At the GW Cancer Center, your cancer care team is built around you, ensuring that you receive the most comprehensive and personalized treatment possible. Cancer care is a collaborative effort, and each specialist plays a vital role in guiding you through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Your multidisciplinary team will be tailored to your specific disease and individual needs, bringing together experts in oncology, surgery, radiology, pathology, nursing, and supportive care. While not every role will be part of your journey, the right combination of specialists will work closely together to provide you with the best possible care, ensuring a treatment plan that is both effective and compassionate.
Medical Oncologist
A medical oncologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer using chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and other systemic treatments. Your doctors work closely with other members of your multidisciplinary team, such as radiation oncologists, pathologists, and other healthcare professionals, to provide you with comprehensive care. They play a critical role in managing cancer treatment plans, monitoring your progress, performing surgery, and providing supportive care to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Hematologist
A hematologist is a medical doctor specializing in the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. This includes conditions like anemia, clotting disorders, leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers. Hematologists often collaborate with other specialists to provide comprehensive care, perform blood tests, and develop treatment plans that may include medications, transfusions, or bone marrow transplants.
Surgical Oncologist
A surgical oncologist is a medical doctor who specializes in using surgery to diagnose, stage, and treat cancer. They remove tumors and nearby tissue, aiming to eliminate cancer from the body while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Surgical oncologists also perform biopsies and may collaborate with other cancer specialists, such as medical oncologists, hematologists, and radiation oncologists, to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
Radiation Oncologist
A radiation oncologist is a medical doctor who specializes in using radiation therapy to treat your cancer. They work closely with the other members of your oncology team to develop your treatment plans. Radiation oncologists are responsible for determining the appropriate type and dose of radiation therapy based on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, your overall health, and the desired treatment outcomes. They also monitor you throughout the course of treatment to ensure its effectiveness and minimize side effects.
Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)
can be nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and occasionally certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). They work closely with oncologists and multidisciplinary teams, and their responsibilities span a wide range of clinical and supportive tasks, such as performing physical exams, diagnosing and managing conditions, prescribing medications, and monitoring treatment efficacy. APPs also educate patients and families about diagnoses, treatment options, and symptom management while addressing emotional and psychosocial needs.
Patient Navigator
A patient navigator helps guide you through the complex healthcare system, from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship. They serve as your advocate, providing support, education, and resources to help you understand your diagnosis, treatment options, and the steps involved in your personal cancer care journey. Your patient navigator may assist with scheduling appointments, coordinating services, communicating with healthcare providers, addressing barriers to care, providing emotional support to you and your loved ones, connecting you with resources, assisting with financial concerns, and advocating for your needs within the healthcare system.
Oncology Social Worker
An oncology social worker is a specialist who provides support and assistance to you and your family during your cancer journey. They help you navigate the practical, emotional, and social challenges that arise during diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. They provide counseling, can connect you with resources, assist with financial concerns, and advocate for your needs within the healthcare system. Your social worker is dedicated to improving the overall well-being and quality of life for you and your loved ones.
Nurse Coordinator
A nurse coordinator is a registered nurse who specializes in organizing and coordinating your care. Their primary role is to ensure that you receive comprehensive and high-quality care by managing various aspects of your treatment plans. Your nurse coordinator helps you schedule appointments and procedures, coordinate referrals to specialists, provide patient education, advocate for your needs, monitor treatment compliance, and evaluate outcomes.
Medical Assistant
A medical assistant supports the work of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Their responsibilities include taking patient histories, recording vital signs, assisting with examinations, and performing basic laboratory tests.
Oncology Dietitian
An oncology dietitian provides nutritional guidance and support while you’re undergoing cancer treatment. Their primary focus is to help you maintain a healthy diet that supports your overall well-being and aids in managing treatment side effects. Your dietitian works closely with all the other members of your healthcare team to develop personalized nutrition plans tailored to meet your unique needs and challenges.