Your Care Team

An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating people with cancer.

Medical Oncologist

Medical oncologists use chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy to treat cancer. A medical oncologist often is the main healthcare provider for someone who has cancer.

Surgical Oncologist

Surgical oncologists use surgery to diagnose and remove tumors. Many Lurie Cancer Center surgeons are trained to use specialized instruments, advanced technologies and minimally invasive techniques.

Radiation Oncologist

Radiation oncologists use radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells and slow tumor growth without harming nearby healthy tissue.

Interventional Radiologist

Interventional radiologists use image-guided approaches and minimally invasive methods for treating cancer.

Oncology Hospitalist

An oncology hospitalist is an expert in the management and coordination of care of inpatients, working closely with your primary oncologist and other members of your multidisciplinary team.  

The patient-nurse relationship is crucial to the quality care patients will receive at Lurie Cancer Center. Oncological nurses working with Lurie Cancer Center are deeply committed to connecting with patients and providing the care and information that lead to the best possible outcomes. Northwestern Medicine and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago have Magnet organization status for nursing, granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Recognition Program.

Clinical Nurses

Whether you are receiving treatment in our outpatient clinical cancer centers or as an inpatient, oncology nurses with specialized training in cancer diagnosis and treatment, patient education and symptom management will be actively involved in your care.

Infusion nurses have specialized education to help manage your care and administer chemotherapy.

Radiation oncology nurses have expertise in coordinating and treating cancer with radiation therapy.

Advanced Practice Providers

Nurse Practitioners (NP or APN)and Physician Assistants (PA) have completed advanced education to evaluate, treat and coordinate care for patients with cancer. They work closely with your physicians and other members of your cancer care team.

Clinical Research Nurses

Every clinical trial for cancer treatment follows a detailed plan called a protocol. Clinical research nurses have advanced knowledge about clinical trials and can help you understand the process. They work directly with patients and physicians, providing and coordinating care and support.

Lurie Cancer Center’s Supportive Oncology team provides emotional and practical support for patients and their families. Experts on the team include psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and dietitians. Other supportive care providers include our Fertility Preservation Program navigator and breast cancer nurse navigator.

Read more about supportive care providers at Lurie Cancer Center.

These professionals assist during appointments in the laboratory, clinic and infusion area. Escorts patients to the exam or infusion room and takes vital signs. They wear purple uniforms.