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General
Role
Medical Physicists in Radiation Oncology apply their
tools and knowledge of mathematics, physics and technology
to establish, implement and monitor processes which
allow optimal treatment using radiation, taking account
of the radiation protection of the patient and others.
Role in Radiation Oncology
Medical physicists at the WBRC provide the scientific
and technical support for all aspects of clinical
radiotherapy.
The role of a physicist in Radiation Oncology includes:
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equipment quality assurance
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dosimetry, that is -
generally-speaking - ensure that patients receive
the dose prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist
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| advice in radiation oncology |
| involvement in the planning
and treatment of complex external beam treatments
such as stereotactic and Intensity-modulated radiotherapy
(IMRT) treatments |
| working closely with Radiation
Therapists and Radiation Oncologists developing
external beam and brachytherapy treatment plans |
| involvement in quality
assurance of external beam treatment planning |
| evaluation of the accuracy
of treatment planning and treatment techniques |
| evaluation of the accuracy
of treatment planning and treatment techniques |
| calibration of external
beam and brachytherapy sources |
| commissioning of new equipment,
provision of scientific and technical advice for
the selection of new equipment |
| provision of advice on
radiation protection and safety both to the Department
of Radiation Oncology and at the Alfred generally
(in conjunction with the physicist in the Department
of Nuclear Medicine) |
| teaching others in radiation
therapy physics and radiation safety |
| research and development |
Physicists
take an active role in the teaching of radiotherapy
physics to radiation therapists and registrar radiation
oncologists in the department, also to student radiation
therapists outside the department through affiliation
with RMIT University.
Physicists have a keen interest in leading and participating
in research activities. Some areas of current interest
include electronic portal imaging device dosimetry,
small field dosimetry applied to stereotactic radiotherapy/radiosurgery
and IMRT, and iodine seed brachytherapy.
The Physics Department is currently staffed by seven
clinical radiotherapy physicists. In addition, the
department has a research fellow working in the field
of IMRT.
The Physics Department manages the
extensive IT facilities of the Department of Radiation
Oncology and employs a part time Computer Support person
to assist in maintaining this essential service.
Part of the physics department is an in-house technical
service where speciality equipment and accessories
can be designed, crafted or modified. The service is
staffed by one technologist.
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