:: Chief Physicist

Andrew Kovendy

Andrew was was formerly the Manager of Physics, Engineering and Information Systems at the Adelaide Radiotherapy Centre, South Australia. He has also held positions of Medical Physicist for the Adelaide Radiotherapy Centre, Radiation Oncology Medical Physicist with Dunedin Hospital in New Zealand and as Scientific Officer for the Radiation Protection Branch of the South Australian Health Commission
(now Environmental Protection Agency).

Andrew's story.....

I moved here with my family because I saw the NCCI as a unique opportunity to be part of the design and establishment of a much-needed integrated cancer care service with radiotherapy becoming available for the first time in the North Coast Area.

Having been involved in setting up new radiotherapy departments in the past, I know that it is a highly challenging but rewarding experience where every effort is being made to plan for the future needs of the area, and patients will benefit from the most recent advances in treatment technology.

My role as the head of medical physics is to lead a team of specialists in the field of radiation oncology medical physics who have undergone years of postgraduate training in theory and clinical experience in the use of radiation for the treatment of cancer. The physicists' responsibilities will include the commissioning of the new Elekta Synergy System linear accelerators with Cone-beam CT option running under the IMPAC Mosaiq interface. They will also be involved with commissioning the Siemens Sensation Open 24-slice large-bore CT scanners, the CMS XiO Treatment Planning System plus the development of a full Quality Assurance Program for all equipment. There will be a comprehensive arsenal of physics dosimetry and other QA equipment available plus the physics team will also be actively involved in research and education programs to constantly develop the service and skills that we provide as the technology evolves.

It is a major responsibility and involves working within a multidisciplinary environment so we will be looking for the best people to join the medical physics team. For myself, the regional setting was an additional attraction to this position as my family and I enjoyed the rural lifestyle on our property near the Barossa Valley in South Australia. We have since settled in our new property south of Coffs Harbour and we enjoy the native rainforest surroundings, the great climate and the local community.