Medical Dosimetrists.

This job has 19 core tasks. We went through 16 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Medical Dosimetrists actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

1. TASK 01

   Identify and outline bodily structures, using imaging procedures, such as x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or positron emission tomography.

   AI DOES

   Auto-segments organs and tumors from CT, MRI, and PET scans as a starting draft

   YOU DO

   Verify every contour, fix errors, and take clinical responsibility for the final plan

2. TASK 02

   Calculate, or verify calculations of, prescribed radiation doses.

   AI DOES

   Checks dose math, flags outliers, and cross-references treatment planning data

   YOU DO

   Own the final safety review and clinical judgment for each unique patient

3. TASK 03

   Record patient information, such as radiation doses administered, in patient records.

   AI DOES

   Auto-populates dose data from treatment planning systems and checks for missing fields

   YOU DO

   Verify every entry is accurate and safe before it becomes part of the official patient record

4. TASK 04

   Calculate the delivery of radiation treatment, such as the amount or extent of radiation per session, based on the prescribed course of radiation therapy.

   AI DOES

   Runs dose calculations, suggests beam angles, and flags potential hotspots in treatment planning software

   YOU DO

   Verify every plan against the patient's anatomy, clinical goals, and physician intent before it reaches a patient

5. TASK 05

   Design the arrangement of radiation fields to reduce exposure to critical patient structures, such as organs, using computers, manuals, and guides.

   AI DOES

   Suggests field angles, models dose distributions, and checks organ-at-risk constraints automatically

   YOU DO

   Verify anatomy contours, weigh clinical tradeoffs, and take responsibility for the final plan

6. TASK 06

   Develop radiation treatment plans in consultation with members of the radiation oncology team.

   AI DOES

   Suggests dose distribution options, checks plan quality metrics, and flags potential errors

   YOU DO

   Consult with the oncology team and take responsibility for patient-specific safety decisions

7. TASK 07

   Develop treatment plans, and calculate doses for brachytherapy procedures.

   AI DOES

   Speeds up dose calculations and flags plan deviations

   YOU DO

   Verify anatomy, approve final plan, and own patient safety

8. TASK 08

   Teach medical dosimetry, including its application, to students, radiation therapists, or residents.

   AI DOES

   Drafts lesson plans, explains dosimetry concepts, creates practice problems, and summarizes research

   YOU DO

   Lead live discussions, mentor clinical judgment, and adapt to each student's needs in real time

9. TASK 09

   Conduct radiation oncology-related research, such as improving computer treatment planning systems or developing new treatment devices.

   AI DOES

   Searches research literature, spots data patterns, and drafts study summaries

   YOU DO

   Design experiments, interpret clinical meaning, and validate new devices in real settings

10. TASK 10

    Perform quality assurance system checks, such as calibrations, on treatment planning computers.

    AI DOES

    Flags measurement drift, auto-logs QA results, and compares readings to baseline benchmarks

    YOU DO

    Physically run each calibration step, interpret edge cases, and sign off on patient safety

11. TASK 11

    Develop requirements for the use of patient immobilization devices and positioning aides, such as molds or casts, as part of treatment plans to ensure accurate delivery of radiation and comfort of patient.

    AI DOES

    Drafts protocol templates, summarizes device guidelines, and flags standard positioning requirements from literature

    YOU DO

    Assess each patient's unique anatomy, comfort needs, and clinical context before finalizing any immobilization plan

12. TASK 12

    Plan the use of beam modifying devices, such as compensators, shields, and wedge filters, to ensure safe and effective delivery of radiation treatment.

    AI DOES

    Suggests beam modifier configurations, runs dose simulations, and flags potential hot or cold spots in treatment plans

    YOU DO

    Verify clinical safety, account for each patient's unique anatomy, and own the final treatment decision

13. TASK 13

    Educate patients regarding treatment plans, physiological reactions to treatment, or post-treatment care.

    AI DOES

    Drafts patient-friendly summaries of treatment plans and side effect info

    YOU DO

    Read the room, answer unexpected questions, and comfort a scared patient face-to-face

14. TASK 14

    Supervise or perform simulations for tumor localizations, using imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or positron emission tomography scans.

    AI DOES

    Highlights tumor regions on scan images and checks image quality

    YOU DO

    Stay present to supervise equipment, verify patient positioning, and make clinical judgment calls

15. TASK 15

    Advise oncology team members on use of beam modifying or immobilization devices in radiation treatment plans.

    AI DOES

    Retrieves device specs, flags standard configurations, and summarizes treatment planning guidelines

    YOU DO

    Apply hands-on clinical judgment about each patient's unique anatomy and team workflow

16. TASK 16

    Create and transfer reference images and localization markers for treatment delivery, using image-guided radiation therapy.

    AI DOES

    Assists with image registration, auto-alignment suggestions, and flagging target shifts in imaging software

    YOU DO

    Verify patient positioning, confirm marker accuracy, and make final safety calls at the machine