Your Cancer Care Team
Teams of Highly Specialized Experts
From board-certified cancer specialists, gifted surgeons and dozens of specially trained and dedicated nurses, cancer care teams at MultiCare are among the most knowledgeable and compassionate in their fields. Medical Oncologists
A medical oncologist is a physician who specializes in treating cancer. Oncologists may be specialists in particular areas such as chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. They will work with you to develop your cancer treatment plan. They act as team leaders, monitoring treatments and therapies, and work very closely with other specialists.
Radiation Oncologists
Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy rays that cause tumors to shrink or be destroyed. When radiation therapy is required, the radiation oncologist oversees all aspects of treatments including determining the dosage, treatment schedules and managing side effects.
Radiologists
Working under the supervision of a radiation oncologist, our highly skilled radiologists or radiation therapists deliver the radiation treatments. They observe the clinical progress of patients undergoing radiation therapy and maintain daily patient records.
Oncology Nutritionists
Nutritionists are registered dietitians who provide nutrition recommendations and education for patients, their families and the healthcare team. Oncology nutritionists are knowledgeable about nutrition for cancer prevention, nutrition support during treatment and palliative care, and peak nutrition for cancer survivors. They are available to assist with managing treatment-related side effects to maintain optimal quality of life.
Oncology Nurse Navigators
MultiCare Regional Cancer Center recognizes the need for newly diagnosed cancer patients to have someone they can talk to — and turn to — throughout their cancer journey. Available to the patient and family members throughout the entire course of treatment and recovery, the nurse navigator provides education and support, and helps coordinate care with other health-care providers.
Oncology Social Workers
Our professionally trained social workers can help you connect with the services you need. We can help with everything from prevention information to something as simple as finding public transportation.
Oncology Pharmacists
A pharmacist is available in each of our clinics to support the oncology patient care team. As specialists in cancer treatment and symptom and side effect management related to cancer, the oncology pharmacists review the chemotherapy treatment plan with the physician and clinical care team to screen for medication allergies, interactions and to validate the chemotherapy dosage and infusion schedules.
Oncology Nurses
Our oncology nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who have specialized education in the care of cancer patients and their families. They will monitor your physical and emotional well-being, and educate you and your family about your treatment. They will also let you know what to expect, give treatments, offer support, refer you to outside resources, and teach you how to reduce side effects and how to take care of yourself at home.
Patient Representatives
Our patient representatives verify the patient’s health insurance coverage for cancer treatment both prior to the initial consult with the oncologist and ongoing throughout the chemotherapy treatments.
Pallative Care Specialists
Palliative care focuses on relieving pain, symptoms and stress of serious illness whatever the diagnosis or prognosis. It is appropriate at any stage of an illness. This care can be provided at the same time as treatment. The goal is to prevent or ease suffering and to offer patients and their families the best possible quality of life.
Cancer Care Providers
Medical Oncology
Min-Chun Chen, MD
Lauren K Colman, MD
W. Welby Cox, MD
Sara Gause, PA-C
Jay P Klarnet, MD
Dan J Moore, MD
Troy Wadsworth, MD
Xinda D Wang, MD
Palliative Care
John R VanBuskirk, DO
Radiation Oncology
John W Rieke, MD
Carolyn Rutter, MD
Suraj Singh, MD