Medical physicists use their knowledge of science and physics to diagnose and treat patients. They supervise treatments using therapeutic equipment while specifying and monitoring radiation output delivered to patients. Medical physicists ensure optimal equipment performance, protect patients and staff from radiation hazards, and work in close collaboration with radiation oncologists. An indispensable service is the accurate measurement of the radiation output from radiation sources used to treat cancerous and benign diseases. Other important services are rendered through investigation of equipment performance, organization of quality control in imaging and therapy-delivery systems, design of radiotherapy installations, control of radiation hazards, and design and execution of clinical procedures and treatment techniques.
Medical physicists are concerned with three areas of activity: clinical service and consultation, research and development, and teaching. The medical physicist is sought to contribute clinical and scientific advice and resources to solve the numerous and diverse physical problems that arise continually in many specialized medical areas. Medical physicists also help train future medical physicists, resident radiation oncologists, medical students, and technologists who operate the various types of equipment used to perform radiotherapy treatments.
The Radiation Oncology Physicist is typically a member of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) and a board certified professional recognized by the American Board of Radiology (ABR). S/he reports to the Chief of Radiation Oncology Physics, and serves as liaison with Health Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Facilities, and Information Services for their maintenance of treatment units and physics-related instrumentation in the Department of Radiation Oncology.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
A. JOB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
B. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
The minimum combination of training, including education in medical physics or an aligned field by an accredited university is a Doctoral degree and or a Masters degree. Completion of a CAMPEP-approved residency in medical physics is preferred.
C. LICENSES, ETC.
The Radiation Oncology Physicist should be certified in Therapeutic Radiologic Physics (or equivalent) as defined by the American Board of Radiology, although a board-eligible physicist may be selected if certification can be achieved within 18 months. Certified medical physicists must participate in Maintenance of Certification (MOC). The Radiation Oncology Physicist should register as a Qualified Medical Physicist with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
IV. AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
The Radiation Oncology Physicist possesses and applies the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care to patients at any point throughout their lifespan, with consideration of aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.
These competencies include:
V. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES STATEMENT
Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.
Additional Information:All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES STATEMENT:
Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Tufts Medical Center reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.
COVID-19 POLICY:
Please note that effective October 1, 2021, as a condition of employment at Tufts Medical Center, all employees and new hires must have received their complete dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, unless they have been granted an exemption.