Basic Grade Medical Physicist- UPMC Cork

at  UPMC in Ireland

Qualifications & Experience:

• PhD or MSc from an accredited program in Medical Physics.
• Experience with 3D/IMRT/VMAT/SRS radiotherapy and treatment planning systems is highly desirable
• Attention to detail.
• Good Communication skills both written and Oral

OVERVIEW OF ROLE:

The Basic Grade Medical Physicist will participate in all aspects of Radiation Oncology physics including equipment calibration and commissioning, clinical support, maintenance of appropriate quality assurance for equipment and treatment delivery, compliance with radiation safety and licensing issues. The Basic Grade Medical Physicist will perform radiotherapy treatment planning for radiation oncology patients in line with international best practice and in accordance with the Radiation Oncologists’ prescriptions. The Basic Grade Medical Physicist will also be expected to support the wider Medical Physics team in the development of new techniques, as well as in staff education and training and to engage in departmental research and support of clinical trials

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for the systematic measurement, documentation, and assurance of the physical and dosimetric aspects of all radioactive sources/radiation producing equipment used in Radiation Oncology.
• Performs acceptance testing and commissioning of all treatment-related equipment under supervision. This includes calibration of all radiation producing sources and maintenance of all information for their appropriate use.
• Maintains a comprehensive quality assurance program that ensures patients are provided tumour localization, radiation treatment, and dose distributions as prescribed. This includes assurance of the accuracy of treatment unit parameters.
• In collaboration with the team, responsible for the development of treatment plans, acquisition, and storage of data for treatment plans, calculation of dose distributions and machine settings for treatment delivery. Participate in day-to-day routine 3D & IMRT/VMAT treatment planning workload and comply with the scheduling of work within the treatment planning section.
• Provide consultation to the Radiation Oncologist and translate the desired treatment plan into a set of instructions for radiation therapists to execute.
• Assist in CT data transfer to the treatment planning system, as required. Perform image fusion, anatomical contouring, beam placement, isodose calculations and generate treatment plans.
• Actively participate and cooperate with the development of treatment planning procedures and quality assurance within the Treatment Planning section, in liaison with the Principal Physicist responsible for Treatment Planning.
• Work as part of a team of medical physicists and work as part of a wider multi-disciplinary team of radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, radiation oncology nurses and clerical staff within the radiotherapy department.
• Communicate always using technical accuracy when discussing treatment plans or procedures with all professions working in the radiotherapy department
• Participates and becomes competent in the physics support for prostate Brachytherapy, as the service requires.
• To continue to keep abreast of latest developments pertaining to current practices within the field of Radiation Oncology Physics.
• Initiates and/or collaborates on related research projects with other Bon Secours Radiotherapy Cork & Hillman Cancer Centre Physicists in Radiation Therapy in the Division of Medical Physics, as required.
• Performs some organization and administration skills in the clinical practice of Radiation Oncology Physics.
• Participate in the development of new treatment techniques and new treatment modalities, together with other staff in the Department of Radiotherapy and Medical Physics.
• Ensure that difficult/non-standard treatment plans are adequately discussed with physicists and/or radiotherapy oncologists and radiation therapists, as appropriate, prior to clinical implementation.
• Report any radiation incidents or near misses on discovery and bring to the attention of the Chief Physicist.
• Responsible for the compliance with EPA/ORP Rules and Regulations
  Managerial/ teamwork:

The post holder will:

• Manage their own workload efficiently and effectively, as guided by the Principal/Chief Physicist or designate.
• Assist with the collection of key performance indicators for the treatment planning process and assist with the interpretation of these KPIs to propose optimization when giving feedback to the Chief Physicist.
• Maintain good and clear communication regarding treatment planning with the treatment planning team and radiation oncologists, radiation therapists and physicists and provide feedback to the Chief Physicist when required.
• Have an active role in the training of trainee physicists or radiation therapists being trained in treatment planning and quality assurance, as required.
• Keep such records as are consistent with good professional practice.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Chief Physicist.

Teaching, Training & Research:

The post holder will:

• Participate in and develop orientation and teaching/training programs for new staff as well as other relevant personnel or students in Treatment Planning & Quality Assurance.
• Promote, actively support, and participate in clinical research for the development and implementation of new techniques.
• Participate in clinical trial work as part of the radiotherapy multi-disciplinary team
• Communicate by presentation and written report, information regarding research work, clinical trial work, and project work to an audience of multidisciplinary medical professionals.

Professional:

The post holder will:

• Keep informed of developments in treatment planning techniques, Linac Quality Assurance, and advances in Medical Dosimetry as part of continual professional development and to develop their own skills.
• Maintain a personal record of competencies and achievements throughout their post, for future Medical Physics Expert (MPE) application to the Irish College of Physicists in Medicine

Standard Responsibilities:

• Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Lives the UPMC Values

Working Conditions / Environmental Factors

• The Basic Grade Medical Physicist works indoors in Radiation Oncology. As this position includes exposure to radiation, physicists/dosimetrists are required to wear a film badge, which is read according to EPA/ORP regulations, and adhere to radiation policies/procedures established by the hospital. Medical Physicists are required to follow universal precautions and infection control policies. Medical Physicists are also required to comply with all policies/procedures in regard to handling hazardous materials and personal protection

Qualifications & Experience:

• PhD or MSc from an accredited program in Medical Physics.
• Experience with 3D/IMRT/VMAT/SRS radiotherapy and treatment planning systems is highly desirable
• Attention to detail.
• Good Communication skills both written and Oral.

Equal Opportunity Statement and Benefits