Physicist- Proton Therapy

Description 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 Medical 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 Medical 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 role involves contributing to clinical research, developing innovative treatment protocols, and providing education and training to medical residents, physics residents, dosimetrists, and radiation oncology students.

• Quality Assurance (QA): Performs routine QA checks on radiation therapy equipment, such as linear accelerators and brachytherapy sources, to ensure accurate dose delivery.
• Equipment Calibration: Calibrates radiation therapy machines to maintain consistent and precise treatment.
• Collaborates with radiation oncologists, dosimetrists, and radiation therapists to design effective treatment strategies.
• Verifies the accuracy of treatment delivery through patient-specific QA processes.
• Ensures the safety of patients and staff by monitoring radiation levels and implementing safety protocols.
• Develops and implements advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), and adaptive radiotherapy.
• Educates and trains residents, radiation therapists, dosimetrists, 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.
• 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).
• Participates in departmental and institutional committees and meetings, as required.

• 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.

Qualifications Education

• Master's Degree M.Sc. in Medical Physics in the physical or related sciences. (Required)

• 2+ years clinical experience in radiation oncology physics. (Required)

• 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 QA 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: Developing and implementing clinical protocols and procedures to optimize patient care. (Required proficiency)
• Procedures: Ability to develop and write policies and procedures, in collaboration with Radiation Oncology team members. (Required proficiency)
• Capable of working independently and as a team in a clinical environment. (Required proficiency)
• Attention to detail, adaptability, analytical thinking, and teamwork. (Required proficiency)

• American Board of Radiology - Therapy Physics (Required)
• ABR Board Certified - Therapy (Required)

• Standing Occasionally
• Walking Occasionally
• Sitting Constantly
• Lifting Rarely 20 lbs
• Carrying Rarely 20 lbs
• Pushing Rarely 20 lbs
• Pulling Rarely 20 lbs
• Climbing Rarely 20 lbs
• Balancing Rarely
• Stooping Rarely
• Kneeling Rarely
• Crouching Rarely
• Crawling Rarely
• Reaching Rarely
• Handling Occasionally
• Grasping Occasionally
• Feeling Rarely
• Talking Constantly
• Hearing Constantly
• Repetitive Motions Frequently
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Frequently

• 20% Travel within main campus and network locations, joint ventures, and affiliates.