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A radiation therapist

Radiation Oncology Care Providers

While you undergo radiation therapy, a team of highly trained medical professionals will be working together to make sure you receive the best care possible.

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Radiation Oncologists

Radiation Oncologists are the doctors who oversee the care of each cancer patient undergoing radiation treatment.

  • They develop and prescribe each cancer patient's treatment plan.
  • They make sure that every treatment is accurately given.
  • They monitor the patient's progress and adjust treatment to make sure patients get quality care throughout treatment. Radiation oncologists also help identify and treat any side effects of radiation therapy.
  • They work closely with other physicians, and all members of the radiation oncology team. Radiation oncologists have completed four years of college, four years of medical school, one year of general medical training, then four years of residency (specialty) training in radiation oncology.
  • They have extensive training in the safe use of radiation to treat disease.

All of our Physicians are certified by the American Board of Radiology.

Resident

Radiation Oncology Residents work under the direct supervision of the Radiation Oncologist in overseeing the care of each cancer patient undergoing radiation treatment. Residents have completed four years of college, four years of medical school, and one year of general medical training before they began training in the specialty of radiation oncology.

Medical Radiation Physicist

Qualified medical physicists work directly with the doctor in the treatment planning and delivery. They oversee the work of the dosimetrist and help ensure that complex treatments are properly tailored for each patient. Qualified medical physicists are responsible for developing and directing quality control programs for equipment and procedures. They are responsible for making sure the equipment works properly. Medical radiation physicists take precise measurements of radiation beam characteristics and do other safety tests on a regular basis. Qualified medical physicists have doctorates or master's degrees. Qualified medical physicists have completed four year of college. They also have two to four years of graduate school and typically one to two years of clinical physics training. They are certified by the American Board of Radiology or the American Board of Medical Physics.

Dosimetrist

Dosimetrists carefully calculate the dose of radiation to make sure the tumor receives enough radiation. They develop a number of treatment plans that can best destroy the tumor while sparing the normal tissues. Many of these treatment plans are very complex. Dosimetrists work with the doctor and the medical physicist to choose the treatment plan that is just right for each patient. The Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board certifies dosimetrists.

Radiation Therapist

Radiation therapists work with radiation oncologists. They administer the daily radiation treatment under the doctor's prescription and supervision. They maintain daily records and regularly check the treatment machines to make sure they are working properly. Radiation therapists go through a two-to-four year educational program following high school or college. They take a special examination and must be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Radiation Oncology Nurse

Nurses work with the radiation team to care for patients during the course of treatment. They help evaluate the patient before treatment begins. They may talk to the patient about potential side effects and their management. During the course of radiation treatments patients may be evaluated weekly, or more frequently by the nurse to assess problems and concerns. Nurses play a key role in educating the patient about treatment and potential side effects. Radiation oncology nurses are registered nurses licensed to practice professional nursing. Most nurses in radiation therapy have additional accreditation in the specialty of oncology nursing.

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