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ESCO occupation

medical physics expert

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Medical physics experts advice on matters related to radiation physics applied to medical exposure. They are responsible for dosimetry and the optimisation of the radiation protection of patients and other individuals subjected to medical exposure, including the application and use of diagnostic reference levels. Medical physics experts are involved in the selection of medical radiological equipment, the quality assurance including acceptance testing, the preparation of technical specifications, and the installation, design and surveillance of the medical radiological installations. They also analyse the events involving accidental or unintended medical exposures and are responsible for the training of practitioners and other staff in relevant aspects of radiation protection.

2269.3 ISCO 2269 ESCO source
Competences
44
Groups
4
Essential
32
Optional
12

Competences and skills

44 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 11 competences

Occupation specific

3 competences
densiometry

Diagnosis procedure that measures the degree of mineralisation and calcium in a bone by passing x-rays, to determine its thickness or strength. Densiometry is used to diagnose osteoporosis and monitor its evolution, predicting whether there is a risk of certain bones breaking

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dosimetric planning

The planning and measurement of radiation amounts according to ICRU terminology.

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health technology assessment

The assessment of the properties, performance and effects of health technologies aimed at detecting the direct and indirect effects of health technologies and their desired and undesired consequences.

digital
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Sector-specific

1 competence
radiology

Radiology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

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Cross-sector

7 competences
laboratory techniques

Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.

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mathematics

Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.

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medical devices

Equipment and devices used in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of medical issues. Medical devices cover a wide range of products, ranging from syringes and protheses to MRI machinery and hearing aids.

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medical laboratory technology

The various types and uses of technology and equipment employed in medical laboratories to perform tests on samples in order to identify possible disease-related substances.

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radiation physics in healthcare

The radiation physics related to conventional radiology, CT, MRI, ultrasound, diagnostic nuclear medicine and their principles such as areas of application, indications, contraindications, limitations and radiation hazards.

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radiation protection

The measures and procedures used to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.

green
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scientific research methodology

The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

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Essential skills and competences 21 competences

Occupation specific

5 competences
assess radiation response

Analyse the patient's response to radiation treatment and determine the course of action to be taken such as interrupting the treatment.

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evaluate delivery of radiation treatment

Analyse and evaluate the radiation treatment to ensure that it appropriately meets the prescription.

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measure physical phenomena in healthcare

Develop, implement and maintain standards and protocols for the measurement of physical phenomena and for the use of nuclear technology in medical applications.

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perform dosimetry measurements

Measure and calculate doses received by patients and other persons subjected to nonmedical imaging procedures using medical radiological equipment. Select and maintain dosimetry related instrumentation. Measure dose related quantities and input data in dose reporting and estimating devices.

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use treatment verification systems

Carry out various methods and verification systems to check and adapt radiation treatments according to the patient's responses.

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Sector-specific

4 competences
comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice

Apply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associations and authorities.

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contribute to continuity of health care

Contribute to the delivery of coordinated and continuous healthcare.

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ensure safety of healthcare users

Make sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing conditions.

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perform transcranial magnetic stimulation

Perform non-invasive electromagnetic stimulation of the brain using a rapidly changing magnetic field, in order to cause activity in specific or general parts of the brain and study the brain`s functioning and interconnections.

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Cross-sector

12 competences
advise on medical device features

Provide information on how the medical device is functioning, what are its features, advantages and usability terms.

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apply radiation protection procedures

Inspect rules related to ionising radiation and ensure these abide by the Medical Exposure Directive (MED).

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apply scientific methods

Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

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calculate exposure to radiation

Calculate radiation data about procedures, such as length and intensity of exposure.

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comply with legislation related to health care

Comply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.

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develop radiation protection strategies

Develop strategies for facilities and organisations which are at risk for exposure to radiation or radioactive substances, such as hospitals and nuclear facilities, for the protection of people within the premises in case of risk, as well as the minimisation of radiation exposure during working operations.

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ensure compliance with radiation protection regulations

Make sure the company and the employees implement the legal and operational measures established to guarantee protection against radiation.

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follow clinical guidelines

Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.

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maintain medical devices

Ensure all medical devices and appliances are properly stored and taken care of so they maintain their functionality and appearance.

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monitor radiation levels

Use measuring and testing equipment and techniques to identify the levels of radiation or radioactive substances in order to control exposure and minimise health, safety, and environmental risks.

green
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test medical devices

Make sure the medical devices fit the patient and test and evaluate them to ensure they work as intended. Make adjustments to ensure proper fit, function and comfort.

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use measurement instruments

Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.

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Optional knowledge 4 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
cancer risks

The risk factors related to cancer such as smoking, HIV, radiation, obesity, alcohol, environmental causes and diet.

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Cross-sector

3 competences
contamination exposure regulations

The regulations concerning exposure to contaminated materials or a hazardous environment which regulate the actions surrounding risk assessment, minimisation of further exposure, quarantine, and treatment of the exposed persons.

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general medicine

General medicine is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

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statistics

The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.

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Optional skills and competences 8 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

4 competences
analyse experimental laboratory data

Analyse experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings

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implant brachytherapy treatments

Implant radioactive sources into or adjacent to a specific target within the body and supervise all high-dose rate brachytherapy treatments.

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teach medical science

Instruct students in the theory and practice of medical science, more specifically in human anatomy, medical treatment and therapy, medical diseases and conditions, physiology, and medical research.

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work in multidisciplinary health teams

Participate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.

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Cross-sector

4 competences
conduct health related research

Conduct research in health related topics and communicate findings orally, through public presentations or by writing reports and other publications.

Scope note
Research topics may include illness, acute, chronic and non-communicable conditions, public health, clinical research, health promotion and disease prevention topics.
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execute analytical mathematical calculations

Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.

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operate scientific measuring equipment

Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.

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perform laboratory tests

Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.

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