Medical Physicist

Job Summary

The medical physicist conducts all aspects of radiation therapy physics, including clinical medical physics support, equipment calibration and commissioning, maintenance of appropriate quality assurance programs for equipment and treatment delivery, compliance with radiation safety, licensing issues and other pertinent regulatory requirements.

Duties and responsibilities

• Maintain operating knowledge of the planning system, ARIA/Eclipse.
• Ability to demonstrate importing correct CT images, properly merge CT/MRI/PET, and identify the anatomical structures on CT/MRI/PET images.
• Maintain knowledge of tissue constraints.
• Demonstrate knowledge of planning including but not limited to:

• Appropriateness of beam energies and angles
• MLC and wedges
• Normalization

• Maintain knowledge of the correct document procedures, planning approval, and set-up notes.
• Must be proficient with patient chart checks, hand calculations and reviewing a chart for all pertinent planning information.
• Available to advise therapists to facilitate appropriate patient positioning and setup for planning.
• Must be proficient in all aspects of ARIA electronic medical record/patient management.

• Maintain an atmosphere of caring, concern and support for patients, visitors, medical staff, and co-workers on a consistent basis.
• Evaluate and develop radiation instruments and procedures.
• Optimize the physical and technical aspects of radiation treatments.
• Assure the accurate measurement and delivery of radiation doses.
• Implement and monitor quality control and safety protocols in the use of radiation.
• Collaborate with radiation oncologists, in the planning and implementation of patient treatment plans.
• Ensure radiation protection for patients, staff and the community.
• Conduct research to enhance current treatment methods and develop new technologies.
• Provide education and training on radiation safety and medical physics to healthcare staff.
• Maintain a professional understanding of advancements in medical physics and radiation therapy.
• Conduct regular equipment calibrations and maintenance.
• Perform quality assurance tests on radiology equipment.
• Work shifts as assigned.
• Perform all duties as assigned by chief physicist and radiation oncologist.
• Must be willing to travel between clinics if necessary.
• Maintain compliance with the Department of Health radiation rules and regulations.

Working conditions/Physical requirements

Medical office setting

Moderate noise levels from medical setting and equipment

Controlling machines and processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects

Ability to see details at close range

Ability to listen and understand information through spoken words and sentences

Ability to read and understand information in writing

Ability to communicate information in speaking so others will understand

Sitting for long periods of time

Minimum lifting requirements of 25 pounds in order to transfer equipment.

Frequent bending and twisting

EEO Statement

Arizona Center for Cancer Care provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Qualifications and Educational Requirement

• MS or Ph.D. in medical physics and training in clinical medical physics.
• Experience working in a clinical environment, specifically radiotherapy departments.
• Strong understanding of the principles and practices of radiation physics.
• Knowledge of radiation safety regulations and procedures.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Maintain documented proof of authorized medical physicist (AMP) for after loader, or complete form NRC 313A AMP for HDR after loader.
• Meets all continuing education standards as they apply to registry eligibility.
• Computer experience required.
• Experience in Varian Truebeam, Halcyon, ARIA R&V, Eclipse and Elekta Oncentra planning preferred.
• Excellent work ethic, including integrity, positive attitude, productive, organized, treats leadership with respect, excellent attendance, continuously learning and willing to ask for help.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a detail oriented, fast-paced setting.

Licensure/Certification

Board certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Radiology.

Valid driver’s license