Job Title: Senior Physicist - Radiation Oncology
Department: Medical Physics
Location: Lipson Cancer Institute - Rochester General Hospital

Hours Per Week: 40 hours
Schedule: Days; 8am - 5pm | Monday-Friday

SUMMARY

According to the prescribed procedures, calculates radiation dosage, dose distribution, computes beam analysis using 2D, 3D, SRS & IMRT treatment planning systems; Mentors Staff Physicist for dose calculations for external and brachytherapy treatment plans and verifies dosage accuracy. Supports Lead Physicist to oversee all related technical functions including but not limited to quality assurance and calibration of radiation therapy equipment e.g. linear accelerators, simulators, High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy equipment, Brachytherapy sources, and other brachytherapy procedures & isotopes. Supports Lead Physicist for Physics team participation in all clinical activities including brachytherapy procedures, IMRT, 3-D, SBRT, SRS/SRT planning. Directly reports any problems on floor related to Medical Physics to the Director of Medical Physics.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Mentors Staff Physicist for treatment simulations, and tumor localization on dedicated devices, including CT, CT-Sim, MRI and PET when indicated, for radiation oncology treatment planning.

• Supports Lead Physicist for implementation of the treatment plan including: the correct use of immobilization devices, compensators, wedges, field arrangements, and other treatment variables with Therapists & Dosimetry team.

• Mentors Staff Physicist for implementation of Dose calculations for accurate delivery of Radiation Oncologist’s prescribed dose, document all pertinent information in the patient record, and verify the mathematical accuracy of all calculations & provide all technical support to dosimetrist.

• Supports Lead Physicist & Chief Physicist in machine commissioning, calibrations, and quality assurance of radiation oncology equipment including 3-D, IMRT, SBRT & SRS/SRT planning systems, brachytherapy planning & source calibrations.

• Supervises specific methods of dosimetry including ion chamber, TLD, Diode, or film measurements as directed by the chief physicist.

• Mentors Staff Physicist for intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy including HDR dosimetry related procedures and in the subsequent manual and/ computer calculations of the dose distributions of these treatments, and quality assurance of all brachytherapy equipment.

• Apprises Lead Physicist & Chief Physicist of calibration and equipment needs.

• Supports Lead Physicist for necessary technical support to the Chief Physicist for implementation of new technology as IMRT, SBRT, SRS/SRT, HDR, R&V Implementation.

• Supports Lead Physicist to Ensures coverage for Radiation Safety Officer.

• Supports Lead Physicist for coverage for treatment planning in emergency or in absence of dosimetrist.

• Mentors Staff Physicist for Participates in Chart review and weekly chart checks. Provides support/advice to Physicist & Dosimetrist.
  a) Supports Lead Physicist for Development of specifications for new therapy equipment and the radiation shielding requirements; performs acceptance testing of such equipment and the radiation safety measurements and reports.
  b) Supports Lead Physicist & Chief Physicist to develop and implement policy and procedures for new techniques as SBRT, SRS/SRT, prostate seed implants, HDR procedures and IMRT in the department.
  c) Supports Lead Physicist to develop and implement policy and procedures for pregnant patients, patients with pacemaker, and radioactive cadaver
  Mentors Staff Physicist for Performance of Radiation Oncology Equipment QA.
  d) Mentors Staff Physicist for Calibration and QA Activities on Accelerators, Simulator, CT –Simulator and all Treatment Planning Computers, on monthly and annual basis as established in the AAPM protocols.
  e) Supports Lead Physicist to maintenance of calibration of radiological measuring equipment by arranging biannual calibration at a regional calibration laboratory as required by various regulatory agencies.
  • Mentors Staff Physicist for Performance of Radiation Oncology Treatment QA
  f) Supports Lead Physicist for necessary Consultations with Radiation Oncology Physicians as needed in regards to patient treatments as observed by Chief of Radiation Oncology & updates Director of Medical Physics.
  g) Mentors Staff Physicist for brachytherapy treatment planning as requested by Radiation Oncology physicians.
  h) Supports Lead Physicist for special dose measurements and calculations as needed
  i) Mentors Staff Physicist for ongoing Checks on patient charts for completeness at the end of the patients’ treatment course as expected by radiation oncologist.
  j) Mentors Staff Physicist for planning for special procedures (tissue compensation, field gaps, etc.). and Supports Lead Physicist for other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICTIONS:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Physics/Medical Physics or a related field.

• Minimum 10-14 years of progressively more responsible work experience in radiation oncology physics in a clinical environment

• Must be board certified by the American Board of Radiology (ABR or ABR eqv) or the American Board of Medical Physics (ABMP) in radiation oncology physics and NYS Licensed in Therapeutic Radiological Physics (Radiation Oncology Physics).

EDUCATION:

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

M - Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; Requires frequent walking, standing or squatting.

For disease specific care programs refer to the program specific requirements of the department for further specifications on experience and educational expectations, including continuing education requirements.

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