Chief Medical Physicist

Tennessee Oncology, one of the nation’s largest, community-based cancer care specialists, is home to one of the leading clinical trial networks in the country. Established 1976 in Nashville, Tennessee Oncology’s mission remains unchanged: To provide access to high-quality cancer care and the expertise of clinical research for all patients, at convenient locations within their community and close to their home. Our growing network of physicians and locations is based on this mission. Tennessee Oncology is committed to advancing both the science of detection and targeted treatments, and to making these advances available to every patient. We believe caring for cancer patients is a privilege.

Why Join Us? We are looking for talented and highly-motivated individuals who demonstrate a natural desire to support the meaningful work of community oncologists and the patients we serve.

Job Description:

The Chief Medical Physicist oversees medical physics operations across all Tennessee Oncology radiation oncology facilities, excluding the Proton Center, which is managed separately under its own Vice President of Physics and Treatment Planning. This leadership role includes developing and implementing best practices, managing staff, overseeing quality assurance (QA) programs, and supporting the development of new facilities and technologies. The Chief Medical Physicist plays a key role in maintaining compliance with state and accreditation standards and collaborates with the executive leadership team to achieve organizational goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Program Leadership:
  • Lead all medical physicists and dosimetrists, including remote and onsite staff.
  • Ensure facilities are adequately staffed and provide onsite coverage, as needed.
  • Manage team performance, including timecards, evaluations, and professional development.
  • Participate in annual facility budget creation.
  • Contribute to long range capital equipment plans and supporting budgets.
  • Develop and implement best practices based on industry standards and innovations.
• Facility Development and Expansion:
  • Assist with planning and commissioning new facilities, including equipment and software procurement and acceptance testing.
  • Review and advise on shielding reports for new vault constructions.
  • Play an active role in all future acquisitions and new facility builds, including participation in project meetings, vendor communications, and site visits.
  • Evaluate new technologies and implement them as appropriate.
  • Manage equipment and software upgrades from planning through implementation to include verification and validation.
• Clinical and Technical Oversight:
  • Oversee timely equipment calibration to ensure accurate radiation dose delivery.
  • Responsible for key vendor communications and scheduling upgrades and preventive maintenance visits.
  • Design, implement, and monitor clinical QA programs for all facilities, ensuring thorough and timely completion of tasks to include new patient conferences. Maintain thorough QA documentation and ensure compliance with established protocols and timelines.
  • Collaborate with the VP of Proton Medical Physics, Regional Radiation Oncology Operations Director, SVP of Radiation Oncology, and physician leadership to develop and implement corrective action protocols as needed.
  • Ensure completion of all monthly and annual QA tasks at each facility. Collaborate with the VP of Proton Medical Physics or remote contractors as needed to arrange alternate coverage in extenuating circumstances, while prioritizing personal onsite presence whenever possible.
  • Consult with radiation oncologists on treatment plans, patient doses, and delivery optimization.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Maintain and manage QA, equipment, and accreditation records for all photon sites.
  • Prepare for and participate in inspections and accreditation site visits (e.g., APEx, NRC, and state regulations).
• Collaboration and Strategic Alignment:
  • Work closely with the VP of Proton Medical Physics, Regional Radiation Oncology Operations Director, and SVP of Radiation Oncology to maintain safe staffing levels and ensure operational excellence.
• Cross-Coverage:
  • Provide cross-coverage for the VP of Proton Medical Physics during PTO or sick leave.
  • Maintain a base understanding of proton physics to ensure seamless support, with training provided as necessary.
  • Collaborate with the proton physics team to address coverage needs and maintain continuity of care.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Required Education and Certification:

• PhD or Master’s degre