Medical Physicist Diagnostic Radiology II

About the Role

Under the supervision of the Diagnostic Radiology Chief Physicist/Manager/Director of Yale New Haven Hospital and Health System, the Medical Physicist II will provide comprehensive medical physics services across a wide range of imaging modalities. This includes implementing quality control and accreditation programs, assisting in the evaluation of new imaging technologies, performing acceptance testing, ensuring quality assurance, adhering to regulatory standards, supporting investigational clinical research, and participating in educational training programs. The role requires expertise in diagnostic radiology physics to assist with the YNHH image optimization and quality management program, ensuring compliance with all state, federal, and institutional requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the diagnostic quality assurance programs for medical imaging at YNHH to ensure the highest image quality and minimize patient doses.
  • Conducts, supervises, and/or reviews annual QA testing of all diagnostic x-ray equipment to ensure compliance with imaging and dosimetric standards.
  • Performs and/or supervises acceptance tests of newly installed equipment to ensure proper function and adherence to applicable Federal, State, and industry standards.
  • Assists with the development and ongoing review of imaging protocols to keep patient doses as low as possible while maintaining optimal clinical image quality.
  • Investigates overexposures, accidents, spills, losses, thefts, unauthorized uses, and other deviations from approved radiation safety practices. Assists in creating and implementing corrective action plans.
• Assists professional and technical staff in the selection, location, and implementation of new imaging equipment.
  • Participates in the evaluation of new imaging modalities and advises staff on their selection and implementation.
  • Ensures proper use of protective equipment and techniques to minimize occupational, patient, and public dose.
  • Ensures optimal utilization of imaging equipment to enhance clinical image quality.
• Assists in the training of professional, technical, and resident staff in diagnostic imaging sciences and dose minimization.
  • Conducts training seminars on imaging physics and radiation safety practices.
  • Educates technical staff on implementing individualized technique protocols to optimize imaging and minimize dose.
• Performs dosimetric calculations for clinical and human research purposes.
  • Assists researchers in quantifying doses from imaging studies to ensure compliance with FDA limits.
  • Maintains a dosimetry database for calculating patient doses as needed.
  • Performs fetal dose estimates when clinically required.
• Ensures effective and accurate communication of diagnostic physics and safety information to administration, staff, patients, and the public.
  • Counsels patients and family members about radiological issues associated with diagnostic imaging.
  • Assists in producing educational documents for patients and staff on radiological issues.
• Designs, evaluates, and certifies shielding for diagnostic facilities to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
  • Uses NCRP guidance to specify shielding requirements for new or renovated facilities.
  • Inspects shielding installations to ensure compliance with specifications.
  • Measures radiation leakage to verify compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Assists in the implementation of new digital imaging technologies into YNHH’s information systems.
  • Ensures electronic displays are calibrated properly to optimize image display.
  • Ensures Hospital systems remain compliant with Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standards.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.S. in medical physics or a related specialty.
• Board certified in diagnostic radiologic physics by the American Board of Radiology or in diagnostic imaging physics by the American Board of Medical Physics.
• More than 7 years of recent, continuous full-time experience in clinical diagnostic imaging physics.
• Certified in diagnostic medical physics by the American Board of Radiology or American Board of Medical Physics.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of medical imaging, medical physics, and dosimetry.
• Ability to apply medical physics concepts to the diagnostic imaging process and communicate them effectively to radiologists and technical staff.
• Mathematical and computer skills for imaging science, including data management and picture archiving systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy as it relates to clinical diagnostic imaging.
• Ability to interpret and execute relevant in-house and national imaging protocols.
• Knowledge of radiation safety and regulations from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and State Department of Health.
• Familiarity with the department’s imaging equipment and software programs for imaging and archiving.
• Understanding of departmental and organizational policies and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Effective teaching skills.
• Advanced computer skills.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise junior staff and mentor residents.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work with test objects and occasionally lift 10-20 lb test objects from floor to table level.
• Works with ionizing radiation while adhering to protection requirements for patients and staff.
• Expected to work at various sites and delivery networks within YNHHS, including travel between locations.