Meeting Your Care Team

In treating cancer, we take a team approach to your care. Our surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and nurses work closely to diagnose your cancer. Along with your doctor, our pathologists and radiologists define the type, stage (extent) and other traits of your cancer.

Based on the results, your doctor will talk to you about treatment options and help you choose the best one for you. Depending on your needs, this may be a clinical trial offering a new drug or treatment for your cancer.

Our researchers and doctors work together to bring new discoveries right to patient care. Often, the latest cancer treatments are offered at Fox Chase first, before they are offered in the community.

Clinicians

On your first visit to Fox Chase, you may meet with many clinicians.

• Attending physicians are the main doctors planning your care.
• Fellows are doctors who have finished training in surgery or internal medicine and have had additional training in cancer.
• Residents are doctors who are finishing training in internal medicine, surgery or radiation.
• Hospitalists are doctors whose focus is the general medical care of hospitalized patients.
• Advanced practice clinicians (APCs) have an advanced degree and work closely with your doctor. They include physician assistants and nurse practitioners.
• Genetic counselors are licensed professionals who can help you decide if genetic testing for cancer risk is right for you or your family.

Nurses

Fox Chase nurses meet the highest standards of care. During your stay, you may meet many nurses who tend to your special needs.

• Nurse navigators are oncology nurses who help to coordinate your care and answer any questions you may have.
• Ambulatory care nurses work closely with your doctor and provide nursing care during and between your doctor visits.
• Inpatient nurses provide nursing care during your hospital stay.
• Clinical nurse specialists provide skilled nursing services and act as a resource to help other nurses solve complex problems.
• Clinic assistants work closely with registered nurses to care for you during your visit.