On August 20, 2025, we are celebrating National Medical Dosimetrist Day. First established in 2020, Medical Dosimetrist Day is celebrated each year on the third Wednesday of August. This day is designated to celebrate medical dosimetrists around the world. August 20th is an opportunity to recognize the vital role medical dosimetrists play in the cancer field, honoring all that they do behind the scenes.
What is a Medical Dosimetrist?
A medical dosimetrist is a key component of the radiation oncology team. They work closely with medical physicists, radiation oncologists, and radiation therapists. They have vast knowledge in math, physics, anatomy, and radiobiology. While some medical dosimetrists obtain a degree in medical dosimetry, many medical dosimetrists often graduate with a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, physics, or mathematics. They are then required to obtain a graduate level degree (a master’s degree or certificate). Many dosimetrists start out in the medical field as radiation therapists. When entering the field of dosimetry, they apply their training and expertise and become a valuable role within cancer treatment. Using advanced and specialized treatment planning software, dosimetrists precisely design, identify, and measure radiation dose distributions and calculations for individual cancer patients.
A Closer Look into the Role of a Dosimetrist
Medical dosimetrists work to create customized radiation treatment plans for oncology patients. Once the location of a tumor is identified, the dosimetrist interprets the radiation oncologist’s prescription and utilizes advanced software to curate a specific plan to treat the cancer. They determine the proper angles to deliver the radiation, the precise time of each radiation pulse, and the exact dose of the radiation. They work with the physicians to identify the best plan of action to kill the cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. They also may work with the CT techs to create molds and immobilization devices to ensure that the patient is in the optimum position for precise radiation delivery. Although dosimetrists are not the faces patients see, they are a substantial part of what goes on behind the scenes to ensure every patient is receiving the best possible treatment designed specifically for them.
Specialties
Some medical dosimetrists may specialize in a specific area of radiation. Common specialties include external beam radiation therapy (photon, electron, or proton), SRS and SBRT.
Spotlight on Our Dosimetry Team
Here at Ackerman Cancer Center, we have a skilled team of medical dosimetrists that play a pivotal role in how we treat our patients. Medical Dosimetrists Day is an opportunity to recognize our dosimetrists and celebrate all that they do!
Introducing the Dosimetrists of Ackerman Cancer Center
Manager: Tim Scott CMD, RT(R)(T) – 29 years in the field, 26 years as a CMD, 22 years at ACC in October
Dosimetrists:
Brandon Agnew CMD, RT(R)(T), CMD for 16 years, at ACC/FCO for almost 23 years
Robert Glenn Curtright CMD, RT(T), CMD for 15 years, at ACC\FCO 21 years
Natalie Foster BS CMD, RT(T), 7 years as a CMD and at ACC
Stepanie Johnson CMD, RT(R)(T)(MR), 8 years as a CMD and at ACC
Jacob Smith MS CMD RT(T), 8 years as a CMD and at ACC
Lauren Tyson MS CMD, 7 years as a CMD and at ACC
The work of medical dosimetrists directly affects the outcomes and quality of life of our patients. Their ability to combine clinical knowledge, physics, and technology makes them an extremely valuable part of our oncology team. At Ackerman Cancer Center, we aim to highlight the importance of these individuals. We want to thank all our dosimetrists for their dedication, precision, and compassion. Their behind-the-scenes expertise plays a critical role in every patient’s journey—from diagnosis to recovery. Today and every day, we are deeply grateful for the incredible work they do to help bring healing and hope to our patients.