At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, we surround you with experts who focus completely on cancer, day in and day out.
A handful of people form the core of your care team. You have an oncologist who specializes in your disease and a registered nurse. At some visits, you might see an advanced practice provider. A team coordinator schedules your visits. Others join your team based on your personal needs. We have specialists based at Fred Hutch who know the issues that matter for people with cancer whether it’s helping control side effects or providing supportive care. They all work together – and with you – to provide support and treatment.
What Each Team Member Does
Advanced Practice Provider (APP)
These health care professionals work closely with your hematologist-oncologist in the clinic. There are two types: physician assistants (PAs) and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs). They help provide and coordinate your treatment and can see you independently from your physician. They also help manage the effects of your disease and treatment.
Hematologist-Oncologist
This physician oversees your medicine-based treatments.
Your hematologist-oncologist:
- Sees you during your first visit. They evaluate you and order any tests you need to diagnose or stage your disease.
- Explains what your diagnosis and stage mean, and answers your questions.
- Recommends treatments to match your specific case. They select the medicines, doses, schedule and sequence. They also talk with you about the benefits and risks.
- Sees you on a regular schedule to check how your cancer responds to treatment and how you are overall.
- Offers you ways to prevent, relieve and cope with side effects of treatment — like medicine to help with nausea.
- Coordinates with the rest of your care team if you need other types of treatment.
Infusion Nurse
You receive any infusions in a dedicated area of the clinic. Cancer nurses who specialize in infusions give these treatments. They also check you during each infusion. They respond to any medical issues that come up and help keep you comfortable.
Patient Care Coordinator
Your patient care coordinator works closely with you and your physician. They will schedule your appointments.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Your nurse manages your care alongside your physician. They also assist with procedures and treatments. Nurses are resources for you and your caregiver. They answer questions and help with a wide range of topics, like how to cope with side effects or get other services you need at Fred Hutch.
Supportive Care Services
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
Blood and Marrow Transplant Team
If you need a blood and marrow transplant, you have a specialized team from the Fred Hutch Bone Marrow Transplant Program. Your team includes a transplant oncologist, transplant nurse, pharmacist, registered dietitian, team coordinator and social worker. This team:
- Evaluates you (and your donor, if you need one).
- Selects a transplant approach to match your specific case.
- Prepares you and your caregiver.
- Performs your transplant.
- Provides care as you recover.
Learn more about our Blood and Marrow Transplant Team