Medical Physicist, Radiation Therapy

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision, Values and strategic direction of PHSA safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA’s Agencies/Divisions/Services, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
Under the leadership of the Regional Professional Practice Leader, a Medical Physicist provides physics and other specialized skills to support the technical requirements of planning and treatment of Radiation Therapy patients. Medical Physicists’ participate in research and in academic and teaching programs in the field of Medical Physics.

Duties/Accountabilities:

• Provides direct support of patient treatment including external beam, brachytherapy and other specialized radiation techniques, by ensuring accuracy of the predicted dose and for the calculated treatment parameters to deliver the prescribed radiotherapy dose to the identified anatomical volume. Consults with physicians and Radiation Therapists regarding treatment strategies.
• Develops and administers the technical aspects of the radiation oncology quality assurance program, by measuring, verifying and evaluating all equipment used in the support of radiotherapy. Contacts service personnel to arrange for corrective actions and trouble-shoots difficult or unusual system problems.
• Ensures radiation safety procedures are followed and participates in; monitoring of radiation levels, radiation facility design, control of radioactive source inventory, assessment of any radiation incidents, and assurance that all aspects of license compliance are met. Provides training in radiation safety to all appropriate staff.
• Researches, develops, and implements new clinical devices, techniques, and concepts, and ensures seamless transfer into the radiotherapy program by collaborating with Radiation Oncologist and other professionals. Develops policies and procedures and provides training to staff accordingly
• Responsible to remain current in all radiotherapy equipment and new technologies, and ensure that both meet the needs of the program. Participates in assessment of equipment at time of acquisition or upgrade, as well as decommissioning old equipment and commissions equipment for clinical use.
• Responsible for decisions related to fitness of equipment to be used for radiation therapy patients following commissioning, repair or service and other adjustments. This requires the Medical Physicist to provide work direction to Radiotherapy Service Technologists, Physics Assistants and Tool and Die Makers as well as external service personnel.
• Responsible for teaching Medical Physics and related subjects to students and staff at BC Cancer and other institutions, including delivering a continuing education program to other members of the health care team. Additionally, responsible to maintain personal education to ensure a current and up-to-date level of expertise.
• Performs research work related to cancer care by; applying and competing for research funding, review of grant proposals and scientific manuscripts, presentation and publication of results, and participating in research seminars and workshops.
• Ensures that radiotherapy imaging techniques and image quality meet required standards and participates in the introduction of new or improved imaging technologies.
• Liaises and provides advice as needed with internal and external programs and organizations to advance and resolve radiation therapy issues. This includes universities regarding education programs, and federal and provincial regulatory agencies regarding regulation and safe practice.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. degree in physics and at least two (2) years of closely related experience, OR M.Sc. degree in physics and at least four (4) years of closely related experience. OR MCCPM (requiring at least two (2) years clinical experience) with either M.Sc. degree in physics or PhD OR completion of an approved residency program. MCCPM required within two (2) years of entering this level.
Demonstrated ability to provide a high standard of medical radiation therapy physics services. Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, analytical, oral and written communication and teaching skills. Demonstrated independent decision making skills and ability to work independently and as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. Physical ability to perform the duties of the job. Ability to adhere to the Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists code of ethics.