Proton Physicist – KCUC Urology and Oncology

Located in Overland Park, Kansas, KCUC Urology and Oncology offers a unique opportunity as it brings state of the art proton therapy treatment from a physician owned practice to the patients of Kansas City and the surrounding areas. In addition to a Mevion 250i Proton machine, a new Varian TrueBeam will be installed in the newly built cancer center opening Fall 2023.  KCUC Urology and Oncology also operates a satellite facility in Independence, Missouri which will house a Varian TrueBeam in 2023.

Our team is comprised of highly motivated, passionate, professional and engaged individuals working together as a dynamic team to deliver an exceptional level of patient care. We offer our employees a competitive compensation and benefits package with flexibility for growth and career advancement.

Position Summary:

The primary role of the Proton Medical Physicist is responsibility for all technical aspects of medical physics duties pertaining to operating a proton therapy (PT) clinic. This position ensures a safe environment for staff and accurate delivery of radiation to patients as directed by Physician Written Directives. This includes complex treatment planning, patient positioning, radiation protection, machine, and patient-specific quality assurance in close collaboration with Physicians, Therapists, and Dosimetrists.  Prior experience with proton therapy is advantageous, but not required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Calibrate proton therapy equipment in a manner suitable for accurate radiation dose delivery.
• Participation in the acceptance testing and commissioning of new equipment and treatment devices.
• Provide calibration, QA, and maintenance of radiation therapy equipment and maintain records appropriately
• Direct the determination of radiation dose distributions in patients undergoing treatment (i.e. computerized dosimetry planning or direct radiation measurement)
• Develop policies and procedures related to radiation safety and radiation oncology physics
• Design and implement pertinent aspects of the quality management program that involve the use of external beam radiotherapy equipment
• Ensure patient safety and staff safety for all radiation services and adhere to safety protocols as appropriate
• Maintain proper records necessary for state, or other regulatory agencies.
• Manage the medical physics service in a manner to meet or exceed established standards of practice consistent with the facility size and available resources
• Evaluate new technologies and implement as needed, including acceptance testing of new equipment and treatment devices
• Consult with the radiation oncologists, as required, concerning patient doses and optimization of patient treatment plans and delivery
• Provide technical direction of radiation oncology staff as necessary
• Performs and documents initial and weekly patient chart checks, as assigned, to verify accuracy
• Perform special physics consults and dosimetry as requested by the radiation oncologist.
• Participate in chart rounds and continue quality improvement
• Performs patient-specific radiation measurements and calculations
• Performs duties in a manner to promote quality patient care and customer service/ satisfaction, while promoting safety, cost efficiency, and a commitment to the continuous quality improvement process
• Perform other job-related duties, as assigned, together with current Medical Physicist

Qualifications:

• M.S. or Ph.D. Degree in Medical Physics, Radiological Physics, related discipline
• Board eligible or certified by the American Board of Radiology or the American College of Medical Physics
• Eligible or registered with Kansas Department of Health and Environment as a Kansas X-Ray Service Provider
• Understanding of all activities of a proton and/or photon radiation therapy department, (e.g. treatment planning, quality assurance, medical staff role(s), etc.)
• Flexibility to handle multiple tasks and deadlines
• Strong technical problem-solving skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to manage time and prioritize workflow
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed
• Two to five years’ recent experience with Proton radiation therapy preferred, but not required
• Knowledge of Electronic Medical Records and TPS, including Aria, Eclipse and Raystation preferred

About the Area:

Overland Park is located in the southwest suburban area of Kansas City.

If you meet the criteria and would like to be a part of our collaborative, innovative and patient focused team, please apply with a cover letter and copy of your resume, or CV, to:

Eric J. Kiefer, MS

KCUC Urology and Oncology

10701 Nall Ave., Ste 100

Overland Park, KS 66212

ekiefer@kcuc.com