At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, we surround you with experts who focus on sickle cell disease and other blood disorders. A handful of people make up the core of your care team, based on the types of treatment you need. For many people, the core team includes a hematologist and a registered nurse. At some visits, you may also see an advanced practice provider and infusion nurses. If a blood and marrow transplant is recommended, transplant specialists will also become part of your care team. A patient care coordinator will schedule 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 and blood disorders, whether it’s helping control side effects or providing supportive care. You may see Fred Hutch registered dietitians, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers and others. They all work together — and with you — to make sure you get the care you need.
What Each Team Member Does
Advanced Practice Provider (APP)
These health care professionals work closely with your medical 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.
Hematologist
This physician manages your medicine-based treatments.
Your hematologist will:
- See you during your first visit to the clinic. They will give you an exam and order any tests you need to understand how your disease is affecting your body.
- Explain what your test results mean and answer your questions.
- Recommend medicines, doses, schedule and sequence to match your exact needs. They will also talk with you about the benefits and risks.
- See you on a regular schedule to check how your disease responds to treatment and how you are overall.
- Offer you ways to prevent, relieve and deal with symptoms of the disease and side effects of treatment, like medicine to help with pain.
- Work with the rest of your care team if you need other types of treatment.
Infusion Nurse
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.
Patient Care Coordinator
Your patient care coordinator works closely with you and your physician. They schedule your appointments.
Pharmacist
Fred Hutch pharmacists fill the medications prescribed by your physician. They will teach you the right way to take your medicines. They can also tell you what side effects may happen and what to do if you have side effects.
Registered Nurse (RN)
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.
Supportive Care Services
Many types of supportive care team members are here to help you and your family. They include registration dietitians, physical therapists, pain medicine specialists, psychologists, social workers, spiritual health staff, palliative care specialists, naturopaths and acupuncturists.
Learn more about supportive care services.
Transplant Team
If you need a blood or marrow transplant, you will have a specialized team from the Fred Hutch Blood and Marrow Transplant Program. Your team includes a transplant oncologist, advanced practice provider, transplant nurse, pharmacist, registered dietitian, team coordinator and social worker.
This team will:
- Give you an exam (and your donor, if you need one).
- Decide on a transplant approach to match your case.
- Prepare you and your caregiver.
- Do your transplant.
- Provide care as you recover.
Learn more about your Blood and Marrow Transplant Team