| Cancer |
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.Gynecologic Oncologist
A gynecologic oncologist is an obstetrician/gynecologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of women with cancer of the reproductive organs. They work with the oncology team and other specialists like ARNPs and PAs to develop and treat women’s cancers.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.Radiation Therapists
Working under the supervision of a radiation oncologist, our highly skilled radiation therapists deliver the radiation treatments. They observe the clinical progress of patients undergoing radiation therapy and maintain daily patient records.Oncology Rehabilitation Therapists
Certain types of cancer treatments require medically guided exercise, physical or occupational rehabilitation, speech therapy or lymphedema care. Our specialized oncology rehabilitation staff are part of the support team at the cancer center. They are available to evaluate, treat, guide and consult with patients to assure optimal function, recovery and physical performance.Oncology Nutritionists/dietitians
Nutritionists at MultiCare are registered dietitians who provide nutrition recommendations and education for patients, their families and the healthcare team. Oncology dietitians 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
Throughout your treatment process, you’ll also have your own personal advocate: a nurse navigator. They help guide you and your family through the treatment and recovery process and to answer any questions you have. They are a crucial part of your team; your point guard, in essence. They can connect you with financial information, education and resources as well as provide emotional support on your healing journey.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.Dosimetrist
Dosimetrists are board-certified radiation therapists who help calculate the radiation dose to make sure the tumor receives the proper amount. They develop treatment plans that can best destroy the tumor while sparing normal tissue. Dosimetrists work closely with the radiation oncologist and medical physicist.Medical Physicist
Medical physicists are health care professionals with specialized training in the medical applications of physics. They work directly with the radiation oncologist and dosimetrist during treatment planning and delivery for each patient. They also ensure that the equipment is operating safely, accurately and reliably by taking precise measurements of the radiation beam and performing additional safety measures on a regular basis.Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners
Our talented and compassionate Nurse Practitioners (ARNPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) are an integral part of our cancer care team. They work closely with oncologists and other providers in the diagnosis, treatment and management of your cancer.Each of our nurse practitioners is a registered nurse with advanced education including a master’s degree, specialized training and clinical experience. Our physician assistants are highly trained and are licensed to practice medicine under a doctor’s supervision.
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 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 youyou’re your family the best possible quality of life.Medical Oncology Video
