Your Care Team
Cancer care involves more than one provider. At Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, a team of specialists, nurses, navigators, and support professionals work together to guide your care, answer questions, and help you navigate every stage of treatment and recovery.
A Team Built Around You
When you're diagnosed with cancer, it can feel like you're suddenly meeting a lot of new people. That's because cancer care often involves experts from multiple specialties working together on your behalf.
Your care team may include physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, social workers, patient navigators, and many others. At Vanderbilt-Ingram, your specialists work together to understand your diagnosis, develop a personalized treatment plan, and coordinate your care.
Cancer Specialists Focused on You
Depending on your diagnosis and treatment plan, you may work with one or more oncology specialists. Many Vanderbilt-Ingram providers are leaders in their field.
Medical Oncologist
Medical oncologists diagnose and treat cancer using therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy. For many patients, the medical oncologist serves as the primary physician overseeing cancer treatment.
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation oncologists specialize in using radiation therapy to treat cancer. They develop treatment plans designed to target cancer while protecting as much healthy tissue as possible.
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical oncologists perform biopsies and cancer-related surgeries. They work closely with the rest of your care team to determine when surgery may be part of your treatment plan.
The People Who Help You Every Day
Cancer care often involves professionals you may see just as frequently as your physicians. These team members help coordinate care, answer questions, and provide support throughout treatment.
- Nurses work across dynamic teams in our inpatient, infusion, and outpatient clinics to deliver care. Our nurses have a Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) that recognizes top-tier nursing.
- Nurse navigators help guide patients through treatment, coordinate appointments, and connect patients with resources and support services.
- Advanced practice providers, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, work closely with physicians to provide care, monitor treatment progress, and answer questions.
- Clinical pharmacists help patients understand medications, manage side effects, and safely navigate complex treatment regimens.
- Patient navigators help patients and families overcome barriers to care, connect with support services, and find answers when questions arise.
Support Beyond Medical Care
Cancer affects more than physical health. Vanderbilt-Ingram provides support services designed to address the emotional, practical, and day-to-day challenges that can come with treatment.
- Social workers provide emotional support and help patients connect with community resources and assistance programs.
- Care coordinators help ensure patients receive the right services at the right time and assist with transitions between different areas of care.
- Case managers help patients and families prepare for care needs during and after hospitalization.
Additional specialists, including genetic counselors, rehabilitation specialists, respiratory therapists, cardio-oncologists, psycho-oncologists, dieticians, and other experts may become part of your care team based on your needs.
Care Designed Around You
At Vanderbilt-Ingram, you are an important member of your own care team. We believe patients and caregivers should have the information, support, and guidance they need to make informed decisions and feel confident throughout the continuum of care.
Whether you're newly diagnosed, actively receiving treatment, or navigating life after cancer, our team is here to help.
We're Here to Help
Whether you're newly diagnosed, seeking a second opinion, or exploring treatment options, our team is ready to connect you with the care and resources you need.
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