Your Health Care Team
A team of health care professionals and support staff tends to every aspect
of your care.
The
radiation oncologist
is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
He or she has advanced training and is certified in Radiation Oncology
by the American Board of Radiology. With responsibility for your overall
care, he or she will develop your treatment plan, prescribe the exact
amount of radiation you will receive, and meet with you regularly to evaluate
your progress and answer questions.
The
radiation oncology nurse
also specializes in oncology and will help coordinate your care with the
physicians and other staff. He or she is available to help with your day-to-day
concerns, help you manage side effects, and can refer you to other health
care professionals as needed.
The
radiation physicist
is certified by the American Board of Radiology and/or the American Board
of Medical Physicists and works with your doctor to plan your treatment
to ensure safe, accurate radiation delivery.
The
dosimetrist
is certified by the Medical Dosimetrists Certification Board. They collaborate
with the radiation oncologist in formulating your treatment plan and assist
in ensuring that the prescribed plan is carried out.
The
radiation therapists
are trained in radiation therapy and certified by the American Registry
of Radiological Therapy (ARRT). Under the direction of the radiation oncologist,
they will administer your daily prescribed dose of radiation, assist with
your simulation, and help arrange your treatment schedule.
When you arrive for your appointment, please check in with the receptionist.
Other administrative personnel and nurses may help with other appointments
as needed.
If called for, the registered dietitian will help you plan a well-balanced
diet to help maintain your weight and to provide adequate nutrition necessary
for tissue recovery.
Members of our Social Services Department are available to provide you
or your family with counseling and support. Support groups are available.
Our radiation oncology team works closely with your other physicians and
health care providers to coordinate your care and make your treatment
with us as comfortable as possible.
Good Samaritan Hospital conducts weekly multidisciplinary tumor boards
or meetings. Patient cases needing more complex treatment planning are
presented at these meetings and professionals from the different oncology
specialties express their opinions regarding the best treatment regimen.
This assists us in providing the highest quality care.
Back to Radiation Oncology