Scope of Position

The clinical radiobiologist in Radiation Oncology is responsible for overseeing patient safety, in collaboration with other physicians, physicists, dosimetrists, and radiation biologists, by reviewing radiation time, dose, and fractionation schedules in cancer patients undergoing radiation treatments. In collaboration with the physician, physicist, and dosimetrists, the Radiobiologist will review fractionation schedules and dose-volume histograms of tumors and normal tissues in patients undergoing radiation treatments to ensure patient safety in the Department. Reviews OSU radiation treatment charts and instructs personnel in principles and regulations related to radiation biology and normal tissue toxicity.

Position Summary

This position will provide professional radiobiology services at the Department of Radiation Oncology (or its outreach/affiliates) of the OSU Medical Center. Evaluates and interprets medical radiation treatment prescriptions, collaborates with medical providers in the design and modification of effective radiation treatments for patients; provide radiobiological guidance in the development of treatment plans for patients undergoing radiation therapy; develop and maintain guidelines, policies, procedures, objectives, quality measurements, and safety; perform clinical research as required. Importantly, a radiation biologist studies how radiation affects tumor and surrounding normal tissues for conventional radiotherapy, hypofractionated radiotherapy and mixed modality treatments (brachytherapy, IORT, SBRT, Gamma Stereotactic Radiosurgery) and re-treatments. Through experimentation and data gathering, they pursue an understanding of topics such as how to better diagnose and treat cancer.

Duties and Responsibilities

65% SUPPORTS DIRECT PATIENT CARE ACTIVITIES & RELATED TO RADIOLOGIAL ADVANCEMENTS

1. Develop and implement guidelines, in collaboration with physicians, physicists, dosimetrists, and radiation biologists, concerning radiotherapy and cancer treatment, and to ensure the effective and efficient utilization of current and future advanced cancer radiotherapy treatment technologies. Provide input and help maintain the department Quality and Operations clinical database to maintain relevant radiobiological parameters and outcomes data to help monitor and correlate patient outcomes for complex treatments delivered.

2. Coordinates and supports research, provides technical and advisory services and collects, analyses and disseminates information related to radiation biology;

3. Initiates activities in the field of radiation biology especially with respect to radiation response to cells and tissues, including clinical applications, to help improve the level of knowledge of radiobiology applied to radiotherapy and other health effects of radiation exposure.

4. Develops guidelines, training material and teaching programs in radiation biology

5. Develop and implement coordinated research projects in the field of basic and applied radiation biology and its clinical applications, including the evaluation of research contracts, organization of research coordination meetings and the publication of results.

6. Plan and organize scientific and advisory meetings to review current knowledge in radiation biology and plan for future activities within the field.

7. Prepare reports, proceedings and scientific publications on radiation biology and related activities.

8. Assists in the development and implementation of new treatment programs and patient specific Radiobiology Quality Assurance program as needed.

9. Develops, implements, oversees, and participates in integrated Radiation Oncology quality control programs to integrate radiobiology analysis for complex treatments.

10. Advises and consults with medical providers and specialists concerning various issues involving individual patients and/or students.

11. Provides input for budget planning, planning for future facility and equipment requirements.

12. Researches and develops new devices and modalities for improved therapeutic use of radiation.

13. Maintains professional contact with peers through attendance at professional meetings and related activities. Participate in the outreach program for the department. Participation as appropriate in departmental and school wide committees and in professional organizations.

10% PARTICIPATES IN TEACHING MISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY

1. Plans and presents didactic courses (university or internal) and continuing education programs to staff members, medical and medical physics residents, radiation therapy students, and medical students, as appropriate.

10% RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RADIATION SAFETY ASPECTS OF THE CLINICAL DEPARTMENT

1. Participates in the establishment and coordination of broadly based radiation safety programs; regarding radiation biological principles.

2. Develops or assists with the development and implementation of policies and procedures consistent with those of the organization to ensure efficient and safe radiation plans.

10% PARTICIPATES IN CLINICAL/TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH

1. Participates in clinical/translational research and presents results through publications, conferences and other scholarly activities.

5% PERFORMS OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

1. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.