SP - Medical Dosimetrist

Why UConn Health UConn Health is a vibrant, integrated academic medical center that is entering an era of unprecedented growth in all three areas of its mission: academics, research, and clinical care. A commitment to human health and well-being has been of utmost importance to UConn Health since the founding of the University of Connecticut schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine in 1961. Based on a strong foundation of groundbreaking research, first-rate education, and quality clinical care, we have expanded our medical missions over the decades. In just over 50 years, UConn Health has evolved to encompass more research endeavors, to provide more ways to access our superior care, and to innovate both practical medicine and our methods of educating the practitioners of tomorrow. At UConn Health, this class is a member of the radiation oncology treatment team who provides the knowledge of oncology treatment machines and equipment and the expertise to generate radiation dose distribution and dose calculations in collaboration with the Medical Physicist and Radiation Oncologist.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general direction of Medical Physicist, Oncologist or an employee of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May Lead/supervise Radiation Therapy Technologist or other staff as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Works collaboratively with the Radiation Oncologist, Physicist and Radiation Therapist to develop effective treatment plans; Designs treatment plans by means of computer and/or manual computation that will deliver a prescribed radiation dose and field placement techniques in accordance with the Radiation Oncologist's prescription to a defined tumor volume; Selects beams energy, optimum multiple beam arrangements, beam modifying devices; Measures and calculates radiation dose and develops optimum arrangement of radiation fields and exposures to treat patient based upon field size, depth of tumor, treatment unit, beam modifying devices, and other information; Documents all pertinent information on patients' records; Verifies the mathematical accuracy of all calculations using a system established by the Medical Physicist; Performs and/or assists in the application of specific methods of radiation measurements including ion chamber, thermo luminescent dosimeters (TLD), or film measurement as directed by the Medical Physicist; Supervises the therapist in the implementation of treatment plan including, the correct use of immobilization devices, compensators, wedges, field arrangement, and other treatment variables; Assists in the planning of intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy procedures and in the subsequent manual and or/computer calculation of the dose distributions of these treatments; Provides physics and technical support to the Medical Physicist, in radiation protection, qualitative machine calibrations and quality assurance of the radiation oncology equipment; May simulate treatment procedure to assist in planning treatment; Actively participates in the department's quality assurance program and in the identification of opportunities for organizational performance improvement; Assures compliance with the principles of radiation protection for patient, self and others and adheres to all patient safety and environmental guidelines; May teach applied aspects of medical dosimetry to students, resident or radiation therapy technologist, or as assigned; Participates in clinical research for the development and implementation of new techniques; Maintains professional knowledge of current treatment planning techniques and advances in medical dosimetry; Performs quality check on equipment; Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY

Knowledge of theories, principles and concepts of Physics. Knowledge of the overall characteristics and clinical relevance of radiation oncology treatment machines and equipment and cognizant of procedures commonly used in brachytherapy. Working knowledge of radiation safety and current rules and regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Knowledge of all pertinent State, Federal and agencies' regulations. Excellent interpersonal skills. Must possess mathematical skills including algebra and trigonometry, and be able to visualize objects in three-dimensional concepts to facilitate the treatment planning process. Good interpersonal skills. Ability to interpret and execute treatment plans as defined in relevant treatment protocol. Ability to communicate effectively, oral and written. Analytical ability to collect information from diverse source and apply professional principles in performing various analysis. Ability to solve problems or design relatively complex systems and programs. Ability to provide patient care to various age specific patients.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

General Experience:

Bachelor's Degree and a graduate of a Medical Dosimetry JRCERT accredited program of at least 12 months.

Special Requirement:

Must possess and maintain during employment certification by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) as a Certified Medical Dosimetrist (CMD).

WORKING CONDITIONS

Works in an area that requires use of established safety guidelines; may be exposed to radioactive sources and vapors. Ability to bend and lift heavy material.

SCHEDULE

This is a temporary position. The schedule is per diem. Must be available for as shifts, as needed.

SALARY:

The hourly rate for this position is $85.00. This position is not eligible for benefits. The duration of this appointment will be approximately one year and may be less or continued based on need. Due to the special nature of this position, continuous employment cannot be guaranteed.