Chief of Medical Physics

About the role

The Chief of Medical Physics leads the medical physics division within the Radiology Department, ensuring the safe and effective use of radiation in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic procedures. This role oversees all aspects of radiation safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and the optimization of clinical protocols. The Chief of Medical Physics collaborates closely with radiologists, technologists, and hospital leadership to maintain the highest standards of patient care and safety.

Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise a team of medical physicists and associated staff.
• Provide mentorship and training to junior physicists and technical staff.
• Provide and oversee a strong Physics teaching and mentoring program to Radiology Residents.
• Provide educational sessions for radiology staff, residents, and technologists.
• Develop and maintain hospital-wide annual education programs in radiation and MRI safety.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., NRC, FDA, ACR, The Joint Commission).
• Serve as the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) or work closely with the RSO to manage radiation safety programs.
• Provide shielding design plans for all new and modified rooms where ionizing radiation will be generated and/or radioactive materials will be used.
• Provide and oversee acceptance testing and QC testing of imaging equipment (e.g., CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, PET, fluoroscopy, x-ray, mammography, ultrasound).
• Oversee and update Radiation Safety and MRI Safety policies.
• Conduct regular audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations.
• Oversee the personnel occupational radiation exposure monitoring program.
• Oversee the personnel lead protective garment inventory.
• Oversee the inventory of radioactive sources and radioactive waste, performing source wipe tests as needed.
• Oversee radiation safety and dosimetry support for radiopharmaceutical therapies performed within the Radiology Department.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of work experience in the areas of Diagnostic, Nuclear, Radiation Safety Medical Physics.
• Ph.D. in Physics, Medical Physics, or a related field.
• New York State License in Medical Physics – Diagnostic, Nuclear, and/or Health Physics (may be obtained within 1 year of hire).
• Certification from the American Board of Radiology in Diagnostic Physics or Nuclear Medicine Physics, or the American Board of Science in Nuclear Medicine in Nuclear Medicine Physics, or the American Board of Medical Physics in an applicable specialty area.