Our care team members are experts in all aspects of the treatment of cancers and blood disorders. They know about treatment plans, emergency care, and preventive medicine. They can also offer support to you and your family and are experienced in educating the public about your disease. Whether you see these individuals in groups or individually, they communicate with one another about your treatment and care.
If you are an inpatient at Huntsman Cancer Hospital, you may or may not see your attending doctor, but be assured he or she is aware of you, your treatments, and how you are doing.
Your health care team may include these members:
- Attending doctor
Your doctor is called an attending doctor or physician. Several attending doctors will be involved in your care, if you are an inpatient. This team member is an experienced oncologist, or cancer specialist
- Fellow
A fellow is a licensed doctor who has completed medical school and specialty training. These individuals train in their area of specialty for three years in addition to other medical training.
- Resident
A resident has completed medical school and earned the title of doctor. Residents work in patient care teams at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital through the University of Utah School of Medicine.
- Medical student
A medical student is an individual in the process of earning a degree in medicine. Medical students assist in your care while receiving instruction and training from your attending doctor.
- Nurse practitioner
A nurse practitioner is a nurse with an advanced degree who works in a specialty. These nurses admit patients to the hospital, perform physical examinations and procedures, and write prescriptions to facilitate your care.
- Physician assistant
Physician assistants have two or more years of advanced training and have passed a special exam. They work with doctors and can do some of the things a doctor does.
- Clinical nurse specialist
A clinical nurse specialist has an advanced degree and works in a specialty. This specialist helps educate the cancer nursing staff that works with patients receiving chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants, or other specialized treatments and procedures.
- Registered nurse
A registered nurse has completed an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing and passed a licensing examination. The nurses at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital are trained to work with people who have cancer, delivering chemotherapy and providing information regarding their care and treatment. They are your best contact for information and assistance.
- Health care assistants or HCAs
Health care assistants are trained, licensed, and certified to help provide you with assistance in the daily activities such as bathing and grooming.
- Head nurse or charge nurse
The head nurse or charge nurse assigns nurses to care for patients and supervises the nurses in the inpatient area or outpatient clinic.
- Medical assistants or MAs
Medical assistants are specially trained to assist the physicians and nurses in the outpatient clinical setting by gathering your information and relaying it to your health care team.
- Social worker
Our social workers specialize in emotional and practical issues related to cancer, to help you navigate the complex world of cancer care whether you are an inpatient or an outpatient.
- Case manager
A case manager is a nurse who specializes in coordinating and communicating the plan for your care to all care providers. The case manager monitors each person's needs from diagnosis and treatment through follow-up.
- Registered dietitian
A dietitian monitors your weight and is available for consultation regarding improving your nutritional status. The dietitian is available on most regular outpatient clinic days and every day in the inpatient area.
- Discharge planner
If you are an inpatient, your health care team will determine and arrange the day of your discharge. During your stay, your health care professionals will review the care you will need upon leaving the hospital with you or your family. The discharge planner will also provide you with information on the resources and services available to assist you with your continued care. You may receive home care services by employees of your chosen home-care company.
- Cancer information specialist
A cancer information specialist is a health educator trained to help you find information about cancer that you can discuss with your health care team.
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