Radiation Therapy Dosimetrist jobs in Illinois

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Records the prescription directly from the radiation oncologist; plans, by means of computer or manual methods, the treatment delivery that will deliver a prescribed radiation dose to a defined tumor volume in simple and complex cases.
• Coordinates with other departments patient treatment simulations using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when indicated to more definitively identify physical aspects of the tumor and its location when needed for radiation treatment planning.
• In simulation procedures, recommends to the radiation therapist the proper position of the radiation treatment beams as determined in the treatment plan.
• Assists the radiation oncology physicist in the fabrication of compensating filters, custom shields, and the use of wedges and other beam modifying devices for use in radiation therapy.
• Provides clarification and guidance to the radiation therapists on the correct use of immobilization devices, compensators, wedges, and field arrangements.
• Provides assistance to the radiation oncology physicist regarding radiation protection, qualitative and quantitative machine calibrations, and quality assurance of the radiation therapy equipment, as needed.
• Assists the radiation oncology physicist in the application of specific methods of dosimetry (ion chamber, thermoluminescent dosimetry, or film) for special clinical management, block cutting, and chart reviews.
• Performs manual or computer calculations of the dose distribution for standard and complex brachytherapy treatment with sealed sources.
• Stores, transfers, and accounts for numerous small radiation sources (such as needles, seeds, tubes, and applicators) that are inserted into a patient in the operating room or at the patient’s bedside.
• Teaches applied aspects of dosimetry (such as dose calculations) to residents and radiation therapy students, as assigned.
• Participates in quality assurance and continuing education programs of the radiation therapy department (by assembling data and analyzing and developing criteria).
• Supports the radiation oncology physicist in the development and implementation of new techniques (such as radiosurgery and computed tomography based three-dimensional treatment planning).
• Performs other related duties as assigned.