Medical Physicist Assistant

SUMMARY

A Medical Physicist Assistant (MPA) focuses on the quality improvement and management of imaging and treatment systems in a hospital or clinical setting. An MPA has completed relevant didactic education (Bachelor’s or higher college degree from an accredited college or university and/or certification in radiation therapy) and has attained practical clinical medical physics knowledge through specific training and appropriate demonstration of competency under the supervision of a Qualified Medical Physicist (QMP). The Medical Physicist Assistant aims to improve the quality of medical care and radiation treatment through the application, testing, and maintenance of the involved medical Technologies.

Coordinates and follows up on activities by performing the following duties personally or through subordinate supervisors and team members. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

A Medical Physicist Assistant can expect to:

• Perform periodic quality control (QC) of imaging and therapeutic devices to ensure radiation dose and image quality are appropriate for the task

• Perform patient-specific dosimetric measurements, e.g., intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) quality assurance (QA), assay radioactive sources

• Develop and monitor data analysis and statistical tools that track system accuracy and performance

• Assist in the creation of safety and quality training for clinics personnel

• Work with the Radiation Safety Officer

• Perform periodic Patient Chart Quality Assurance [initial, continuing, and final]

• Perform treatment plan checks to ensure accuracy before the plan implementation.

• Perform Daily QA mechanical and imaging analysis

• Perform plan checks/reviews to ensure accuracy before the plan implementation.

• Assist when Qualified Medical Physicist performs Monthly and Annual Machine Calibration and QAs

• Design projects that aim to answer a clinical problem

• Assists with generating proper records and correspondence pertaining to quality control and quality assurance, calibration, radiation safety and compliance with state and federal regulations and standards of accrediting bodies.

• Actively participates in image fusion, dose calculation verifications, and special physics consultations as requested by physicians.

• Keeps abreast of new scientific methods and developments.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. He or she will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No Supervisor responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

•      Master’s degree or equivalent and medical physics are related field.
•     Specifically demonstrates understanding of medical physics in radiation oncology.

MENTAL DEMANDS

Language Skills Experience

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.  Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from patients, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.  Ability to write presentations and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.  Ability to effectively present information to top management and public groups.

Mathematical Skills Experience

Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations.  Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have advanced knowledge of: Microsoft Office Suite: Outlook Communication Management software, Word, and Excel. Experience with Internet usage, PC and/or MAC and Windows.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

•       Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
•       Interacts effectively and efficiently both verbally and in writing with department staff regarding medical physics and radiation safety issues, and consults the chief physicist when uncertain how to handle a given problem
•          Committed desire to collaborate and communicate with other members of the team to deliver clinical excellence.
•      Work co-operatively within a multidisciplinary team and assist other team members to achieve team objectives and work outcomes. 
•      Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
•      Demonstrated commitment to high quality patient care.
•         Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement.
•      Follow CRO policies and procedures.

Other requirements:   

•      Identify and/or develop key internal and external relationships, opportunities for future service provisions and potential referrer or doctor partnerships.
•     Maintain licensure, undertake mandatory and professional development to practice safely and in accordance with all professional and regulatory requirements.
•     Travel when required to other sites and/or leadership meetings.