Cancer Specialists

Rush-Copley Cancer Care Center's exceptional team of affiliated physicians, physicists, therapists, nurses, nutritionists and psychosocial professionals work together to deliver the latest advances in cancer care in a fully integrated setting that provides unparalleled convenience for our patients. With more than 20 years experience and an affiliation with Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Rush-Copley offers oncology services usually reserved for a university hospital.

Medical Oncologist:   This is a physician trained in the treatment of cancer, especially with non-surgical treatments such as chemotherapy. A medical oncologist may be the doctor in charge of your overall treatment planning, and may work with surgeons or radiation oncologists to plan the overall approach to treating you. The medical oncologist will decide if there are medications or clinical trials appropriate for you, and educate you about their expected effectiveness and any potential side effects.

Radiation Oncologist:   This is a physician specifically trained in the treatment of cancer with radiation. The radiation oncologist will work with you to determine the appropriate radiation dose and specific way to deliver the radiation to your cancer to minimize giving radiation to your normal, healthy cells. The doctor will instruct others in the radiation therapy department about your prescribed dose of radiation, and will follow up with you to check on the effectiveness of treatment and to monitor you for any side effects.

Medical Physicist:   A medical physicist is trained in the use of special treatment planning machinery to deliver radiation to cancer patients. This specialist does quality assurance checks to make sure the treatment machine delivers radiation accurately, and may create a specific plan for how to use the machines to deliver the radiation dose prescribed by your doctor.

Medical Dosimetrist:   This specialist may be in charge of creating the plan for how to use the treatment machines to deliver the radiation dose prescribed by your doctor. The dosimetrist will work in concert with the radiation oncologist and the medical physicist to create the appropriate treatment plan.

Radiation Therapists:   Radiation therapists work with patients going through setup and treatment with radiation therapy. They may help you understand your treatment process, help you get properly positioned, or operate the radiation therapy equipment to deliver your prescribed dose of radiation.

Surgeon:   The surgeon’s role in cancer treatment is to review your diagnostic information and to decide whether operating to remove cancerous areas from your body is a recommended treatment. The surgeon will then perform this operation. Some are general surgeons, who operate on every part of the body. Many surgeons choose to specialize and operate only on specific parts of the body; for example, a thoracic surgeon operates on the lungs.

Pharmacist:   A registered pharmacist works with oncology patients to review their prescriptions. The pharmacist will check to make sure the dose is appropriate, and look for drug interactions with other medications you may be taking. The pharmacist advises the oncologist about any recommendations. The pharmacist may also work with patients to inform them about specific medications being given to them, telling the patient about the expected action, any side effects, and give any warnings about interactions to avoid, such as specific over-the-counter medicines or nutritional supplements. The pharmacist will also prepare medication for you.

Nutritionist:  A registered dietitian will ensure that the meals you are served meet your medical needs.  If you have special dietary requirements for pre-existing medical conditions or religious reasons, it is important that your healthcare team be aware so they can tailor your meals to fit your needs.  If you are unable to take regular meals through your mouth, your nutritionist will work with your doctor to help you receive adequate nutrition through other means.

Nurses:    You will have several nurses who will work with you during your stay as an inpatient or an outpatient. Many of them will have special training in working with the needs of cancer patients. Some may have the role of helping you receive chemotherapy. Others may help your doctor monitor your recovery from a procedure such as surgery. They may administer any prescribed medication, and be available to answer questions you may have about your stay and your treatment. Nurses are present in most of the clinical areas of the hospital to help with your care.

Social Worker:   A social worker will work to help with your life during and after discharge from the hospital. The social worker may connect you to both emotional and financial support resources. You are encouraged to discuss your feelings and concerns with the social worker. This may help you better understand the impact of a diagnosis of cancer on your life and that of your family and friends.

Chaplain:   The chaplain’s role is to listen with an open heart and provide religious counsel to those who need it. The chaplain is ready to be of service to people of all faiths. If you have particular religious needs to observe during your hospital stay, please let the chaplain know how we may be of service.