Who's on your case?

Quality care and the ideal patient experience
The Rogel Cancer Center is one of a small group of cancer centers in the United States to earn the National Cancer Institute's "comprehensive" designation.
Learning to navigate your cancer care can be tricky, especially if you don’t have a medical background or prior experiences as a patient. The University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center is built on a foundation of comprehensive, integrated and interdisciplinary care. What does this mean and, more importantly, who are these caregivers? Here's a look at some of the many members of the team engaged in your care at the Rogel Cancer Center, as well as some things that happen behind the scenes.
Patient Guide VolunteersMeet with first-time patients to help with wayfinding, completing forms, emotional support and telling you about resources to help you. ClerksCheck you in and out of appointments, schedule appointments, provide insurance coverage tips and much more. If you're unsure, ask a clerk! Medical AssistantsTake your vital signs, walk you back to your exam room, gather information on your health and communicate with other providers on your health care team. NursesProvide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, triage patient calls and provide advice and emotional support to patients and family members. Nurse PractitionersA registered nurse with an advanced degree, NPs may diagnose and treat illness as part of your health care team. They may order, perform or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and X-rays, and may prescribe certain medications. Physician AssistantsPractice medicine under the direction of physicians and surgeons. PAs are formally trained to examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, and provide treatment. Registered DietitiansAssess your individual dietary needs and provide practical, scientifically sound recommendations to optimize the food you eat. Genetic CounselorsHighly trained to screen patients and families for inherited cancers and counsel them on options to reduce risk. Work in partnership with specialists in cancers with a genetic component. Radiology CaregiversA huge team of physicians and technicians who create images through scans and examinations that answer the questions your health care provider is asking, such as whether the tumor is growing or shrinking. Tumor BoardBehind-the-scenes meeting where a large team of multidisciplinary oncologists and caregivers gather to review and discuss complex cases and develop a consensus opinion on treatment. |
PsychOncologyA multidisciplinary team that aims to relieve negative social and psychological effects of cancer through social work, art therapy, creative writing, guided imagery, music therapy, legacy work and more. Symptom ManagementYet another multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses and other caregivers devoted to maintaining independence of patients and increasing comfort by managing symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatment. Practical Assistance CenterBrings several services in a single location to help with practical matters such as social work resources, financial assistance for meals, lodging, transportation, community resources, help with aid applications and more. Financial CounselorsAdvise patients on insurance coverage and resources available for medical expenses. Oncologists Another word for cancer doctors. There are three kinds.
PharmacistsDispense prescription medications and counsel on safe use. Evaluate potential for drug interactions among multiple medications. Research NursesMonitor patients enrolled in clinical trials, explain trial protocols and serve as point of contact for clinical trial-related questions. PathologistsStudy your cancer (blood, tissue samples, etc.) under the microscope and prepare reports with your results. PhlebotomistsDraw samples of your blood for study. |
Continue reading the Winter, 2013 issue of Thrive..
Learn more about multidisciplinary teams and tumor boards
National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms.