Independent, board-certified consulting for the MRI side of radiation therapy — TG-284 commissioning, geometric-distortion QA, SRS sequence optimization, and MR-in-RT program support. We work alongside your physics team; we don't replace it.
MR-in-RT Physics Services
Board-certified MR-in-RT consulting through fixed-scope projects, annual audits, fractional program support, and ongoing QA retainers — focused exclusively on the MRI side of radiation therapy.
TG-284 Commissioning
Full commissioning of MRI simulators and MR systems used for RT planning, aligned with AAPM TG-284: geometric distortion characterization, sequence validation, immobilization and coil setup, and audit-ready baseline documentation.
SRS Sequence Optimization
Specialized optimization of MRI protocols for stereotactic radiosurgery: geometric accuracy first, then SNR and contrast within the distortion budget. A proprietary phantom-based methodology quantifies both scanner and susceptibility distortion and establishes a commissioning baseline with documented tolerances.
Annual MR-in-RT Audit
Independent yearly audit of your MR-in-RT program informed by TG-284 recommendations and site-specific acceptance criteria: distortion re-baseline, protocol drift review, and a prioritized corrective-action report.
MR-in-RT QA Retainer
Ongoing remote physics oversight for your MR-in-RT program: monthly phantom QA analysis with trend reporting against your commissioning baseline — your staff scans, we analyze — plus protocol-change review and physicist-on-call availability.
RT-Readiness Assessment for Imaging Centers
For imaging centers seeking radiation oncology referrals: we validate geometric accuracy, build RT-specific protocols, and assess and document your scanners' readiness for RT planning referrals.
Remote Protocol & Program Reviews
Fixed-scope remote reviews of MRI protocols, distortion QA data, or MR-in-RT program design — a fast, low-commitment way to get an independent expert opinion. Recommended after software upgrades, coil changes, or protocol modifications.
Our Process: From Sequence Optimization to Ongoing QA
Geometric accuracy comes first. Because receiver bandwidth trades spatial accuracy against signal-to-noise, we establish the distortion budget before optimizing image quality. We measure scanner-related gradient nonlinearity and patient-related susceptibility effects, then document the final protocol as a commissioning baseline for ongoing QA.
Scoping. We review your scanner configuration, coils, vendor distortion-correction settings, field-mapping capability, and current RT sequences. A no-cost scoping call with your physicist of record defines the engagement.
Scanner characterization. On-site, we verify the scanner's distortion-correction configuration, validate field-mapping, and acquire reference measurements of your clinical sequences — using our proprietary GHead phantom, where approved, which makes scanner and susceptibility distortion measurable in a single session.
Geometry-first optimization. We separate machine distortion from susceptibility distortion and set sequence parameters — bandwidth, readout direction — so worst-case spatial error stays within the accuracy budget your application demands (SRS or SRT). Where available, patient field-map data validates the budget in vivo.
Image-quality recovery. With geometry locked, we optimize signal-to-noise and contrast through averaging, coil strategy, and sequence timing — never by re-trading spatial accuracy away.
Commissioning baseline. Protocols are measured repeatedly to establish the scanner's geometric-performance baseline. Tolerances reflect AAPM TG-284 recommendations, site-specific acceptance criteria, and measured system variability. The deliverable defines QA tests, cadence, tolerances, and re-baselining triggers.
Ongoing verification. Your staff acquires periodic phantom scans; we analyze and trend them against the commissioning baseline. Drift is flagged early, while software upgrades, coil or protocol changes, and gradient or shim service trigger documented review and re-baselining.
A commissioning report is a snapshot. A baseline that is trended every month is a program.
Working With SpinTecx
SpinTecx does one thing at a specialist level: the MRI side of radiation therapy. We do not accept new engagements for routine linac QA, TG-51 calibrations, treatment plan checks, or general machine-physics coverage. Your local physics team or consulting group keeps its full scope — and gains an MR-in-RT subspecialist on demand.
What We Do
MR simulation commissioning, geometric-distortion QA, SRS sequence optimization, MR-in-RT program support, and MR-in-RT audits.
What We Don't Pursue
Linac QA, TG-51 calibrations, treatment plan checks, or routine machine-physics coverage.
For Physics Consulting Groups
Subcontract SpinTecx as your MR-in-RT subspecialist — white-label or named, per-project or retainer. You own the client relationship; we cover the MRI scope.
Expand Your Service Line
Add TG-284 commissioning, MR-in-RT audits, and SRS sequence optimization without hiring a full-time MR physicist.
Who We Support
SpinTecx supports clinical programs of all sizes — from community cancer centers to academic medical institutions — with MR-in-RT physics consulting tailored to each program's scope and regulatory environment.
Radiation Oncology Centers
Adding or upgrading MR simulation, MR-linac, or SRS imaging. We commission, validate, and audit the MRI side of your program.
Physics Consulting Groups
Adding MR-in-RT subspecialty depth to existing hospital and health-system client engagements.
Imaging Centers
Becoming RT-planning ready for radiation oncology referrals. We validate geometric accuracy, build RT-specific protocols, and document your scanners.
Academic & Research Programs
MR-in-RT program design, audits, and training. Independent expertise for research protocols and clinical program development.
Why SpinTecx
Physics-Led. MR-in-RT Focused. Documentation-Driven.
Grounded in AAPM, ACR, and ASTRO guidelines — independent, vendor-neutral, and focused solely on measurement integrity, patient safety, and clinical performance.
Depending on scope, deliverables may include:
- Audit-ready commissioning and QA documentation
- Actionable QA reports with prioritized findings and corrective actions
- Guideline-informed QA protocols tailored to your MRI system and radiation-therapy workflow
- MRI geometric accuracy validation: baseline distortion characterization and 3D distortion maps
- Longitudinal distortion and protocol-stability trending
- Independent board-certified physicist oversight
Patient Safety First
Every measurement protocol and clinical recommendation is evaluated through a patient safety lens.
Subspecialty Focus
MR-in-RT is the practice focus, supported by the professional leadership experience listed below.
Flexible Engagement Models
Fixed-scope projects, annual audits, fractional oversight, or ongoing QA retainers — tailored to your MR-in-RT program.
Responsive
Defined project timelines, clear milestones, and consistent communication throughout every engagement.
Leadership
Ali Fatemi, Ph.D., MCCPM, DABMP (MR in RT)
Founder & Chief Clinical Medical Physicist — SpinTecx LLC
Board-certified therapeutic medical physicist with ABMP subspecialty certification in MRI Physics for Radiation Therapy, specializing in MRI commissioning, geometric accuracy, sequence optimization, and QA for radiation oncology. Dr. Fatemi has helped shape the MR-in-RT subspecialty through national leadership, including chairing the ISMRM MR-in-RT Study Group and co-chairing the ABMP MR Physics for Radiation Therapy Exam Panel.
Professional Leadership
- Former Chair, ISMRM MR-in-RT Study Group
- Co-Chair, ABMP MR Physics for Radiation Therapy Exam Panel
- Former Co-Chair, AAPM Task Group 117
- Former Executive Council Member, SEAAPM
Founder of SpinTecx and developer of MRIQA.ai (currently in development) — a physics-grounded MRI quality analytics platform focused on geometric fidelity and clinical image integrity.
Academic Appointments
- Adjunct Professor, Department of Physics — Jackson State University, USA
- Adjunct Professor, Department of Medical Physics — Université Laval, Canada
How Engagements Work
Engagements are structured to minimize administrative burden while maintaining technical clarity — from initial consultation through final deliverable.
Initial Consultation
A focused discussion of your technical requirements, timeline, and regulatory context. We identify the right scope and coverage model for your program. A fixed-scope remote review or annual audit can provide a focused first engagement before a full commissioning project.
Scope, Timeline & Proposal
Within two business days, you receive a written scope of work with specific deliverables, measurement protocols, and timeline milestones.
Delivery & Documentation
We execute the engagement per plan, deliver comprehensive documentation with clear findings and recommendations, and remain available for follow-up.
Resources & References
Practical MR-in-RT reference materials are available upon request to current clients and qualified prospective partners.
MRI Geometric Accuracy: Practical QA Guide
Implementation guidance for MRI geometric distortion testing — including phantom selection, measurement protocols, acceptance criteria, and long-term trending methodology.
MR-in-RT QA Program Template
A framework for MRI quality assurance in radiation oncology, informed by AAPM TG-284, applicable ACR MRI quality-control guidance, vendor recommendations, and site-specific clinical requirements.
MR-in-RT Program Readiness Checklist
A structured checklist for evaluating your program's readiness for MR simulation or MR-linac integration — covering equipment, workflow, QA, and documentation requirements.
Client References
SpinTecx maintains confidentiality for all client engagements. Verified references from clinical program directors, department chairs, and hospital administrators are available upon request for qualified opportunities.
Technical References
Physics program directors and department chairs available to speak to commissioning quality, QA program design, and documentation standards.
Project Documentation Samples
Redacted sample deliverables — including QA reports, commissioning documentation, and MRI distortion analyses — available upon request.
To request access to resources or discuss your documentation needs, contact us directly at afatemi@spintecx.com.
Contact SpinTecx
Ready to discuss your MR-in-RT program? SpinTecx is available for on-site, remote, and hybrid engagements nationwide. Services subject to state licensure, credentialing, and project scope.
Start a Conversation
The fastest way to begin is a brief consultation call. We'll discuss your technical requirements, timeline, and how SpinTecx can support your program.
SpinTecx LLC provides independent medical physics consulting. Services are scoped according to clinical need, regulatory requirements, and professional society guidance.
MR-in-RT Physics Consulting