Reporting to the Chief Dosimetrist and working under the direct supervision of qualified Medical Physicists, the Physicist Assistant assists in the implementation of solutions for well-defined and focused tasks in the clinics. Responsibilities include assisting with radiation dose calculations, measurements on treatment units, computer programming, as well as collection and processing of treatment related data.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities- Works with the Medical Physicist team to use intensity modulation radiation therapy approach to perform QA tests as part of clinical and billing requirements.
- Participates in patient specific IMRT QA. Assist in experimental verification of IMRT radiation treatments. Scans IMRT films and perform comparison with plan. Compare measured vs DynaLog IMRT fluences.
- Performs and documents quality assurance (QA) activities including, but not limited to, measurements involving radiation devices and equipment, e.g., medical (linear) accelerators. Any discrepancies must be communicated to the appropriate staff in a timely manner to minimize delays in patient treatments and/or miscommunications.
- Supervises, maintains, and safely uses dosimetry equipment such as ion chambers, electrometers, water phantom scanning systems (e.g., Wellhofer/PTW tank[3D]), daily check devices, ion chamber arrays, electronic QA devices ('Star track'), computers used with equipment, computer software, thermometers, barometers, small tool inventory, etc. Assists the Qualified Medical Physicist in annual measurements and calibrations.
- Maintains an orderly lab for the storage and use of physics equipment.
- Participates in a technical capacity to assess and improve equipment and procedures that relate to quality assurance. This may include but is not limited to providing QA and QC of patient specific hardware, such as apertures and range compensators for cases involving protons. Lifting brass apertures, range compensators and treatment equipment weighing as much as 50 lbs is expected.
- Participates in research and development projects in collaboration with Medical Physicists and other department researchers under the direction of the supervising physicist.
- Performs supportive service to the treatment planning group through processing imaging data to be used for treatment planning and dose calculations, as well as preparation of initial versions of treatment plans under supervision by dosimetrists.
- Participates in other technical activities, under the direction of a Qualified Medical Physicist, to ensure coverage during critical staff shortages.
- Assists with brachytherapy activities, including but not limited to the documentation of brachytherapy and radiation safety data and records, calibration of brachytherapy applicators and equipment, brachytherapy seed loading during operating room procedures.
- Assists with any other related duties as appropriate.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities- Basic-level understanding of various radiation therapy methods, such as external beam radiation, brachytherapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery.
- Basic knowledge of using software for designing and optimizing radiation treatment plans.
- Basic knowledge of measuring and calculating radiation doses to ensure effective and safe delivery of treatment.
- Understanding of how radiation affects biological tissues, which is crucial for optimizing treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects.
- Basic skills in calibrating radiation equipment and conducting regular quality assurance checks to ensure accurate and safe operation.
- Ability to work closely with radiation oncologists, dosimetrists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement effective treatment plans.
Minimum Job Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Physics or Engineering required.
- No experience required. Clinical experience in radiation physics is an advantage for this position. Computer programming experience is also an advantage.
License/Certification/Registration Required: None
Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Patient Contact: No
The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate's relevant experience, skills and qualifications.
For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
$70,000.00 - $115,900.00
