Medical Dosimetrist
Tennessee Oncology · Cleveland, TN · 4 days ago
HealthcareFull-time
Tennessee Oncology, one of the nation’s largest community-based cancer care specialists, is home to one of the leading clinical trial networks in the country. Established in 1976 in Nashville, our mission remains unchanged: to provide access to high-quality cancer care and the expertise of clinical research for all patients, at convenient locations within their community and close to their home.
About the role
The Medical Dosimetrist is responsible for the safe, accurate, and effective use of modern treatment planning systems to design radiation therapy plans that fulfill the Radiation Oncologist’s prescription. Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team—including Radiation Oncologists, Medical Physicists, and Radiation Therapists—the dosimetrist develops treatment plans that balance target coverage, organ-at-risk sparing, and clinical objectives. The dosimetrist is proficient with current planning systems and Oncology Information Systems, with the ability to work effectively both onsite and remotely. The role requires adaptability to evolving treatment technologies, emerging workflows, and integration of new imaging, planning, and delivery techniques.
Responsibilities
- Design high-quality treatment plans using computer-based and manual computation methods, employing optimal beam geometry, dose–volume objectives, and advanced planning algorithms in accordance with the Radiation Oncologist’s prescription.
- Maintain proficiency with evolving treatment technologies, planning algorithms, adaptive approaches, and new workflow enhancements as they are adopted into clinical practice.
- Identify and contour normal and dose-limiting structures, utilizing CT, MRI, PET, and multimodality image fusion/registration with competency in both rigid and deformable alignment techniques.
- Perform or assist in simulations and tumor localization using specified imaging modalities including, but not limited to, CT, MRI, and PET.
- Participate in simulation and tumor localization processes, including selection or creation of immobilization devices, molds, and masks to support accurate treatment delivery.
- Ensure proper implementation of the treatment plan, including field arrangements, beam-modifying devices, biological evaluation, and all treatment variables relevant to accurate and safe plan execution.
- Collaborate closely with radiation therapists, providing clear guidance and troubleshooting support during plan setup, immobilization device use, and other parameters relevant to daily treatment delivery.
- Assist Medical Physics with complex or specialized planning needs, including SBRT, SRS, CSI, re-irradiation, and cases requiring additional modeling or dosimetric evaluation.
- Perform verification dose calculations, ensure accurate documentation in the electronic medical record, and validate that prescription and plan parameters match the approved clinical intent. Review all external beam plans with Radiation Oncologist for appropriateness and approval.
- Utilize the Oncology Information System for record/verify, import/export processes, charge capture, plan documentation, workflow management, and accurate electronic medical record maintenance.
- Create and transfer reference images and localization markers for portal verification and treatment delivery to include DRRs, CBCTs, and other IGRT methods as specified.
- Work effectively both onsite and remotely, maintaining clear communication, reliable documentation, and seamless collaboration with all team members across locations.
- Teach applied aspects of medical dosimetry to students, radiation therapists, and residents.
- Participate in continuing education and maintain current professional knowledge in treatment planning, imaging, workflows, and new technologies.
- Develop comparative treatment plans and collaborate with Radiation Oncologists and finance teams to generate documentation demonstrating the dosimetric benefits of various treatment approaches for clinical decision-making or cost justification.
Requirements
- Current certification by the MDCB.
- Minimum of 3 years of clinical treatment planning experience.
- Clinical treatment planning experience with Varian Eclipse TPS and Aria OIS.
Qualifications
- Bachelor or Master of Science Degree in a physical or biological science or registered radiation therapy technologist (preferred).
- Proficient in 3DCRT, IMRT, VMAT, Electron, SBRT, and SRS planning techniques (preferred).
- 5+ years of photon planning experience (preferred).
- Flexibility to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Proven time management skills.
- Knowledgeable in anatomy, physiology, clinical oncology, radiobiology, radiation physics, and radiation safety.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate the exchange of information with patients, family members, the radiation oncology treatment team, and outside entities.
- High-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently but in collaboration with the Radiation Oncologist and Medical Physicist.
- Basic-to-intermediate knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word.
Skills
- Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple treatment planning activities while meeting clinical timelines.
- Thorough knowledge of radiation therapy treatment planning, radiation dosimetry, anatomy, imaging, dose calculation, and the clinical principles of radiation oncology.
- Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation therapists, and other members of the multidisciplinary care team.
- Commitment to patient safety, treatment quality, accuracy, professional accountability, and continuous improvement.