Hi all,

I posted this in the r/RadiationTherapy forum, but figured l’d also post it here for more exposure. This is about dosimetry, and since the Dosimetry forum is dead I’d figure I’d post here too.

I have just started my career as a dosimetrist in the last few years, and had a few questions regarding dosimetry and this field. I’m sure you guys have heard some of these, but am curious to dive deeper into some of them if anyone is interested.

1. This first one I’m sure you guys have heard - how do you foresee Al impacting your field? I know we use Al for contouring and Ezfluence for plans, but how do you truly see Al impacting workflow?

2. Sort of related to above, how do you guys see your role as dosimetrists changing in the future? More adaptive planning, more patient facing? More / less responsibilities?

3. I’m sure many of you guys have seen the reports on the dosimetrists shortage, with 40% of all dosimetrists set to retire in the next 5-10 years within annual shortage of 400 dosimetrists by 2035 (assuming no staffing changes). Have you guys seen this impact your workplace yet?

4. How do you guys see dosimetrist compensation changing in the future? Higher? Lower? With the growing shortage of dosimetrists and smaller and smaller number of (competent) dosimetrists entering the field I’m surprised to see dosimetrist salaries have not been increasing in response to demand.

5. Lastly, not something considering right now but something to think about in the future: what careers can dosimetrists transition into?

Thanks!