Dartmouth Cancer Center has multidisciplinary teams of skilled specialists - doctors, cancer researchers, and other professionals - committed to providing the best possible care and support to you and your family.
This list will help you understand the role of each member of your care team and their primary functions.
APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse)
APRNs have advanced training in the ability to manage illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide support to the other members of your medical team.
Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) nurse coordinators
A registered nurse who specialized in the care of patients preparing to receive stem cell transplant. This nurse works with your doctor and the rest of the care team to coordinate the details of your transplant, including your schedule of visits.
Clinical nurse coordinator
A registered nurse who works with the clinical team to help you manage the symptoms associated with your treatment and assure coordinated care during your treatment. You may meet this nurse during your clinical visit or speak with them on the telephone.
Clinical secretary
The secretary who answers the phone when you call your doctor's office. She will coordinate all of your office visits and any tests your provider requests.
Continuing care manager/MSW
Meets with you and your family to assess psychosocial needs. Once these needs are identified, the continuing care manager provides assistance and resources in managing insurance, finances, transportation, lodging, smoking cessation and emotional adjustment. Your continuing care manager is available to you and your family during and after treatment for support with any ongoing issues.
Fellows
Hematology/Oncology Fellows have completed all training to be board-certified internal medicine physicians and are now obtaining additional training to become specialists in oncology and hematology. Most spend 3 years at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and are an integral part of your care team.
Infusion RN
A registered nurse who cares for patients in the Dartmouth Cancer Center Infusion Suite and administers prescribed therapies including chemotherapy, hydration, blood products, and supportive care medications.
Inpatient RN
A registered nurse who cares for patients admitted to the Dartmouth Cancer Center Inpatient Medical Hematology/Oncology Unit and administers prescribed therapies including chemotherapy, hydration, blood products, and supportive care medications.
Interventional radiologist
As a result of cancer treatment, you my experience difficulty swallowing. If you are unable to take a sufficient amount of nutrition and fluids by mouth to allow the proper healing of your tissues, you may choose to have a temporary feeding tube placed directly into your stomach. This allows you to receive adequate nutrition while treated areas heal. Specialists in Interventional Radiology place the tube and registered dietitians monitor the nutrients.
LGC
Licensed Genetics Counselor
LNA
A Licensed Nursing Assistant.
MA
Medical Assistant
Medical hematologist
A Medical Hematologist is a doctor who treats cancer and non-cancerous diseases of the blood.
Medical oncologist
There are various types of cancer treatments. A Medical Oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer with chemotherapy and other medications.
Oncology nurse navigators
Our oncology nurse navigators provide dedicated care for complex patients throughout their cancer journey. As members of a full cooperative care team, oncology nurse navigators look at patients’ needs and address any barriers to care that they may be experiencing. This specialized attention helps to:
- Educate and guide patients through what can be a complex healthcare system
- Ensure a timely diagnosis and start of treatment
- Help patients set care goals and participate in meeting them
- Improve patient access to care
Palliative care specialist
A doctor or nurse who focuses on the comfort of patients throughout their treatment. These specialists are experts at managing symptoms such as pain, but they also deal with the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of life for all patients and their families.
Pathologist
A doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by examining tissue, blood and body fluids using sophisticated laboratory techniques. When planning your treatment, it is important that the type and extent of your cancer is properly evaluated.
Physical therapist
Cancer treatment may lead to changes in your ability to do certain physical activities. A physical therapist is a medical professional who is trained in the use of physical treatments, such as exercise and massage. A physical therapist helps you regain your strength and range of activities using manual therapies, exercise and education.
- In-patient physical therapists see you after surgery and focus on getting you up and moving again so you can return home safely.
- Out-patient physical therapists focus more on head and neck exercises.
Radiation oncologist
A doctor who specializes in the use of radiation therapies to treat cancers.
Radiologist
A doctor who performs and reads x-rays, CTs, MRIs, and PET scans.
Registered Dietitian (RD)
A diagnosis of cancer may place a patient at nutritional risk. You may experience problems with eating prior to the start of treatment, during treatment and following therapy. Dietitians see patients regularly at the Cancer Center to assist in the management of weight loss, taste changes, nausea, dry mouth and bowel irregularities. Dietitians can also help manage and support patients who require feeding tubes.
Research nurse
A registered nurse who is specialized in the management of patients on clinical research studies. This nurse works with the care team to identify patients who may be eligible for clinical trials and assures regulatory and ethical compliance to the study for patients who do enroll.
Surgical coordinator
Schedules surgeries, coordinates anesthesia consults and pre-admission testing.