Care Team

Radiation Oncologist
The radiation oncologist is the physician responsible for the plan of care for the patient undergoing radiation therapy treatments. The radiation oncologist will perform a physical examination; review your medical records, radiographic studies, and pathology; and will make an assessment of the patient’s oncologic problem. The physician will then discuss with the patient and appropriate family members, the patient’s diagnosis, alternative forms of treatment available and recommendations for further diagnostic studies and/or treatment. If treatments are recommended and accepted by the patient, the physician, with the assistance of the dosimetrist, will determine the best method of treatment.

Dosimetrist
The dosimetrist is a member of the radiation oncology team who has knowledge of the overall characteristics and clinical relevance of radiation oncology treatment machine and equipment.  They design the treatment plan using a sophisticated treatment planning computer.

When designing a treatment plan, also taken into consideration is the dose-limiting structures. These structures could include the eye when treating the brain, the heart when treating the lung or the spinal cord when it is included in the area of treatment.

Radiation Therapist
The radiation therapist is a specially trained medical professional who administers the daily treatments as prescribed by the radiation oncologist. During each treatment, the therapist positions the patient correctly on the treatment machine and directs each radiation beam to the area designed in the plan.  The radiation therapist will be responsible for keeping accurate records of the daily treatments.

Medical Physicist
The medical physicist is responsible for calibrating and monitoring the radiation therapy treatment equipment. The success of radiation oncology depends on the accuracy of delivery of specified absorbed doses to selected targets, in both tumors and normal tissues. 

Nursing Services
The nursing staff assists the radiation oncologist in the care of patients receiving radiation therapy. As part of your initial consultation, the nurse will obtain a medical history that provides information about potential medical as well as social support problems.

As a part of your continuing care, the nurse will educate you and your family about radiation treatment. They will assist in your weekly evaluation by monitoring side effects, laboratory test results and will help you in coping with mental as well as physical problems. The nurse is available to answer questions and to provide guidance during and following your course of radiation therapy.

Office Coordinator and Receptionist
The office coordinator and receptionist are here to greet and assist you. The office coordinator and receptionist obtain your medical records and prepare the paperwork for your clinic visits. They can direct you to the proper people so you obtain all the necessary information that you need for your scheduled appointments. They can assist you by answering questions or concerns you may have about billing and insurance.