BEHIND THE BEAM: UNDERSTANDING CERTIFIED MEDICAL DOSIMETRISTS’ VIEWS AND ROLES IN PSA SCREENING AND PATIENT ADVOCACY

Author

• Courtney Renae Raisor, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

5-1-2026

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Population Health

First Advisor

McKinnies, Richard

Second Advisor

McDaniel, Justin

Abstract

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men in the United States, particularly among older populations. While prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening has been widely used for early detection, recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) have generated ongoing debate regarding appropriate screening practices for men aged 70 and older. Despite their central role in radiation oncology treatment planning, little research has examined the perspectives of Certified Medical Dosimetrists (CMDs) regarding PSA screening guidelines or patient advocacy.This dissertation examined CMD awareness of PSA screening guidelines, their beliefs regarding guideline adequacy, and their perceptions of patient advocacy. A three study approach was used, including a scoping literature review, psychometric evaluation of a newly developed survey instrument, and regression analysis of survey responses. Findings indicated that higher awareness of PSA screening guidelines was associated with stronger advocacy perceptions but lower agreement with current guideline adequacy. Many respondents also reported uncertainty regarding their role in patient advocacy. These findings highlight the importance of professional awareness and role clarity in shaping how CMDs interpret screening policies and patient advocacy within radiation oncology.