At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, we surround you with experts who focus completely on cancer care. Radiation oncology teams usually include the members described below.
What Each Team Member Does
Advanced Practice Provider (APP)
Advanced practice providers have training that is similar to doctors and can see you without your doctor. There are two types: physician assistants (PAs) and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs). They help provide and plan your treatment and also help manage the effects of your disease and treatment.
Medical Dosimetrist
This specialist does the calculations needed to deliver your treatment. This helps make sure that you get the exact dose of radiation prescribed by your radiation oncologist in exactly the right places.
Medical Physicist
This specialist helps plan your treatment and maintains the equipment used to deliver radiation therapy.
Radiation Oncologist
This is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with radiation. This doctor will prescribe, plan and oversee your radiation treatment.
Radiation Oncology Nurse
This is a nurse who will explain your treatment, answer your questions and help you manage any side effects you may have because of your radiation treatment.
Radiation Therapist
When you come in for radiation treatment, this specialist will position you for your treatment and operate the machines that deliver the radiation.
Other members of your radiation oncology team may include these professionals who work behind the scenes, helping to fine-tune and operate the radiation technology and equipment used in your treatments.