DIAGNOSTIC PHYSICIST
| Summary | The diagnostic imaging physicist shall
know and understand the performance and relationship of the major
elements of the imaging chain, and shall be able to explain to physicians
and technologists how each element affects the overall system and
diagnostic performance. The diagnostic imaging physicist shall know
where to acquire detailed information on all imaging systems, where
the proper training can be acquired, and be able to perform or direct
tests to evaluate each element in the system chain. The practice
of diagnostic imaging physics occurs under a variety of settings
and arrangements for professional services. The judgment, skill and
experience of the qualified medical physicist are required to meet
these standards. In addition, several organizations have established
standards and government agencies have issued regulations that must
be verified by the qualified medical physicist. |
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| Essential Functions/ Major Responsibilities: |
Certified by the American Board of Medical Physics in Diagnostic Imaging Physics, or by the American Board of Radiology in Diagnostic Radiological Physics or Radiological Physics, or by an equivalent body recognized by the American College of Medical Physics. In addition, the medical physicist must meet the qualifications imposed by the state, Federal, and local regulatory and control agencies. Further, the medical physicist must maintain his/her skills through continuing medical education. The imaging physicist shall be accountable directly to the medical director of that clinical department responsible for medical imaging. Where more than one department is involved or in settings that preclude direct reporting to the medical director on administrative matters, the imaging physicist should be accountable to the appropriate senior Vice-President or equivalent. In many cases, the imaging physicist will communicate routine findings to the department director or equivalent. The imaging physicist shall direct quality assurance programs, prepare technical portions of purchase specifications, examine service records, review policies of radiation safety, participate in the physics training of technologists and physicians, and review records of repeated procedures. Where appropriate, the imaging physicist shall revise annually that part of the manual of policies and procedures pertaining to imaging and radiation safety. The imaging physicist is responsible for direct measurements and reporting of apparatus performance required by statute. The imaging physicist shall adhere to the Code of Ethics of the American College of Medical Physics. The imaging physicist is expected to remain current with technical developments, standards of practice, and regulatory requirements by attending national and regional meetings, conferences and symposia and through access to current journals and other publications. Continuing Education for imaging physicists should be in accord with national guidelines appropriate to the practice of medical physics. Imaging physicists are primarily engaged in the specification, evaluation, optimization, radiation safety and quality assurance of medical imaging apparatus. Their role may include clinical research design, and educational duties as well. Their responsibilities shall be clearly defined. The imaging physicist shall determine the needs for, specify and have access to measurement instruments. All measurement instruments shall be calibrated as recommended by the manufacturer, and where appropriate, bear a current calibration label. Suggested instruments are given in the References section of this Standard. Instruments shall include, but are not limited to, those required to measure essential performance parameters of imaging systems: The imaging physicist shall participate in the specification, selection, and acceptance of medical imaging apparatus. The imaging physicist should also supervise arrangements for maintenance of the equipment or replacement of major components. The imaging physicist will periodically evaluate all apparatus for continued utility, appropriateness, reliability, age, and condition, and make recommendations on a practical life span, obsolescence and replacement of the apparatus and major components. Imaging physicists and their support staff should be at levels that follow closely the guidelines set forth in AAPM Report No. 33. In-house service technicians and engineers should complete the training programs offered by manufacturers of the apparatus in use. physics test schedules. The imaging physicist shall establish QM schedules for at least annual testing (up to fourteen months if required) for each imaging system. For those systems subjected to hard use or requiring better precision, the interval may be shortened. Calibration Protocols The imaging physicist shall establish written procedures and forms for recording measured data for each imaging system. In addition, the program must have procedures for documenting the calibration of measurement instruments by accredited calibration facilities. Redundancy of measurement equipment is recommended for at least two reasons: failure of test equipment itself and verification of measurements of critical system parameters to avoid unnecessary expense of replacement or recalibration. Protocols should observe the physical relationships of measured parameters. When such relationships are not consistent with physical laws, tests should be repeated. |
