Your Healthcare Team
During your visits to UMC North and its cancer clinics, your healthcare team will work with you to provide the best care possible. Team members include:
Physician specialists include board-certified hematologists, medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, gynecologic oncologists and radiation oncologists. They work as an interdisciplinary team with your primary care physician to plan and direct your care while you are receiving treatment, and for follow-up monitoring after your treatment is complete. The team includes physicians, a nurse practitioner, registered nurses and other support staff. See Our Team of Medical Staff Who Treat Cancers
Clinical fellows are board-certified internal medicine doctors who have chosen to do advanced medical training. Working under the supervision of attending physicians, a fellow spends an additional three years training.
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses with advanced practice master's degrees, who work closely with your oncology/BMT physicians to manage your care while you are receiving treatment, which may include physical exams, management of side effects, ordering and monitoring lab and radiology testing, adjusting medications (including chemotherapy), and coordinating referrals to other providers.
Treatment nurses are specially trained to give chemotherapy and are knowledgeable about the different kinds and combinations of chemotherapy you may receive. They will educate you about your treatment and any side effects you may experience. Treatment nurses also give blood transfusions, IV antibiotics, fluid hydration and other medications you may need to support your care.
Clinical coordinators are registered nurses knowledgeable about cancer and its treatments, and can evaluate symptoms and side effects and make referrals to other services that may be helpful to you. If you are not feeling well or are having trouble managing side effects, the clinical coordinator will assess your condition, consult with your oncologist or nurse practitioner, and if need be, schedule an appointment for further evaluation.
Surgical coordinators, working under the supervision of registered nurses, support the efficient functioning of the surgical clinics by assisting surgical oncologists with procedures, pre-clinic planning, and facilitating referrals and authorizations.
Surgical oncologists are surgeons who focus on the surgical management of malignant cancers.
Research nurse coordinators work closely with your oncologist to help determine if you are eligible to participate in one of the many clinical trials and will schedule the care that you will need as it relates to the clinical trial. They will be your main contact for the duration of the study; they work closely with data managers, clinic nursing staff and other support staff.
Data managers are responsible for collecting all source documentation and worksheets prepared by all members of the research team and entering data on the case report forms.
Blood and marrow transplantation (BMT) nurses are registered nurses with specialized training in managing patients who are under the care of a BMT physician. BMT nurses work very closely with the BMT nurse practitioners and coordinators to manage the care of BMT patients. BMT nurses give blood transfusions, injections, antibiotics, chemotherapy and other medications.
BMT clinical coordinators meet with you during consultation appointments with your BMT physician. BMT clinical coordinators are registered nurses who work closely with you and your oncologist to schedule and evaluate special tests and procedures required for treatment and follow-up care. They are responsible for informing you, your family and your insurance plan about the BMT admission and hospital stay. BMT clinical coordinators also work with nurses to assist patients with any concerns throughout their treatment.
Clinical pharmacists are responsible for verification of the chemotherapy orders, appropriate dosing and clinical indications and preparation of the medications prior to administration. They may provide consultation to the clinical team for management of toxicities, common drug reactions and dosing recommendations.
Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of the clinical pharmacist. Together, they prepare both investigational and conventional chemotherapy, maintain drug inventory and assist in maintaining investigational drug records are in place.
Registered dieticians assess your nutritional needs and recommend dietary measures to support you during your treatment. They will evaluate your lab information, medications, other medical diagnoses, and the proposed treatment plan and incorporate this information into their dietary recommendations.
Patient care technicians (PCTs) work with the clinical team to assist with daily clinic visits. They will take your vital signs and weight, and help you to your room. PCTs may also assist surgeons with selected surgical procedures.
Laboratory technicians draw blood and collect lab specimens ordered by your provider. Some tests can be processed while you wait, for same-day treatment decisions. Most tests, however, are transported to the UMC laboratory and processed there.
Patient financial representatives obtain insurance authorization for planned treatments, tests and admissions to the hospital if necessary. Financial representatives work closely with the clinical team to ensure that proper authorization has been obtained.
Volunteers are members of the community, including university students, who donate their time to assist with patient services. At the Lobby Desk, they answer questions, help direct people to the areas they need and call for wheelchairs. At check-in, volunteers escort patients to exam rooms and provide patient education materials. In the treatment room, volunteers provide conversation and companionship and help the nursing staff.
Clinical social workers work to assess a variety of patient needs, such as referrals to community services and support groups, including family support services. They may be able to help patients identify transportation and housing services in the area. They are available to talk with patients and families about a variety of concerns they may have about their diagnosis and treatment.
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