At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, we surround you with experts who focus completely on cancer care. A handful of people make up the core of your care team. You will have a medical oncologist and a registered nurse who are experienced in caring for people with thyroid cancer. At some visits, you might see an advanced practice provider. Most patients get part of their treatment from infusion nurses. A patient care coordinator will schedule your visits.
Others join your team based on your personal needs. If you get a new health issue that might affect your cancer treatment, we call in the right experts. For example, if you have skin, heart or digestive problems, we might call in a dermatologist, cardiologist or gastroenterologist. We have specialists based at Fred Hutch who know how to address the issues that matter for people with cancer.
Supportive care providers are also here to help. You may see Fred Hutch registered dietitians, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers and others. All of them specialize in caring for people during and after cancer
These health care professionals work closely with your physician in the clinic. There are two types: physician assistants (PAs) and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs). They help provide and plan your treatment and can see you without your physician. They also help manage the effects of your disease and treatment.
Infusions happen in a special area of the clinic. Cancer nurses who are experts in infusions give these treatments. They will also check you during each infusion. They respond to any medical issues that come up and help keep you comfortable.
This physician manages your medicine-based treatments.
Your medical oncologist will:
Your patient care coordinator works closely with you and your physician. They will schedule your appointments.
This physician treats cancer with radiation. They prescribe and manage this part of your care. Working with a radiation oncology team, they plan and deliver your treatments.
Your radiation oncologist will:
This physician reads your imaging tests and decides what they mean. They also do some types of biopsies.
Your radiologist will:
Your nurse manages your care with your physician. They also help with procedures and treatments. Nurses are resources for you and your caregiver. They can answer questions on a wide range of topics, like how to deal 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 registered dietitians, physical therapists, pain medicine specialists, psychologists, social workers, spiritual health staff, palliative care specialists, naturopaths and acupuncturists.
Learn more about Supportive Care Services
This physician does surgery to remove as much of your cancer as possible, along with an area of healthy tissue around the cancer.
Your surgeon will: