Physicist

A Brief Overview A medical Physicist within the department of Radiation Oncology is responsible for calibrating and maintaining radiation therapy equipment and conducting quality assurance tests to ensure accurate and safe dose delivery. The Physicist collaborates with radiation oncologists, dosimetrists, and radiation therapists to develop and optimize individualized treatment plans using advanced techniques such as volumetric-modulated radiation therapy (VMAT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), and adaptive radiotherapy.

The Physicist performs rigorous quality assurance procedures to verify equipment performance and treatment accuracy, ensuring radiation safety and compliance with guidelines from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). Additionally, the Physicist's role involves contributing to clinical research, developing innovative treatment protocols and provides education and training to medical residents, physics residents, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, radiation oncology students and other healthcare professionals in medical physics principles and practices.

Collaborates with radiation oncologists, dosimetrists, and radiation therapists to design effective treatment strategies. Develops and implements advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), and adaptive radiotherapy. Verifies the accuracy of treatment delivery through patient-specific quality assurance processes.

Ensures the safety of patients and staff by monitoring radiation levels and implementing safety protocols. Performs routine quality assurance checks on radiation therapy equipment, such as linear accelerators and brachytherapy sources, to ensure accurate dose delivery. Calibrates radiation therapy equipment and machines to maintain consistent and precise treatment.

Provides education and training to medical residents, physics residents, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, radiation oncology students and other healthcare professionals in medical physics principles and practices. Provides ongoing education and support to clinical staff on the safe and effective use of radiation. Participates in departmental and institutional committees and meetings, as required.

Ensures compliance with regulations and standards set by agencies such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and local health departments such as Ohio Department of Health (ODH). Additional Responsibilities Performs other duties as assigned. Complies with all policies and standards.

For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation. Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.

Education Master's Degree Master of Science in Medical Physics in the physical or related sciences (Required) or Doctorate Degree Doctorate Degree PhD in Medical Physics, Physics, Engineering or applied sciences (Required) Work Experience 2+ years Clinical experience in radiation oncology physics including clinical physics residency (Required) Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Radiation Therapy: Knowledge of treatment planning, dose calculation, and delivery methods such as IMRT, SBRT, and brachytherapy (Required proficiency) Equipment Calibration and Maintenance: Ability to calibrate and maintain medical equipment to ensure accurate and safe operation (Required proficiency) Quality Assurance (QA): Conducting regular quality assurance tests to ensure equipment and procedures meet established standards and safety regulations (Required proficiency) Medical Imaging: Knowledge of various imaging modalities like X-ray, CT, MRI, and PET, including image analysis and interpretation for radiation therapy purposes.

Ability to perform image fusion (Required proficiency) Software Proficiency: Familiarity with specialized software for treatment planning (e.g., RayStation, Eclipse), image processing (e.g., MIM), second check software (e.g. RadCalc, Mobius, MU Check) and data analysis (Required proficiency) Clinical Protocols: Ability to develop and implement clinical protocols and procedures to optimize patient care (Required proficiency) Procedures: Ability to develop and write policies and procedures, in collaboration with other Radiation Oncology team members (Required proficiency) Capable of working independently and as a team in a clinical environment (Required proficiency) Strong attention to detail, adaptability, analytical thinking, and teamwork oriented (Required proficiency) Licenses and Certifications Certified Radiation Expert (CRE) (Preferred) American Board of Radiology (ABR) - Certification in Therapeutic Medical Physics (Required Upon Hire) Physical Demands Standing Frequently Walking Frequently Sitting Rarely Lifting Frequently up to 50 lbs Carrying Frequently up to 50 lbs Pushing Frequently up to 50 lbs Pulling Frequently up to 50 lbs Climbing Occasionally up to 50 lbs Balancing Occasionally Stooping Frequently Kneeling Frequently Crouching Frequently Crawling Occasionally Reaching Frequently Handling Frequently Grasping Frequently Feeling Constantly Talking Constantly Hearing Constantly Repetitive Motions Constantly Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Constantly Travel Requirements 20% Ability to travel to multiple Seidman Cancer Center locations as needed.