The Radiation Therapy Program is a highly specialized yet diverse area within CancerCare Manitoba. Patient treatment delivery is supported through a sophisticated, inter-dependent network of technology and human resources. There is an ongoing need for a highly trained and skilled workforce who can respond safely and effectively, in a manner that can maximize use of technology while at the same time safeguarding patient care and comfort.

Radiation Oncologists

Radiation Oncologists provide consultation on all aspects of neoplastic disease. They assess patients, recommend treatments and make referrals to other specialists where appropriate. They arrange appropriate follow up and see patients in the clinic. In addition to this, they supervise residents throughout their training.

Radiation Oncology Nurses

Radiation Oncology Nurses provide individualized nursing interventions, assesses patient and family response to treatment and disease, and liaises with nursing and other health professionals and community resources to provide continuity of care.

Radiation Therapists

Radiation Therapists work as members of a team delivering integrated care to patients. Working in both treatment planning and treatment delivery, they are responsible for developing treatment plans and for the operation of treatment machines and related equipment. They maintain patient treatment data, interpret treatment plans, administer prescribed treatment, and provide information and support to patients.

In addition to treatment planning and delivery Radiation Therapists participate in the clinical training of Radiation Therapy students as well as relevant educational programs to increase knowledge and competence and to meet professional needs and goals. All Radiation Therapists are members of the Canadian Association of Medical Technologists and are graduates of an accredited School of Radiation Therapy.

Communication Clerks

Communication Clerks are responsible for the efficient provision of reception and clerical support for the Radiation Therapy Treatment Floor. They deal with patients, general public, health professionals and other hospital personnel. They maintain the waiting list and schedule patients for treatment and procedures related to radiotherapy treatment. They receive patients, document their arrival and direct them to appropriate areas. In addition to this, they transport patients to and from wards, to doctor's offices, lab and diagnostic areas. They also assist patients when necessary with dressing, undressing and personal needs.

Unit Assistants

Unit Assistants provide a variety of support functions for the Radiation Therapy Treatment Floor. Unit Assistants transport the patients to and from the wards, escort patients to doctors' offices, lab, diagnostic areas and other departments. They receive specimens, assure proper labelling and delivery to appropriate areas. They also pick up and deliver prescriptions, medical records, X-rays, and supplies. They provide comfort to patients as necessary.

Mould Room Technicians

Mould Room technicians work closely with other members of the Radiation Therapy Team on the design and use of treatment accessories. They develop immobilization devices, shielding devices, bolus and other treatment accessories, both standard and customized. These devices are important to providing a high standard of care to patients. Direct work with patients is an important part of the work.

Radiotherapy Physics Staff

Professional staff working in Radiotherapy Physics support the Radiation Therapy Program of CancerCare Manitoba in the areas of dosimetry, quality assurance, and treatment planning. They provide technical and clinical innovation to the program as well as expertise in the selection and commissioning of new equipment.

Radiation therapy equipment at the MacCharles unit includes seven linear accelerators, a cobalt unit, a virtual simulator, three treatment planning computers, a high dose rate after loading brachytherapy unit and an orthovoltage treatment unit.

Clinical Engineering Staff

Staff in Nuclear Electronics and Medical Devices support the Radiation Therapy Program through first-line mechanical and electronics support and service of major equipment. They also specify, install, commission, support, and service and maintain all clinical hardware and software.

Medical Devices Staff

Staff at Medical Devices provide a comprehensive service in mechanical design, prototyping, modification and repair of equipment for treatment, quality assurance and research within Medical Physics, Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy.

Our Support Staff

The Radiation Therapy Program has a small but crucial group of support staff who provide administrative and clerical support to the program. Their work is vital to the smooth operation of the program.