Senior Medical Physicist- UPMC HCC Cork

at  UPMC in Ireland

OVERVIEW OF ROLE:

The Senior Medical Physicist conducts all aspects of Radiation Oncology physics including treatment planning, equipment calibration and commissioning, clinical support, maintenance of appropriate quality assurance for equipment and treatment delivery, compliance with radiation safety and licensing issues. This Senior Medical Physicist role is approximately 70% Radiotherapy Treatment Planning & plan-checking.

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.Supports the Chief Medical Physicist or designate in all periodic servicing and Preventative Maintenance Inspections of all radiation producing equipment and treatment planning systems.
• Maintains a comprehensive quality assurance program that ensures patients are provided tumor localization, radiation treatment, and dose distributions as prescribed. This includes assurance of the accuracy of treatment unit parameters.
• Responsible for the development of treatment plans, acquisition & assessment of 4DCTs/Respiratory Management.Responsible for the storage of data for treatment plans, calculation of dose distributions and machine settings for treatment.
• Provides consultation to the Radiation Oncologist on the physical and radiobiological aspect of treatment. Translates the desired treatment plan into a set of instructions for radiation therapists to execute.Responsible for the dose measurements and use of measuring devices for verification of dose delivery to patients.
• Provides interpretation/consultation to the Radiation Oncologist regarding patient doses.Directs the design, fabrication, and measurement of treatment beam modifiers and treatment aids.
• Responsible for the systematic measurement, documentation, and assurance of the Brachytherapy process, if applicable.
• Responsible to obtain and disseminate information pertaining to current practices within the field of Radiation Oncology Physics.Initiates and/or collaborates on related research projects with other UPMC Physicists in Radiation Therapy in the Division of Medical Physics.
• Responsible for the coordination of the day-to-day output of the Medical Physics team. In the absence of the Principal and Chief Medical Physicist, the Senior Medical Physicist will assume the management of the Medical Physics service provision.In conjunction with the Chief Medical Physicist, responsible for the initiation and implementation of new clinical practices and Medical Physics programmes.
• Performs organization and administration skills in the clinical practice of Radiation Oncology Physics. This includes decision in equipment usage/selection/replacement, physics and dosimetry staff requirements, assignments and recruitment, program operation, budget preparation, and continuing review of program’s policies and procedures.Responsible for the compliance with EPA/ORP Rules and Regulations.Standard Responsibilities
• Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Lives the UPMC ValuesWORKING CONDITIONS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORSThe Medical Physicist works indoors in Radiation Oncology. As this position includes exposure to radiation, physicists are required to wear a film badge, which is read according to EPA 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 regarding handling hazardous materials and personal protection.
  Qualifications & Experience:
  PhD or MSc from an accredited program in Medical Physics or related field. MPE qualified or MPE eligible with the ICPM.
  Experience with 3-D conformal radiotherapy, brachytherapy and treatment planning systems is required, and radiosurgery and IMRT/VMAT essential.
  Experience and knowledge of calibration of linear accelerators and periodical quality assurance.
  Treatment Planning experience in Eclipse TPS is highly desirable.
  People Management Skills desirable.
  Licensure/Certification:
  Irish / European/ UK training / US (DABR) / Canada appropriate license.
  This job description is intended to be an outline of the areas of responsibility and deliverables at the time of its writing. As Bon Secours Radiotherapy Cork in partnership with Hillman Cancer Centre, and the post holder develop, this job description may be subject to review in light of the changing needs of the Centre.
  Equal Opportunity Statement and Benefits