POSITION SUMMARY:

The medical dosimetrist is responsible for designing a treatment plan and carrying out calculations with mathematical accuracy for the delivery of radiation treatment based on the radiation oncologist's prescribed course of radiation therapy. This treatment plan takes into consideration tumor pathology, tumor volume, and inherent dose-limiting structures surrounding the tumor. The treatment plan and radiation field-placement techniques are constructed utilizing sophisticated computer equipment and technology. The medical dosimetrist, along with the radiation oncologist and medical physicist, will work to construct a treatment plan that will meet the prescription written by the oncologist, ensuring that the patient will not lose important healthy organ function and that the radiation delivered will not affect healthy surrounding tissue. These treatment plans not only include the use of radiation, but in many cases, involve the use of radioactive elements during interstitial brachytherapy procedures. Once the treatment plan is complete, the medical dosimetrist will work closely with the radiation therapists in the implementation of the prescribed plan.

CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY:

Employees of Michiana Hematology-Oncology, PC (MHO) are committed to abide by and uphold the mission and values of the corporation, ensuring compassion and service excellence.

MHO VALUES:

Compassion for ALL - At MHO, we provide patience, kindness and understanding to our patients, their families, and our team through the entire journey.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” - Aesop

Continuous Growth - At MHO, each day is an opportunity to reflect and refine. We value continual growth of our patient’s satisfaction, team, diversity, culture, and commitment to evolve the practice through adapting to feedback and clinical innovation.

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall

Unparalleled Patient Experience - At MHO, we deliver consistent and patient-tailored care with an Unparalleled patient experience by a combination of collaboration, adaptation, and patient satisfaction.

“Patients can’t measure quality of clinical care; but they can measure quality of experience!” – unknown

Balancing Care with both Intellectual and Emotional intelligence - At MHO, we balance both the intellectual and emotional approach to provide positive relationships with our patients, their families, and our colleagues. Effective communication, self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and relationship management all contribute to a healthy patient and employee experience.

“Experience is not what happens to you – it’s how you interpret what happens to you”. - Aldous

SERVING THE PATIENT:

The dosimetrists serve the patient by developing complex treatment plans to deliver the prescribed dose of radiation to treat disease while limiting radiation to healthy tissue.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

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  The medical dosimetrist, along with the radiation oncologist and medical physicist, will work to construct a treatment plan that will meet the prescription written by the oncologist, ensuring that the patient will not lose important healthy organ function and that the radiation delivered will not affect healthy surrounding tissue. These treatment plans not only include the use of radiation, but in many cases, involve the use of radioactive elements during interstitial brachytherapy procedures.

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  Once the treatment plan is complete, the medical dosimetrist will work closely with the radiation therapists in the implementation of the prescribed plan.

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  Medical dosimetrists may also be responsible for assisting or providing technical or physics support to the medical physicist.

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  This responsibility often involves assistance in radiation protection measures, equipment calibrations, and performance of radiation quality management and quality assurance practices.

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  Calculates computerized isodose plans for radiation oncology patients.

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  Computes standard dose calculations and determines computerized generation of isodose curves for external beam hyperthermia and brachytherapy radiation treatment programs.

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  Calculates treatment machine settings, documents calculations, and records treatment data in therapy chart.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

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  Requires a bachelor's degree in the physical or biological sciences, must be registered in Radiation Therapy Technology, and must have completed a one-year program in Medical Dosimetry. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks

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  The medical dosimetrist must have an outstanding knowledge base in human anatomy and physiology, tumor pathology, radiobiology, radiation dose calculations and terminology, computer applications and technology, and dosimetry techniques and procedures required to carry out the prescribed treatment plan.

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  Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures.

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  Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

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  Performs a variety of tasks.

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  May lead and direct the work of others.

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  A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Clinic environment. Work requires sitting, standing, and/or walking in and around the clinic. Good manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination, along with the ability to read and comprehend written instructions. High traffic area dealing with patients, family members, other staff, and physicians. Interaction with others may be constant and interruptive. Requires working under stress. Working knowledge of computers, with the ability to type, operates a keyboard, calculate, and operate equipment common to the field. Ability and knowledge to perform professional care appropriate to a chemotherapy nurse. Knowledge of administrative policies, regulations, and procedures to administer patient care. Knowledge of medical equipment and instructions. Skill in applying and modifying the principal methods, and techniques of primary care to provide ongoing patient care. Skilled in understanding medical history, assessing, and interpreting findings, along with the knowledge of common safety hazards and emergency situations. Skill in preparing and maintaining records, reports and responding to correspondence as needed. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with physicians, patients, family members, employees, and the public. Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines. May be required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch; lift and/or move patients. Frequent exposure to toxic substances, medical preparations, and other conditions common to a clinic environment.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

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  Direct Manager: Director, Radiology Radiation Oncology
• Day to Day Lead: Director, Radiology Radiation Oncology
• Strategic Coach: Director, Radiology Radiation Oncology

EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

• Provides consistent education to patients/families and therapists and develops dosimetry plans accurately, following established protocols.
• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of and follows established safety protocols (safe handling guidelines, wearing PPE as required, Radiation safety, emergency protocols).
• Documentation meets established standards and is complete and accurate.
• Maintains all licensure and certification requirements (RT and/or CMD certification & license, CPR).

SUCCESS:

Success for the Dosimetrist includes:

• Quality work: Completing all work thoroughly, accurately, and in a timely manner.
• Punctuality/Time management: Arriving and leaving shifts on time, regularly taking lunch breaks, and being productive with their time at work.
• Initiative: Self-starter, with the willingness to share ideas to help improve patient experience and quality of care. Willingness to work with team members on projects that improve the department and #OneMHO as a whole.
• Flexibility: Ability to adjust work hours to accommodate the needs of the organization and fellow team members.
• Attitude: Being a positive and professional. Recognizing the privilege, we must serve patients and their families during one of the hardest times in their life. Creating an environment that is welcoming and safe for patients and team members.
• Certifications/continued education: maintaining licenses and certification required for the position, continuing education to stay current with industry standards, and seeking opportunities to advance skills and abilities.

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  This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and work conditions may change as needs evolve.