Physics III, Full-Time, Days

Job Description

The

Physics III develops and accurately documents radiation treatment plans, as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist, to assure the delivery of quality patient care on a daily basis. Physics III collaborates and assists in administrative aspects related to the physics section of Radiosurgery/Radiation Oncology/Prentice Radiation Oncology (hereafter referred to as “departments”) and ensuring that the staff and infrastructure of the physics section supports the clinical needs of the department.

• Actively participates in the orientation and education of new residents, radiation therapy students and other new staff members.

• Coordinates and assist in the orientation and training for new dosimetrists and physicists.

• Proactively identifies quality issues to be addressed and brings to the attention of the Director of Physics.

• Assists in the design and implementation of measurement tools and process improvements.

• Collects and monitors data for key quality indicators and process improvement plans and takes leadership responsibility for select process improvement work group activities.

• Assisting in ensuring that all patients are treated in a safe and timely manner.

• Serves as a clinical resource to Dosimetrists and Radiation Therapists.

• Assists Director of Physics in problem solving for daily operational issues.

• Under the supervision of Director of Physics or designate, may assist in commissioning of new equipment, development of new treatment techniques, quantitative analysis of clinical trial data, and other appropriate physics duties.

• Assists with department and hospital information systems to develop and maintain the infrastructure needed for accurate billing and data reporting.

• Develops the prescribed radiation treatment plan for a given patient in consultation with the radiation oncologist for both external beam, hyperthermia, Radiosurgery, and brachytherapy procedures.

• Develops CT, MRI, PET, PET/CT based plans, including fusion.

• Produces digitally reconstructed radiographs from the CT simulator as required to provide documentation of the shape and placement of the radiation field.

• Determines and implements optimal method for field shaping as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist, utilizing custom blocks or the multi-leaf collimators.

• Performs and verifies accuracy of treatment calculations.

• Accurately performs the initial and weekly physics checks of the patients chart

• Completes electronic and paper documentation in a thorough and accurate manner to ensure proper treatment delivery.

• Constructs and oversees the implementation of complex treatment plans (IMRT, IGRT, Gating, CBCT, etc)

• Assist Director in managing daily workflow to ensure that all patient charts will be available in the necessary timeframe prior to the initiation of treatment.

• Assesses in-vivo dosimetry using appropriate detectors; TLDs, diodes, mosfets, film, etc., and records the results appropriately. Informs physicians of the results and takes appropriate action when necessary.

• Performs and records patient related work such as initial chart check, weekly physics quality control and end of treatment chart check.

• Completes proper documentation to ensure accurate patient charging.

• Adheres to all radiation safety policies and procedures, ensuring the safety of patients, visitors and staff at all times.

• Maintains equipment and monitors supply levels in assigned area.

• Reports any problems or supply needs to appropriate person.

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff throughout the department. Promotes a positive work environment.

• Assists with special procedures as needed (e.g. Brachytherapy, Gamma Knife, HDR, TBI, TSEI etc).

• Ensures that assigned work area meets hospital and department standards of safety and professional appearance. Proactively identifies and addresses maintenance and facility issues as needed.

• Provides dosimetry services of optimum quality with optimum productivity and customer service.

• Collects data to support the measurement and tracking components of quality management.

• Participates in formal and informal process improvement and problem solving to enhance the quality of service to customers.

• Identifies areas for potential improvement and recommends corrective actions.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD Degree in Medical Physics or equivalent
• Board Certified in Therapeutic Radiology by the American Board of Radiology (ABR) or American College of Medical Physics

• Licensed by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.