.
• Documents applicable dosimetry and physics parameters and calculations required to deliver the prescribed treatment in the electronic and paper charts.
• Performs weekly QA chart and dose reviews on each patient under treatment. Compares electronic vs written and actual treatment data.
• Outlines QA procedures which include tests to be performed, tolerances, and frequency of tests.
• Monitors daily linac and simulator QA values obtained by the Radiation Therapists.
• Arranges for external verification of dose values and calibration measures, such as annual TLD measurements, leak testing, calibration of radiation detection devices, etc.
• Assists the Radiation Oncologists in real-time seed implant and intravascular brachytherapy.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Determines post-procedure dose determination of seed implants through CT studies.
• Consults with Radiation Oncologists per their request for special patient-specific treatment considerations.
• Evaluates all conformal, IMRT, and brachytherapy setups and dosimetry plans at the beginning or prior to beginning the course of treatment.
• Operates equipment delivering ionizing radiation to patients for therapy.
• Uses computer and video display terminal for computing and designing radiation therapy beams to the appropriate target.
• Offers input on treatment setup techniques.
• Calculates amount and activity of radioactive materials. Confirms vendor’s stated values.  Receives, logs, registers, and assumes responsibility for radioactive materials from receipt through decay and disposal of material, following established protocols.
• Maintains current and complete records and documentation of radiation safety, pertinent QA activities, calibration reports, and others as required by the Department Director, policy, and SC DHEC.
• Works cooperatively to assist  DHEC representatives with on-site regulatory inspections.
• Ensures proper radiation safety measures are in place for patients receiving brachytherapy.
• With the Radiation Oncologist, instructs nursing and other personnel on radiation precautions and self protection. Performs room and patient radiation surveys.
• Reviews monthly Landauer reports and posts in the Department.  Notifies Department Director of special requests or changes in badging to be made with the RSO/designee.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, conferences, and workshops as requested by the Medical Director. Researches current Physics literature.
• Captures and reviews Physics and applicable dosimetry charges accurately.
• Works with vendor’s service engineer for special equipment testing and calibration. Coordinates physics activities deemed applicable in coordination with or as a result of servicing.
• Communicates ongoing equipment problems or issues with the Medical Director.
• Attends weekly departmental meetings.
• Serves on departmental CQI committee and other committees as designated.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.