Radiation Oncologists specialize in treating cancer using radiation. Their training includes classes in radiation biology, radiation physics and the natural history of a variety of cancers. They study for an additional four to five years after completing medical school. They are certified by the American Board of Radiology. They can use external or internal radiation therapy to help destroy cancerous cells while minimizing damage to healthy surrounding tissues.
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Once an X-ray, mammogram, ultrasound or MRI has been taken, specialized diagnostic radiologists at Longmont United Hospital interpret the results. Radiologists then contact your physician with the results, and consult on whether additional testing may be required.
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In the laboratory, pathologists use their collective years of experience to analyze and categorize thousands of tissue samples each year. Because cancer is really hundreds of different diseases instead of just one disease, the detailed information provided by the pathologist's report is essential to the development of a comprehensive treatment plan.
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Oncology nurses at Longmont United Hospital are registered nurses with specialized training in caring for cancer patients. Oncology nurses provide physical care, administer therapies, carefully monitor patient’s problems and assist patients in symptom management. They also teach patients, and talk with and support families.
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Radiation therapists work with Radiation Oncologists. They administer the daily radiation treatment under the doctor’s prescription and supervision. They perform daily quality assurance tests on the treatment machine (linear accelerator). 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.
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Dosimetrists are another member of the team working with Radiation Oncologists. They carefully calculate the dose of radiation to make sure the tumor gets the prescribed radiation dose. 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 radiation oncologist and the medical physicist to choose the treatment plan that is just right for each patient. Many Dosimetrists start as radiation therapists, then, with very intensive training, become Dosimetrists. Others are graduates of one-to two-year dosimetry programs. The Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board certifies Dosimetrists.
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Qualified medical physicists work directly with the radiation oncologist in the treatment planning and delivery. They work with the Dosimetrists to help ensure that complex treatments are 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. They have had 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.
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Dietitians offer a wide variety of services to cancer patients, from preparing menus to meet their special nutritional needs to making certain foods more palatable when a patient has a loss of appetite. They are available to both inpatients and outpatients of Longmont United Hospital.
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Longmont United Hospital’s hospital based wellness center, "Health Ambitions" brings you another unique option. The Cancer Exercise program is designed to promote and provide a supportive exercise opportunity for individuals who are being treated for cancer or are cancer survivors.
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