[quote]the dosimetrist is like the wizard of oz.[/quote]True that. Of all the professionals involved with our cancer treatments, the folks behind the RO are the wizards. Even though I finished my radiation treatment, I am going to meet the dosimetrist and have them convey as much of their art and science as I can grasp.

My understanding is their main job is to work with the RO and rad techs to define the program for the accelerator. Each area to be radiated, at what dose, how often, what the contour is for each hot spot and the less critical areas. For example, I believe, in my case, even though there was no indication that cancer had cross the mid-line onto the left side, the RO made clear and showed me on the map that they still planned to cover the entire left side with 5300 grays.
This was in response to my comment/concern about trying to minimize the rads to the parotid glands in order to maintain spit. It has worked very well as being post 4 weeks, I have to chew chew sip only on a few things like a sandwich which possesses a lot of dry material.
I do believe very deeply that the best technology, both hardware and software, and a crack dosimetrist and RO can create a very effective radiation map while minimizing collateral damage to other organs and tissue.