Medical Physicist
- Medical Imaging/Radiology
- Chicago (Lincoln Park)
- Full time
- Days
The Medical Physicist will, under
the direction of the Medical Chairman, be engaged in the design optimization,
technical evaluation and precise calibration of equipment suitable for accurate
radiation dose delivery. The
Physicist will also educate physicians, residents, nurses and technologists on
the technical aspects of radiation delivery, as well as the radiation protection
of patients and staff. The
physicist will assist in an educational program about radiation safety to the
Hospital Staff at large.
Essential
Job Functions:
-
Clinical Science support. Actively participates in establishing
a core team of Radiologists, Imaging Specialists and Clinical Scientists to
provide the best balance for a good clinical service at the forefront of
service provision, development and research. Utilizes the unique combination of
scientific expertise and awareness of clinical requirements that play a major
role in the development and expansion of the use of specific applications into
new and existing diagnostic procedures. The Clinical Scientist needs to be
continually creative in all aspects of clinical service and in staff
relations.
-
Overview of equipment and site
specifications. The
complexity of equipment and siting considerations requires the specialized
knowledge of an experienced individual. The Medical Physicist should work
closely with clinical colleagues to ensure sound purchasing and site planning
decisions. Appropriate technical
performance criteria must be precisely and formally specified by the Medical
Physicist in order to meet diagnostic needs and targets. The Medical Physicist also ensures
that site design takes into account the shielding requirements.
-
Quality Assurance. Assures the departmental aim of
improving patient care, safety and departmental efficiency. Quality Assurance (QA) is vital where
quantitative measurements using images of patient anatomy or physiology
are being performed. The Physicist's responsibilities will include the design,
development, evaluation and supervision of a comprehensive quality control
(QC) program for diagnostic imaging. This program will cover all imaging devices, including hardware,
software, and peripheral configurations. The program will also include review,
testing, certification, and acceptance of all patient imaging-related
equipment in accordance with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH),
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the JCAHO requirements. The
Physicist also oversees all technical aspects of the American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditation
process including training technologists for ACR QC/QA phantom testing,
monitoring and maintaining weekly QA data and performing the annual system
performance evaluation for submission to the ACR.
-
Optimization of Techniques/Clinical
Applications. The Physicist
will assure equipment is used optimally and cost effectively. Under the direction of the Medical
Chairman, and Clinical Director, develops clinical and research protocols.
Must work with clinical colleagues in determining how best to deploy these
techniques. Expands the
capabilities of the equipment in this way, the useful life and efficiency of
the system may be extended. Must
use technical expertise in ensuring cost effective decisions are made when
purchasing the system upgrades necessary to implement new
techniques.
-
Oversee the radiation safety program.
Ensures safety is maintained for all patients and staff. Provides guidance of radiation safety
as outlined in accordance with the NCRP. Serve as a member of various committees
such as the Radiation Safety committee, Hospital Safety committee and consult
with radiation oncologists, as required, concerning patient doses and
optimization of plans and delivery.
-
Research and Development. Ensures the science, technology and
clinical applications are applied appropriately. Instrumental in developing new methods
or improving existing techniques.
Monitors current areas of active research. Participates in multidisciplinary
efforts, and assists with determination of most suitable research projects.
Expected to present findings at national meetings and publish in peer reviewed
journals.
-
Education and Staff Development. Must
assure and teach the basic physical principles to a wide range of clinical and
support staff in both formal and informal settings. Co-ordinates education
programs and tutorials.
FTE status: FT-80
Requirements
-
Master of Science or Doctoral degree in
Radiological Physics, Physics, or related
discipline.
-
Certification by the American Board of
Radiology in Radiological Physics or the American Board of Medical
Physics is required for an academic appointment through Northwestern University and compliance with the ACR
Standard for Continuing Medical Education.
-
Must also meet any qualifications imposed
by the federal or state radiation control agency to practice radiation
oncology physics and/or provide oversight of the establishment and conduct of
the radiation quality management
program.