If you’re a life sciences student with a passion for medicine and a knack for math and physics, consider a career in medical dosimetry. It’s a field where you can make a significant impact on cancer patients’ lives by helping design their treatment plans. Kristi Smith, a senior medical dosimetrist at Alyzen Medical Physics, shares her insights into this rewarding profession.
What is Dosimetry?
Medical dosimetry is a crucial part of radiation oncology. It involves calculating the radiation dose for cancer patients and designing their treatment plans. Think of dosimetrists like pharmacists: while radiation oncologists prescribe the radiation, dosimetrists determine the safest and most effective way to deliver it to tumours, minimising damage to healthy tissues.
Kristi’s Journey to Becoming a Dosimetrist
Kristi’s interest in medicine began in childhood after several trips to the hospital for X-rays. She pursued radiology at Arkansas State University, where she was exposed to various radiology fields, including nuclear medicine and mammography. However, radiation therapy captured her heart due to its direct impact on cancer patients.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in radiologic sciences, Kristi completed an intensive year studying medical dosimetry. This preparation was essential for her board certification and subsequent career. Her passion for helping patients during their most vulnerable moments drives her daily.
A Day in the Life of a Dosimetrist
A typical day for a dosimetrist includes preparing and planning treatments for patients. Daily meetings with the medical team are essential to discuss patient plans and simulations. Depending on the clinic size, dosimetrists might see between twenty to eighty patients a day.
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a hybrid work model, allowing dosimetrists to work remotely for parts of the week. This flexibility is likely here to stay. Another significant part of the job is troubleshooting issues with radiation therapy equipment, ensuring everything runs smoothly for patient treatments.
Rewards and Challenges
Keeping up with rapid technological advancements is a challenge in dosimetry, but continuous education opportunities help dosimetrists stay current. Another challenge is managing treatments for recurrent cancers, which requires careful consideration of previous treatments and recovery times.
The rewards, however, are immense. Working with compassionate colleagues in a supportive environment and seeing patients recover and thrive post-treatment are highlights of the profession. Kristi cherishes moments when former patients express their gratitude, affirming the impact of her work.
The Future of Dosimetry
There is a growing demand for dosimetrists in the United States. With only about 3,500 professionals currently in the field and an anticipated shortage of 400, opportunities abound. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted training programs and cancer treatments, increasing the need for skilled dosimetrists.
For life sciences students considering their career paths, dosimetry offers a blend of technology, patient care, and continuous learning. It’s a career where you can provide hope and support to patients during their most challenging times. Explore opportunities in radiation therapy at Alyzen Medical Physics, a partner of Apex Physics Partners, and consider joining this vital and fulfilling field.