MEDICAL DOSIMETRIST
Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma
Localização do trabalho
Lawton, OK
Detalhes sobre a oferta de trabalho
DEFINITION:
The medical dosimetrist is responsible for the efficient translation of clinical and physical requirements, calibrations, and procedures into a coherent individually planned course of radiation for the cancer patient. The medical radiation dosimetrist has a major responsibility for the accurate documentation and communication of all phases of this process for the entire oncology team.
EDUCATION:
Graduate of a Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredited Medical Dosimetry program, have a BS degree in related sciences or an active ARRT membership and completed 24 months of clinical dosimetry experience.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Certified Medical Dosimetrist (CMD) as recognized by the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board (MDCB) or board eligible.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
CMD with 2 years’ experience with treatment planning software and simulation equipment. The Radiation Oncology department treats 50-60 patients a day on four linear accelerators. Treatment techniques include SRS, SBRT, VMAT IMRT on Elekta linear accelerators and HDR Brachytherapy on a Nucletron remote afterloader. The department uses Pinnacle, Monaco, Brainlab Elements, Oncentra Brachy, and MIM software for treatment planning on a MOSAIQ EMR.
SPECIFIC UNIT/AREA RESPONSIBILITIES:
Patient Simulation
• Consults with the Radiation Oncologist and the Radiation Therapist to devise a plan of patient setup and scanning planes that encompass the necessary anatomy and patient immobilization for positioning reproducibility.
• Assists the Radiation Therapist in patient setup, positioning, and the CT scanning process.
• For certain patient simulations, transfers scan information to the Pinnacle3 system for initial setup information and then transfers isocenter information to the LAP laser system for patient marking or tattooing.
• Obtains any necessary measurements of patient anatomy to assist with treatment planning.
Treatment Planning
• Utilizes the data collected during the simulation process to generate two-dimensional or three-dimensional isodose plans following the specifications of the Radiation Oncologist.
• The final plan is approved by the Radiation Oncologist and checked by the Radiation Physicist.
• The Dosimetrist then transfers the approved treatment plan over to the Impac system for implementation of patient treatments. All information that is transferred is verified in Impac against the approved treatment plan.
• The Dosimetrist verifies that all treatment fields are ready to be utilized by the Radiation Therapists and that any treatment calendar is created that may be necessary.
• The Dosimetrist imports all images into Mosaiq, registers the images with their correct field, and scales the images for clinical use.
• If the patient’s treatment is to involve IMRT, the dosimetrist notifies the Physicist that an IMRT QA procedure will be necessary prior to the patient beginning treatment.
• If the patient is to have IGRT then the plan and images are transferred according to Impac protocols and the Cone Beam CT field is created in the patient chart for utilization. The Site Setup is verified and approved and AP and Lateral DRR films are exported to iView.
• If the patient is to have Brachytherapy treatment the Dosimetrist will assist the Physician and Physicist in devising a treatment plan on the Oncentra Treatment Planning System.
Dose Calculations
• Manual and/or computer-generated dose calculations are performed by the Dosimetrist and entered into the patient’s chart.
• The Dosimetrist will participate in regular chart review.
Radiation Measurements
• Utilizing ion chambers, TLD, or film, the Medical Dosimetrist may aid the Physicist with special clinical measurements.
• The Dosimetrist also assists with machine calibrations and ongoing QA under the supervision of the Physicist when requested.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Physician office setting; Exposure to Radiation producing equipment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Hand And Arm Use:
• Must be able to utilize hands to write, use computer keyboard, and to operate any and all pieces of treatment equipment.
Lifting And Carrying:
• Must be able to move calibration equipment weighing about 60 pounds.
• Must be able to assist 200 pound patient onto and off of CT simulator and/or treatment table.
Pushing And Pulling:
• Must be able to push carts connect to water phantoms which can weigh 200 pounds.
• Must be able to push 200-pound patient in wheelchair.
Sense Of Touch:
• Must be able to detect if equipment is giving off excessive heat.
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
Mathematics:
• Must be very familiar with advanced forms of calculation procedures and also advanced forms of mathematics.
Memory:
• Must be able to remember physician instructions, equipment operation, and specific job requirements
