The Radiation Oncology Team

The Radiation Oncologist
This is the doctor that will oversee all your treatments. He will work very closely with your Medical Oncologist. You will meet him on your initial consult and he will act as the captain of your team. He will decide how many treatments you will need. You will see him at least once a week for a visit, or any other time a problem arises.

The Secretaries
They will greet you on the first visit and obtain insurance information. Then you’ll look forward to their cheerful greeting each day when you check in. Please call them if you are ever running late or have to miss an appointment, so we won’t worry about you.

The Oncology Nurse
You will also meet the oncology certified nurse at your initial consult. She will get medical information about you. She will also talk with you about what to expect from radiation in general and then about side effects from your specific treatment. She will also be there to help with pain management, nutrition and radiation side effects. You can look to her for emotional support for you or your family if you need a pep talk or just a hug.

The Medical Dosimetrist and Physicist
These highly trained individuals work closely with your radiation oncologist to custom design a treatment delivery plan just for you. They begin with the prescription given to them by the radiation oncologist. Utilizing your CT, MRI and/or PET images, they create a plan that will deliver the optimal dose of radiation to your tumor site, while protecting the normal surrounding organs and tissue. Three dimensional, computerized equipment is used to perform complex dose calculations leading to your final treatment plan. The latest in High Energy Conformal Radiation is available with IMRT, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy.

The Therapist
These registered, radiation professionals work directly with your radiation oncologist, the dosimetrist and physicist to deliver your radiation treatments. They will discuss with you and your family what to expect while you are being treated. They will get to know you as they will be treating you Monday through Friday. They refer any of your concerns to the nurse or physician as they arise. They will also assist with any scheduling changes that you may need to make.

The Oncology Support Counselor
Understanding how overwhelming the diagnosis of cancer can be, we have a dedicated oncology support counselor available to our patients and families. This aspect of our patients’ health care is central to the treatment experience. This individual can meet privately with each patient and/or their family to discuss the many emotional issues that come up during the cancer journey. This is a free service to our patients and families.

We also have available to our patients an oncology social worker to assist with transportation, finances and other such needs.

Cancer Resource Center and Volunteers
High Point Regional's cancer center is proud of the varied resources we make available to each of our patients. Our Resource Center is staffed with knowledgeable volunteers, some of whom are cancer survivors, who can assist you with printed materials and internet searches on numerous issues surrounding a particular cancer diagnosis. Located in the lobby of our Cancer Center you will find this space inviting, comfortable and a good source for information. The coffee is always on too!