Job Description

General Summary

Under direct supervision, the student worker participating in the UMMC Dosimetrist Training program learns to perform treatment planning by calculating computerized isodose plans for radiation oncology patients. Upon completion of the training, students will be technically competent and knowledgeable about the concepts related to medical dosimetry and able to actively participate in the development of various treatment plans as an entry level medical dosimetrist. This position is a full time position employed in Radiation Oncology for an eighteen month (August through July) period.

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.

• Learn to compute dose distributions and generate isodose curves for external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy in accordance with departmental procedures and generally accepted dosimetry practices.

A. Consults with Radiation Oncologists, Physicists and Senior/Staff Dosimetrists to generate optimal treatment plans for external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy using different treatment planning computers

B. Learn to calculate treatment machine settings including field arrangements and shapes (dose to be delivered from machine to patient); documents calculations and records treatment data in therapy chart.

• Learn to perform verification checks and applies quality assurance procedures to ensure accuracy of dose calculations. Evaluates patient charts to ensure that the treatment plan reflects the prescriptions, the documentation is complete and the dose calculations are accurate. Reports to dosimetrists, physicists and physicians on dose errors and changes in treatment parameters.
• Assist in complex simulation and fabrication of custom treatment devices.

A. Assist technical staff with patient set-up, contouring and other simulation procedures.

B. Assist in the design and fabrication of shields, immobilization devices and other treatment aids.

• Assist in brachytherapy procedures.

A. Under the guidance of the dosimetrists/physicists, the student will learn how to order radioactive sources for permanent and/or temporary implants requested by physicians.

B. Prepare brachytherapy procedures including preparing sources, maintaining source inventory and records and the transportation of such sources to the procedural area.

C. Assists physicists in QA checks of brachytherapy devices including HDR.

D. Learn how to generate treatment plans including the calculation of seed strengths and physical loading of seeds under the direction of a Physicist or Radiation Oncologist.

E. Learn how to perform patient and facility radiation surveys using appropriate survey instruments.

• Attend educational activities in the department, including physics and biology lecture series, departmental in-services, and departmental seminars.
• Comply with all requirements of Joint Commission and the Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
• Performs other dosimetry related training duties as required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Registered radiation therapist with at least one year experience, or a baccalaureate degree in the physical sciences with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and preferably with one year of studies in physics.
• Maintain a grade point average of 3.0 in the Dosimetrist Training Program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of and ability to understand and comply with hospital policies and procedures.
• Successfully complete and participate fully in education activities of the program.
• Familiarity with MS word is required. Knowledge of Excel is preferred.
• Effective verbal communication skills including courtesy, resourcefulness and efficiency in answering questions, giving directions, locating staff and explaining hospital/departmental policies and procedures (as needed in applicable departments) are necessary.
• Effective writing skills are also required in order to take messages and maintain miscellaneous records, receipts and reports. Attention to detail is required.
• Possesses good customer service skills and the ability to work with all levels within the organization.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.