AddressGeneral Summary
Under limited supervision, performs as lead worker of Staff Dosimetrists in providing comprehensive treatment plans for patients undergoing radiation therapy.
Principal Responsibilities and Tasks
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
- Computes dose distributions and generates isodose curves for external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy in accordance with departmental procedures and generally accepted dosimetry practices.
- Participates in complex situations, localization and immobilization procedures and fabrication of custom treatment devices.
Designs and implements quality assurance procedures in accordance with departmental procedures.
- Evaluates patient charts to ensure that the treatment plan reflects the prescriptions, the documentation is complete and the dose calculations are accurate. Reports to the physicist and physician on dose errors and changes in treatment parameters.
- Performs verification checks to ensure accuracy of dose calculations. Calibrates equipment, collects and analyzes data to verify equipment parameters.
Provides support to physicists in dosimetry calibration, QA and new procedures.
- Assists physicists with in-vivo patient dosimetry, ensuring proper placement and reading of thermoluminescent dosimeters and solid-state detectors.
- Assists physicist in quality assurance activities with regard to therapy equipment, such as output checks, energy checks, flatness, symmetry and others.
- Actively participate in clinical projects either by committee appointment or designated lead for investigation, implementation and monitoring of new clinical practices.
- Participates in Quality Improvement projects
Coordinates/participates in brachytherapy procedures.
- Coordinates brachytherapy activities including ordering radioactive sources for permanent and/or temporary implants, scheduling events and procedures and maintaining source inventory and records.
- Assists physicist in QA checks of brachytherapy devices including HDR. Generates treatment plans including the calculation of seed strengths and physical loading of seeds under the direction of a Physicist or Radiation Oncologist. Performs patient and facility radiation surveys using appropriate survey instruments.
Provides leadership and guidance to the dosimetry staff in accordance with departmental standards and procedures.
- Assists in administrative responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Dosimetrist, such as, performing individual performance evaluations, interviewing and enforcing departmental rules and regulations.
- Assists in maintaining adequate staffing levels. Ensures that all areas are properly staffed and that all work is completed accurately and timely.
- Conducts new employee orientation and training as needed.
- Serves on Assigned Clinical Commitees
Education and Training
- Attends and participates in in-service and other relevant training courses for professional development.
- Attends and participates in dosimetry treatment planning conference and patient review conference.
- Takes leadership role in educational programs for technologists, dosimetrists, residents and medical students.
- Assumes instructional responsibilities for Dosimetry Trainees under the direction of the Chief Dosimetrist.
- Responsible for indirect supervision and mentoring of medical dosimetry trainees
