Danielle Sobotka

Radiation therapy is the use of high energy rays or particles used to treat disease. High doses of radiation can kill cells or keep them from growing or dividing. It is a useful tool for treating cancer because cancer cells grow and divide more rapidly than many of the other normal cells around them. All of the cells in the area are affected, but repeated exposure to a small amount of radiation over a period of time allows healthy cells to recover, while the dead cancer cells cannot.

• Job Title: Radiation Therapist - Cyberknife Specialist
• Years in Profession: 18
• Job and Daily Responsibilities:

Radiation therapists support oncologists in treating cancer patients through radiation therapy. When we arrive for our shift, we spend the first part of your day preparing for patient appointments, reviewing treatment plans created by the oncologist and preparing treatment rooms for patients. Supporting our patients though treatment we – explaining treatment plans and processes – emotionally supporting them before, during and after treatment – protect them from unnecessary exposure to radiation – observing them for adverse reactions to treatment We also maintain and operate the LINAC machines and track and record all treatments for the oncologist to review.