Principal Medical Physicist - Bon Secours Radiotherapy, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre Cork

Responsibilities

Responsible for the systematic measurement, documentation, and assurance of the physical and dosimetric aspects of all radioactive sources/radiation producing equipment used in Radiation Oncology. Performs acceptance testing and commissioning of all treatment-related equipment in collaboration with the Chief Physicist.

This includes calibration of all radiation producing sources and maintenance of all information for their appropriate use. Supports the Chief Medical Physicist in all periodic servicing and Preventative Maintenance Inspections of all radiation producing equipment and treatment planning systems. Maintains a comprehensive quality assurance program that ensures patients are provided tumour localization, radiation treatment, and dose distributions as prescribed.

This includes assurance of the accuracy of treatment unit parameters. Responsible for the development of treatment plans, acquisition assessment of 4DCTs/Respiratory Management. Responsible for the storage of data for treatment plans, calculation of dose distributions and machine settings for treatment. Responsible for providing a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) Review of Treatment plans.

Provides consultation to the Radiation Oncologist on the physical and radiobiological aspect of treatment. Translates the desired treatment plan into a set of instructions for radiation therapists to execute. Responsible for the dose measurements and use of measuring devices for verification of dose delivery to patients.

Provides interpretation/consultation to the Radiation Oncologist regarding patient doses. Directs the design, fabrication, and measurement of treatment beam modifiers and treatment aids, as required. Responsible for the systematic measurement, documentation, and assurance of the Brachytherapy process, if applicable. Responsible to obtain and disseminate information pertaining to current practices within the field of Radiation Oncology Physics.

Initiates and/or collaborates on related research projects with other UPMC Physicists in Radiation Therapy in the Division of Medical Physics. Responsible for the coordination of the day-to-day output of the Medical Physics team. In the absence of the Chief Medical Physicist, the Principal Medical Physicist will assume the management of the Medical Physics service provision.

Responsible for the implementation and DICOM output of Radiotherapy Trials pertaining to Treatment Planning. Support the Chief Medical Physicist in managing/performing Radiation Safety tasks within the Department to meet EPA/HIQA requirements. Supports the Chief Medical Physicist with staff performance and scheduling duties.

In conjunction with the Chief Medical Physicist, responsible for the initiation and implementation of new clinical practices and Medical Physics programmes. Performs organization and administration skills in the clinical practice of Radiation Oncology Physics. This includes decision in equipment usage/selection/replacement, physics and dosimetry staff requirements, assignments and recruitment, program operation, budget preparation, and continuing review of program’s policies and procedures.

Responsible for the compliance with EPA/ORP Rules and Regulations. Maintain a personal record of competencies and achievements throughout their post, for Medical Physics Expert (MPE) status continuity with the Irish College of Physicists in Medicine Working Conditions / Environmental Factors The Medical Physicist works indoors in Radiation Oncology.

Based on Risk Assessment, the Principal Medical Physicist is not required to wear a personal radiation dosimeter but must adhere to radiation policies/procedures established by the hospital. Medical physicists are required to follow universal precautions and infection control policies. Medical physicists are also required to comply with all policies/procedures regarding handling hazardous materials and personal protection.