Physics Assistant, BC Cancer

Job Summary

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.The Physics Assistant with work direction from designated Medical Physicists assists with physics, technical and computer services in support of the planning and treatment of radiation therapy.

Duties/Accountabilities

• Maintains an inventory of radiation physics equipment and ensures radiation physics equipment is kept in good working order through correct storage and usage; informs the Medical Physics Leader of any equipment malfunction and deficiency.
• Assists the Medical Physicists with regular scheduled maintenance of radiation physics equipment by such means as performing quality assurance checks and testing.
• Assists in performing measurements on radiation therapy equipment, as delegated by a Medical Physicist to:
• Establish and maintain stability of geometrical parameters of radiation therapy machines such as laser alignment, isocentre accuracy, light/radiation field coincidence by following established Agency procedures.
• Establish and maintain stability of radiation output from therapy machines by such means as performing regular radiation constancy measurements.
• Verify radiation dose in specified geometries by such means as using geometric phantoms under conditions set down by the physicists.
• Verify radiation dose predictions from radiation therapy planning systems by such means as using anthropomorphic phantoms under conditions set down by the physicists.
• Verify suppliers of assay of radioisotopes by such means as direct measurement of the source activity.
• Assists the Medical Physicist with computer related tasks by performing such duties as:
• Tabulating radiation physics data by such means as gathering percentage depth dose data, tissue air/maximum ratios, dose profile data.
• Maintaining familiarity with departmental software by routine use of Wellhofer 3D scanning software and beam profile verification software in order to assist in performing measurements.
• Maintaining statistical physics data by such means as gathering and tracking workload statistics for the planning module.
• Ensures continuity of shared responsibilities by communicating effectively with other team members.
• Maintains a safe environment for patients, families and staff through such methods as adhering to safety policies and standards and emergency procedures.
• Maintains an awareness of risk factors related to radiation therapy and physics equipment through methods such as attending in-service lectures presented by individuals such as Physicists.
• Accepts accountability for own practice, determines and meets own learning needs in collaboration with the Provincial Professional Practice Leader, Medical Physics, or designate, by developing a learning plan and acquiring and maintaining appropriate knowledge.
• Assists, as required by a Medical Physicist, with orientation of new staff and students by such means as explaining radiation safety policies and procedures and familiarizing them with related equipment and practices.
• Assists, as required by a Medical Physicist, in the design of quality assurance procedures.
• Participates, as required and directed by a Medical Physicist, in related clinical service and research.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Physics or Engineering Physics.
• One year of related experience in radiation therapy physics or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience acceptable to BCCA.
  
  

Skills And Abilities

Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment.

Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work.

Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including the ability to: function as a team member; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; listen actively.