At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, we surround you with experts who focus completely on cancer, day in and day out.
A handful of people form the core of your care team. You have an oncologist who specializes in your disease, and a registered nurse. At some visits, you might see an advanced practice provider. A patient care coordinator schedules your visits. Others join your team based on your personal needs. We have specialists based at Fred Hutch who know the issues that matter for people with cancer whether it’s helping control side effects or providing supportive care. They all work together – and with you – to provide support and treatment.
These health care professionals work closely with your hematologist-oncologist in the clinic. There are two types: physician assistants (PAs) and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs). They help provide and coordinate your treatment and can see you independently from your physician. They also help manage the effects of your disease and treatment.
You receive any infusions in a dedicated area of the clinic. Cancer nurses who specialize in infusions give these treatments. They also check you during each infusion. They respond to any medical issues that come up and help keep you comfortable.
This physician oversees your medicine-based treatments.
Your medical oncologist:
Your patient care coordinator works closely with you and your physician. They serve as your scheduler.
This physician treats cancer with radiation. They prescribe and oversee this part of your care. Working with a radiation oncology team, they plan and deliver your treatments.
Your radiation oncologist:
This person sees you when you come in for radiation treatment. They explain your treatment, check your health, answer your questions and help you with side effects.
This person positions you each time you come in for radiation treatment. This ensures your treatment is precise. They also operate the machines that deliver the radiation.
Your nurse manages your care alongside your physician. They also assist with procedures and treatments. Nurses are resources for you and your caregiver. They answer questions and help with a wide range of topics, like how to cope with side effects or get other services you need at Fred Hutch.
Many types of supportive care team members are here to help you and your family. They include dietitians, physical therapists, pain medicine specialists, psychologists, social workers, spiritual health staff, palliative care specialists, a naturopath and an acupuncturist.
Learn more about Supportive Care Services
This physician does surgery to remove as much of your cancer as possible, along with a margin of healthy tissue around the cancer.
Your surgeon: