Medical Physics Resident, Medical Imaging - BC Cancer Vancouver

at  PHSA

MEDICAL PHYSICS RESIDENT, MEDICAL IMAGING

BC Cancer
Vancouver, BC
The Medical Physics Resident, Medical Imaging provides physics and other specialized skills to support the technical requirements of Medical Imaging. Medical Physicists at this level are trainees and operate under the direction of certified medical physicists. Medical Physics Residents are trained under 2 separate streams: 1) Diagnostic Imaging, and 2) Nuclear Medicine.
Responsibilities are to: assist clinical and technical staff in the provision of high quality imaging; evaluate and troubleshoot the performance of all imaging systems; participate in the investigation of unusual or accidental exposures; participate in ensuring the safety of patients with respect to radiation; perform specification and comparative assessment of equipment at acquisition; teach aspects of x-ray physics and radiation protection to appropriate staff; maintain awareness of related computer technology and developments in software; and participate in the design and setup of new facilities or imaging rooms as required.

WHAT YOU BRING

Qualifications:

• Master of Science in Medical Physics or Doctoral degree in Medical Physics or Biophysics from a recognized program, or an equivalent degree accepted by the American Board of Radiology or Canadian College of Physics in Medicine as equivalent.Valid Driver’s License to operate a vehicle in BC is required. Travel within Lower Mainland Medical Imaging may require the use of a vehicle for which mileage and parking will be reimbursed in accordance with the organization’s current Terms and Conditions.

You have:

• Demonstrated ability to provide a high standard of medical physics services.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, analytical, verbal and written communication and teaching skills
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Awareness of and commitment to learning and understanding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight Report (2020), BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), and other related reports.
• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have: Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.).

WHAT WE DO

BC Cancer provides comprehensive cancer control for the people of British Columbia.
BC Cancer is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).
(PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.
Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services
PHSA and BC Cancer are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.
Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments’ unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey—one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination. Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.

• Clinical SupportThe Medical Physic Resident assists clinical and technical staff in the provision of high-quality imaging.a) Consultation with physicians and technologists regarding imaging protocols,b) Assists in clinical trials and development as necessary.
• Quality ControlThe Medical Physics Resident will learn all aspects of imaging including:a) Routine evaluation of the performance of all imaging systems as listed in the Resident Handbook,b) Routine evaluation of ancillary equipment used to measure and/or quantify radioactivity,c) Routine evaluation of personal protective equipment used in medical imaging and nuclear medicine,d) Regulatory requirements for equipment performance as specified variously by Health Canada Safety Codes, The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (Diagnostic Accreditation Program), Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and WorkSafe BC,e) Helping service personnel trouble-shoot difficult or unusual system problems,f) Assist qualified medical physicists develop QC related tools.
• Staff Radiation SafetyUnder the direction of the Radiation Safety Officer, the Resident will participate in the following to ensure the radiation safety of staff and patients:a) Routine monitoring of hospital staff who are exposed to ionizing radiation in their work,b) Supervision of the personnel dosimetry service,c) Investigation of unusual or accidental exposures,d) Monitoring of radiation levels e.g. surveys of imaging and therapy facilities,e) Providing training in radiation safety to all appropriate staff,f) Assurance that all aspects of license compliance are met including Safety Code 35, CNSC and WorkSafe BC.
• Radiation Safety of PatientsIn keeping with the goal of the Region to optimize patient doses the Resident will be expected to gain knowledge and participate in the following to ensure the radiation safety of patients:a) Routine testing of accuracy of dose display systems in radiography, fluoroscopy, CT, and Nuclear Medicine,b) In collaboration with the radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians, will ensure that new techniques meet the dose goals of the region (subject to selected stream),c) Assessment of any accidental or unusual radiation exposures.
• Equipment Evaluation, Selection and CommissioningThe Resident will learn and then be responsible for ensuring that equipment used in the region meets the needs of the program and that complete and accurate data are measured and available for all equipment.a) Remaining up-to-date on all imaging equipment and new technologies.b) Carrying out acceptance testing of new equipment under the guidance of a certified medical physicist.c) Commissioning equipment for clinical use including the measurement of all relevant parameters, the preparation of tables and other documents required for clinical implementation, and searching for unusual or unexpected behaviour, under the guidance of a certified medical physicist.
• EducationMedical Physicists are responsible for teaching aspects of imaging physics and radiation protection to hospital staff in the region. Residents will acquire skills to allow them to be involved in the following activities:a) Teaching and training of technologists,b) Teaching of radiation protection to ancillary staff and nursing staff.
• Computer Technology and CommunicationComputer technology is progressively playing a more central role in clinical care. Residents will acquire the knowledge and may be assigned responsibility for the computers and software used in the practice of medicine.a) Keeping up to date on latest computer technology and developments in software; assisting in selection of systems,b) Programming for specific requirements,c) Setting up communications between computer systems,d) Training users.
• Facility Design (other than radiation protection)New facility design requires many considerations such as equipment siting and physical layout, and many other factors that require the participation of a Medical Physicist. Residents will acquire the knowledge for:a) Assisting in designing x-ray facilities,b) Specification of shielding requirements for imaging and other rooms using radionuclides.
• Carries out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements. Immediately reports unsafe situations by notifying supervisor or other appropriate personnel.
• Responsible for other tasks as required.