Job Description

The Physicist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The medical Physicist develops and accurately documents every components of the treatment machine parameters that reflect the accuracy of treatment plans, as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist, to assure the delivery of quality patient care free of any error on a daily basis. The Physicist is responsible for acceptance testing, commissioning, and maintaining the treatment machine within national guidelines as specified in AAPM guidelines as well as provide daily, monthly and annual QA programs for every piece of equipment used for patient treatment.

Additionally, the Physicist provides validation of the treatment planning system for its accuracy as it relates to the patient. The Physicist is knowledgeable enough for safe operation of every available software for patient care and know the algorithms for dose calculation. This role is a go-to-person on technical component of the hardware/software and collaborates with other sections and supports the clinical needs of the department.

_ Responsibilities:_

• Instrumental in acceptance testing and commissioning of new equipment, development of new treatment techniques, quantitative analysis of clinical data
• Provide QA methodology for simulator, and treatment machines for daily, monthly and annual calibrations as well as documentation for state regulator (IEMA)
• Develops methodology for image import, acquisition, and implementation of imaging modalities (CT, MRI, PET, PET/CT) for fusion and treatment planning
• Implementation of complex treatment plans (IMRT, VMAT, IGRT, SBRT) as well as new technology
• Assisting in ensuring that all treatment plans are optimized for the best patient care to NM standard and patients are treated in a safe and timely manner
• Performs and verifies accuracy of treatment plans and dose calculations
• Perform special procedures as needed (e.g. Brachytherapy, TBI, TSEI etc).
• Provide or measure in-vivo dosimetry using appropriate detectors; TLDs, diodes, MOSFETS, film, etc., and records the results appropriately and informs physicians of the results and takes appropriate action as necessary
• Perform patient related work such as support in simulation, initial chart check, weekly physics check and end of treatment chart check
• Be a clinical resource to radiation oncologists, dosimetrists and radiation therapists
• Adheres to all radiation safety policies and procedures, ensuring the safety of patients, visitors and staff at all times
• Provide assistance for accurate billing and data reporting
• Collects data to support the measurement and tracking components of regional quality management and identifies areas for potential improvement and recommends corrective actions
• Takes a regional leadership responsibility for process improvement

Qualifications

** Required :**

• Master’s or PhD degree in Medical Physics or equivalent
• Board Certified in Therapeutic Radiology by the American Board of Radiology (ABR) or American College of Medical Physics (ABMP) or equivalent
• Licensed by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency

** Preferred:**

• A high degree of radiation oncology software and computer knowledge

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.