Medical Physicist-Radiation Oncology Huntley Full-time Days

Company Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

The  Medical Physicist  reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

• The Medical Physicist is responsible for the general medical physics duties pertaining to operating a radiotherapy clinic. This includes complex treatment planning, patient positioning, radiation protection, machine and patient specific quality assurance in close collaboration with therapists, physicians and dosimetrists. The Medical Physicist will also work closely with partner photon radiotherapy providers and will participate in the acceptance testing and commissioning of the proton therapy equipment. The Medical Physicists will also be involved with training as well as research and development projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• At the direction of Medical Physics leadership, participates in the commissioning and acceptance testing of all proton therapy equipment according to all industry standards, all stand and local regulations governing said commissioning, and doing so to meet Proton Center deadline for completion.
• Performs daily calibrations for all therapy equipment as assigned.
• Proficiently utilizes radiation measuring equipment, treatment planning computers, and Record and Verify system.
• Participates in all internal Dosimetry and multidisciplinary meetings at the center, focusing on continuous quality improvement and measurable feedback.
• Maintains a current knowledge of proper physics coding and documentation, and assists in training new Physics staff members (physicists and physics support staff) on same.
• Works with Billing team to improve processes and produce documentation required during account/appeal processes.
• Ensures a robust Physics component of Mosaiq and utilizes the quality checklist for intra- and interdepartmental communication.
• Performs quality control tests of proton beams characteristics and mechanical characteristics of all proton therapy equipment.
• Measures, analyzes, and enters data used for treatment planning computer software and tests new versions of software as directed by leadership.
• Checks accuracy and appropriateness of computerized patient treatment plans performed by dosimetry staff and works in consultation with the physicians to achieve optimal care.
• Performs and/or assists dosimetry staff with patient-specific radiation measurements and calculations, and assists in the selection and specification of any complex beam devices required to protect critical structures.
• Performs weekly patient chart checks, as assigned, to verify accuracy.
• Assists the Center's Radiation Safety Officer in monitoring radiation safety badges and reporting required by hospital, local, and federal agencies.
• Serves as a physics representative, as assigned, on organization-wide quality assurance and process improvement committees.
• Performs activities related to treatment planning for dual modality (photon/proton) patients.
• Participates in research and development projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

• 2 years of clinical medical physics experience in radiation oncology (can include clinical training or medical physics residency)
• Masters Degree in Medical Physics or related field
• Registered as Therapeutic Radiological Physicist TRP with IEMA within one year of hire. Board certified or eligible within two years. Must remain Board certified

Preferred:

• 2 years proton experience or 3 years photon experience
• Master’s Degree or PhD in Medical Physics
• Excellent computer skills

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) 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.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.