Job Description

Job Summary
SUMMARY: This position exists because the specialty of Radiation Oncology uses intense radioactive machines and radioactive sources that require specialized skills to achieve the desired physician doses as well as protect patients and staff from harm. The employee is expected to provide leadership as well as technical skills.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: . Essential Function- Clinical Support/ Medical Physics Standards External Beam: One shall establish and administer programs to be in compliance with Part 25 Texas Administrative Code 289.229 and 289.231. These include but are not limited to: Establish and implement calibration and quality assurance program for all external beam treatment machines (medical linear accelerator, and superficial/contact x-ray machine) including: a. Perform initial calibration and commissioning of all newly acquired equipment. b. Annual, monthly, weekly, and daily review of treatment machine function and accuracy c. Development and maintenance of written procedures and forms for QA, safety and equipment operation. d. Development and maintenance of dosimetry standards pertaining to radiation dosimetry systems, e.g., Perform annual intercomparison of ionization chambers and electrometers with local standard. e. Perform annual Radiological Physics Center (RPC) TLD check of treatment machines. f. Develop and verify computer dose planning protocols. g. Provide support to clinical computer systems through ongoing QA, backup, and new software installation. Interface with equipment maintenance engineers/technicians including review of corrective action prior to treatment unit's return to clinical service 2. Develop and update clinical physics procedures (e.g., dose calculation/monitor unit calculation, patient dose monitoring procedures, etc). 3. Consultation to radiation oncologist regarding special clinical physics considerations for an individual patient (e.g., surface dose, penumbra effects of inhomogeneity, need for special immobilization device or compensating filter, bolus). 4. Oversee determination of patient parameters required for computer treatment planning calculations. 5. Develop and perform special dose calculations as required for patient treatments. 6. Develops and performs patient specific dose measurements required for determination of monitor units or verification of treatment (IMRT QA, in-vivo dosimetry, etc.). 7. Reviews and approves data taken by physics technicians or dosimetrists. Interprets and provides written reports as necessary for in-vivo dosimetry. 8. Develop and/or oversee fabrication of mechanical treatment aid devices used in radiation therapy of patients including field-shaping blocks and immobilization or repositioning devices for patients. 9. Perform initial review of the therapy dose recorded in each patient's chart to verify the initial dosimetry calculations. 10. Review and verify all patient treatment plans (i.e. isodose distributions). 11. Verifies that patient has received prescribed dose by performing electronic and paper chart QA checks of calculations and treatment plans on assigned patients under treatment every week; documents QA check in medical record (electronic and paper). 12. Develop and implement techniques and apparatus and perform dosimetry measurements as needed for supporting data for new treatment techniques (e.g., Total Body Irradiation, stereotactic radiosurgery, pediatric radiotherapy, etc). 13. Provides medical physics support for special procedures as assigned, e.g., radiosurgery, total body irradiation. 14. Develop and implement planning and delivery systems for intensity modulated radiation therapy including patient specific quality assurance. 15. Possess working knowledge of patient anatomy: a. to teach dosimetrists what to outline in treatment planning, b. to assist the therapist with portal imaging setup, c. to assist therapists and physicians with fusion images and patient setup. 16. Develop and implement QA program for machines that provide patient data (CT, PET, MRI, simulators, etc.) and that calculate dose distributions and treatment times. 17. Develop and document clinical protocols for Image Guided Technology, including patient setup and 4D gating. 18. Develop and implement QA programs for Image Guided Technology, including patient setup and 4D gating. 19. Attend patient related conferences, e.g., Morning Conference. 20. Oversee implementation of new treatment devices including procedure development. 21. Oversee data transfer systems including treatment planning imaging and electronic chart. 22. Consults with physicians, dosimetrists, and radiation therapists regarding treatment setups and clinical problems as needed/requested; resolves problems and documents special physics consultation in medical record, and captures charge, if indicated. 23. Provides medical physics support for special procedures as assigned, e.g. radiosurgery, total body irradiation. 24. Initiates charge capture and provides documentation for the patient`s medical record in accordance with departmental procedures. 25. Provide outreach physics support to institutions identified by the Medical Director. Brachytherapy: One shall participate in compliance with Part 25 Texas Administrative Code 289.202 and 289.256 for radioactive seeds and 289.229 for electronic brachytherapy. These include but are not limited to: 1. Update brachytherapy dose calculation protocols. 2. Verify computer brachytherapy dose planning protocols. 3. Provide clinical physics consultation for patient treatments. 4. Oversee determination of patient parameters including target and source localization required for treatment. 5. Perform special brachytherapy dose calculations as required for patient treatments. 6. Perform patient or phantom dose measurements using MOSFETS, diodes, film and/or other dosimeters. 7. Design and oversee fabrication of treatment devices used in brachytherapy. 8. Check initial and final patient brachytherapy dose calculations and treatment plans. 9. Assist radiation oncologist in the supervision of HDR treatment planning and delivery. 10. Develop Operational Policy and maintain a brachytherapy QA program including: a. Perform initial calibration and commissioning of all newly acquired equipment. b. Annual, quarterly, and daily review of a High-Dose-Rate remote afterloader function and accuracy. c. Annual, quarterly, and daily review of an electronic brachytherapy remote afterloading system for function and accuracy. d. Daily and annual review of manual afterloading brachytherapy and radiopharmaceutical treatments. e. Maintain dosimetry standards pertaining to radiation dosimetry systems, e.g., perform annual intercomparison of ionization chambers and electrometers with local standard. f. Development and maintenance of written procedures and forms for QA, safety and equipment operation. g. Interface with equipment maintenance engineers/technicians including review of corrective action prior to treatment unit's return to clinical service. Radiation Safety: One shall participate in compliance with Part 25 Texas Administrative Code 289.202. These include but are not limited to: 1. Oversee compliance with NRC license (VA) and Texas DSHS/BRC (all other sites) governing personnel and general public safety including: a. All patient and facility surveys and wipe tests. b. Source inventory, wipe tests and accounting including return and receipt c. Compliance with documentation requirements d. Training of residents, nurses, and radiation oncology technical staff e. Assure proper operation of radiation monitoring equipment such as survey meters and room area monitors 2. Assist the RSO in the preparation of license amendments when necessary. 3. Provide in-services radiation safety lectures. 4. Establish and maintain proper operation and calibration of source calibrator and survey meters. 5. Attend Radiation Safety Committee meetings when required. 6. Develop radiation shielding designs and implement verification studies. Education: 1. Provide lectures to staff and trainees on: a. radiation oncology physics b. radiation safety c. new systems and techniques 2. Provide direct hands-on training to all trainees 2. Essential Function - Clinical Development/ Medical Physics Standards 1. Participates in the specification, selection, and acceptance testing of radiation-producing therapy equipment, patient imaging equipment, treatment accessories, and treatment planning systems. 2. Develop and execute plans for acceptance and commissioning of new radiotherapy and dosimetry equipment. Documents work in appropriate logbook. Trains departmental personnel as needed to effectively and safely utilize new equipment for patient care. 3. Develops, tests, refines, and documents new procedures for treatment planning and delivery. Trains departmental personnel as needed to effectively and safely utilize new procedures for patient care. 4. Provides clinical support for new procedures prior to general clinical release. 3. Essential Function- Extramural Standards 1. Attends continuing education activities necessary to perform assigned functions and to broaden knowledge related to radiation therapy physics. 2. Ensures adequate continuing education to maintain board certification, licensure, and other regulatory requirements for one`s credentials. 3. Shares continuing education knowledge with others through clinical in-services, journal club presentations, and on-the-job training. 4. Maintains moderate level of activity and participation in national societies and activities of professional societies, review boards, etc. 4. Essential Function - Teaching Standards 1. Develop lectures and/or participate in the didactic training of residents. 2. Develop lectures and participate in other structured didactic training courses. 5. Other Functions 1. Perform Research Projects that may not have immediate clinical impact but are consistent with the Departmental Goals as established by the Medical Director. Demonstrates the components of the ICARE values statement. Follows all safety rules while on the job. Reports accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards. Completes all hospital required and job-related in-services and applies the information s needed. Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: M.S. degree in physical science required; Ph.D. or D.Sc. preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants shall have completed a minimum of 5 years of experience in a hospital environment.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED: Certified by the American Board of Radiology in Therapeutic Radiological Physics or American Board of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology Physics; Possess a Full Texas Medical Physics License (http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mp/)

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED: WORKING : Walk short distances throughout the day Stand, sit, and type / write for long periods of time Must be able to continuously walk and stand for long periods of time.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

Company Profile
Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group - As one of the nations leading hospitals and academic medical centers Houston Methodist has brought together some of the nations leading experts in multiple specialties to serve our patients. As part of Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group (HMSPG), these specialists not only provide excellent clinical care, but are on the forefront of research, developing leading-edge technologies and treatments, and teaching the medical pioneers of tomorrow. This combination of clinical service, research and academics ensures patients have access to the latest in treatments and technologies while providing the best in comprehensive patient care. Established as a non-profit corporation and certified by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, HMSPG enables physicians to maintain autonomy with respect to their clinical practice while growing their practice within an academic environment.