At Houston Methodist, the Senior Dosimetrist position is responsible for designing a treatment plan under the direction of the Medical Physicists and the Radiation Oncologists. This position has broad knowledge of the physical and geometric characteristics of the radiation equipment and radioactive sources employed and keeps abreast of latest technology through continuing education. The Senior Dosimetrist position effectively teaches and mentors others and staff Dosimetrists in various aspects of Dosimetry. This position independently creates complex treatment plans using any treatment modality on any treatment planning software in the department. The Senior Dosimetrist position is able to work with physicists to provide oversight and leadership for new treatment techniques. If applicable, this position creates Brachytherapy plans independently and helps maintain Brachytherapy program.
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Assumes an advisory role and communicates with the radiation therapist(s) in the implementation of the treatment plan including: the correct use of immobilization devices, compensators, wedges, field arrangement, and other treatment or imaging parameters
- Guides and mentors Dosimetrists and radiation therapists to help build confidence in skills, knowledge and abilities. Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards department goals for retention and employee engagement.
- Facilitates open, professional (verbal, nonverbal, written) communication to achieve mutual understanding. Communication to promote both work efforts and problem resolution is clear and professional, providing the highest quality service during every customer and patient encounter.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Applies advanced knowledge and skills to develop complex treatment plans. Provides recommendations and consultation in collaboration with the Radiation Oncologist on development of treatment plans to achieve desired outcome. Assumes proficiency and mentors others and provides training to staff Dosimetrist in image registration with various image data sets to include CT, MRI and PET.
- Create and transfer reference images and localization markers for portal verification and treatment delivery to include DRRs, CBCTs and other IGRT methods, as specified. Perform calculations for the accurate delivery of the prescribed dose, document all pertinent information in the patient record, and verify the mathematical accuracy of all calculations by an approved method.
- Provides guidance in simulations and tumor localization and makes recommendations for use of custom shields, wedges, and other beam modifying devices.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- In collaboration with the Medical Physicist, provides technical support to Dosimetrist and Radiation Therapist in radiation safety and protection, qualitative machine calibrations, quality assurance of treatment plans and radiation oncology equipment.
- Operates and performs quality assurance, in collaboration with the Medical Physicist, on the treatment planning computer(s).
- Follows principles of radiation protection for patient, self and others. Follows safety standards and conducts all radiation therapy procedures accordingly. Maintains proper sterile techniques for procedures, regularly practices aseptic techniques, and ensures compliance with radiation safety and infection control procedures.
- Providing input into research protocols and data collection for RTOG (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group) and other national data collection organizations.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures, with an advanced understanding of Dosimetry-related charges and billing procedures. Enters, validates and reviews charges at the time service is delivered, as appropriate.
- Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Utilizes efficient and cost-effective work practices with department resources and supplies; provides recommendations to reduce expenses. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that improve quality or service. Seeks opportunities to advance skills and knowledge in new technology.
- Collaborates with Physics and Physicians for initial and ongoing treatment to advance Radiation Oncology, supports new protocols.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
EDUCATION
- Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Four years experience as a Dosimetrist. May consider HM employee with three years’ experience, as a Dosimetrist who demonstrates progressive abilities.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS – REQUIRED
- CMD – Certified Medical Dosimetrist (MDCB)
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS – PREFERRED
- BLS – Basic Life Support (AHA)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
- Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
- Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
- Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital / Radiation Oncology Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents.
- Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers.
- Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing work flow and actively participating in problem-solving.
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
- Uniform Yes
- Scrubs Yes
- Business professional Yes
- Other (department approved) Yes
ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**
- May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
- May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No
Company Profile:
Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2025, will be Houston Methodist’s ninth hospital and will incorporate the most advanced technology available from the day the doors open. With 100 beds (at our opening; licensed for 276) and a prime location in the heart of the rapidly growing U.S. 290 corridor, the hospital will be equipped with technologically advanced innovations implemented during COVID, many of them designed to make patient communication with physicians, staff and families the very best and most effective in any health care facility. Even though the hospital won’t be fully operational until 2025, we have several services and specialties opening in 2024.
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.