Our Team
Your cancer team may include the following, among others:
Surgeon
Once you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be referred to a surgeon, who in turn will recommend you see a medical oncologist. If surgery is needed to treat your cancer, the surgeon will remove as much cancerous tissue as possible. Some surgeons specialize in operating on different areas of the body.
Medical Oncologist
An oncologist is a physician who specializes in the treatment and prognosis of cancer. Oncologists may be specialists in particular areas such as chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. They will work with you to customize your cancer treatment plan. They act as team leader, monitoring treatments and therapies, and work very closely with other specialists.
Radiation Oncologist
These are doctors who have additional training in the use of radiation therapy. When radiation therapy is required, the radiation oncologist determines the dosage and scheduling of treatments, manages side effects, and all other aspects of radiation therapy. A radiation technologist then gives the radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy rays that cause tumors to shrink or be destroyed.
Pathologist
Physicians who specialize in diagnosis and classification of diseases by laboratory tests.
Hematologist
Physicians who specialize in the functions and disorders of blood.
Tumor Board
These multidisciplinary, highly specialized teams meet weekly to evaluate a patient's cancer type. All members are specialists with expertise in a specific disease. The teams may include surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, hematologists, and other specialists. Once a patient has been evaluated, the tumor board makes a group consensus and recommends the most appropriate treatment.
View the Stanford Cancer Center tumor boards schedule.
Oncology Nurse
They are specially trained and skilled in giving chemotherapy and nursing care to cancer patients. They provide a wide range of services at each clinic. They work in consultation with physicians to coordinate treatments, manage the plan of care, and provide education.
Radiation Therapist
Working under the supervision of a Radiation Oncologist, our highly skilled radiation therapists are responsible for the delivery of radiation treatments. They observe the clinical progress of patients undergoing radiation therapy and maintain daily patient records.
Psychiatrist and Psychologist
Cancer is often difficult for anyone to cope with. Psychiatrists and psychologists are specialists who can help if you have any emotional problems that develop as a result of the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications if necessary. Both specialists can assist with counseling and depression treatment methods.
Fellow
Working closely with other physicians, the fellow is a key member of your care team. A fellow has graduated from medical school, completed a residency training program, and is in a specialty training program such as Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Hematology, or Bone Marrow Transplantation.
Resident
You may be evaluated by a resident during your care. A resident has graduated from medical school and is in his/her post graduate training.
Nurse Practitioner
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) who has advanced education and clinical training in a healthcare specialty area. Most nurse practitioners have also received national certification in their specialty areas. Our nurse practitioners have extensive training in caring for oncology patients. They work closely with physicians to assure coordination of care.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants help physicians by measuring your weight, blood pressure, and temperature. They will escort you to an exam room, and provide technical assistance with procedures.
Social Worker
These healthcare professionals are available to help patients cope with the stress of the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. They provide counseling to both you and your and family, assist you in finding support groups or other cancer-related services, and often help coordinate a hospital discharge.
Nutritionist
Cancer and cancer treatment often make eating difficult. Nutritionists evaluate your dietary needs and make special recommendations to help you get the calories and nutrients you need to maintain a healthy weight. Good eating also strengthens your immune system in its fight against cancer, the effects of treatment, and any infections that may develop.
Physical Therapist
People with cancer need help in the recovery process. Physical therapists will help you maintain muscle tone and adapt to any physical changes that occur because of your cancer treatment. A physical therapist designs and supervises an appropriate exercise program, depending on your type of cancer and treatment.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists prepare medications used in your cancer treatment. These medications include the drugs used in chemotherapy, as well as any other prescription drugs needed.
Other Specialists
Often, other specialists are consulted when certain problems occur as a result of cancer treatment. For example, a dermatologist might needed when certain skin problems develop and a dentist might be needed for urgent dental care.
Trial Administration