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Radiation Oncologist
Radiation oncologists are
the doctors who oversee the care of each cancer patient undergoing
radiation treatment. They develop and prescribe each cancer patient's
treatment plan. They make sure that every treatment is accurately given.
They monitor the patient's progress and adjust treatment to make sure
patients get quality care throughout treatment. Radiation oncologists
also help identify and treat any side effects of radiation therapy. They
work closely with other physicians, and all members of the radiation
oncology team. Radiation oncologists have completed four years of
college, four years of medical school, one year of general medical
training, then four years of residency (specialty) training in radiation
oncology. They have extensive training in the safe use of radiation to
treat disease. If they pass a special examination, they are certified by
the American Board of Radiology. Patients should ask if their doctor is
board certified.
Medical Radiation Physicist
Qualified medical physicists work
directly with the doctor in the treatment planning and delivery. They
oversee the work of the dosimetrist and help ensure that complex
treatments are properly tailored for each patient. Qualified medical
physicists are responsible for developing and directing quality control
programs for equipment and procedures. They are responsible for making
sure the equipment works properly. Medical radiation physicists take
precise measurements of radiation beam characteristics and do other
safety tests on a regular basis. Qualified medical physicists have
doctorates or master's degrees. Qualified medical physicists have
completed four year of college. They also have had two to four years of
graduate school and typically one to two years of clinical physics
training. They are certified by the American Board of Radiology or the
American Board of Medical Physics.
Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists work with
radiation oncologists. They administer the daily radiation treatment
under the doctor's prescription and supervision. They maintain daily
records and regularly check the treatment machines to make sure they are
working properly. Radiation therapists go through a two-to four-year
educational program following high school or college. They take a
special examination and must be certified by the American Registry of
Radiologic Technologists. In addition, many states require that
radiation therapists be licensed.Dosimetrist
Dosimetrists carefully calculate the
dose of radiation to make sure the tumor gets enough radiation. They
develop a number of treatment plans that can best destroy the tumor
while sparing the normal tissues. Many of these treatment plans are very
complex. Dosimetrists work with the doctor and the medical physicist to
choose the treatment plan that is just right for each patient. Many
dosimetrists start as radiation therapists, then, with very intensive
training, become dosimetrists. Others are graduates of one-to two-year
dosimetry programs. The Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board
certifies dosimetrists.
Nurses work with the radiation team
to care for patients during the course of treatment. They help evaluate
the patient before treatment begins. They may talk to the patient about
potential side effects and their management. During the course of
radiation treatments patients may be evaluated weekly, or more
frequently by the nurse to assess problems and concerns. Nurses play a
key role in educating the patient about treatment, side effects, etc.
Radiation oncology nurses are registered nurses licensed to practice
professional nursing. Most nurses in radiation therapy have additional
accreditation in the specialty of
oncology nursing. Advanced practice
nurses in oncology, which include clinical nurse specialists and nurse
practitioners, have completed a master's degree program.
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