Your Cancer Care Team
Care Unique to Your Needs
When you choose Sturdy Memorial for your cancer care, you’re choosing a team dedicated to providing you with expert, compassionate care specific to your unique needs.
You'll be supported by a team of physicians, specialty trained and certified oncology nurses, nurse navigators, dietitians, rehabilitation therapists and social workers all committed to providing you the best cancer care.
Our multi-disciplinary approach allows us to care for your unique needs every step of the way, from diagnostic testing to surgery, to oncology treatment plans, through rehabilitation and survivorship.
Who's on Your Care Team
Depending on your diagnosis, you’ll work with a number of doctors, nurses, therapists and other care providers. Members of your care team may include:
Medical Oncologists: Physicians with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer who typically oversee and coordinate your care from diagnosis through treatment, and beyond. Using chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy, they use targeted treatment specific to your diagnosis to provide you with the best outcomes.
Surgical Oncologists: Surgeons with special training in treating cancer. They biopsy tissue and assist in determining the form of cancer, stage, and the extent of the disease. Surgical oncologists aid in the treatment of cancer by surgically removing tumors or other cancerous tissues.
Radiation Oncologists: Physicians with expertise in radiation therapy used to target and kill cancer cells, shrink tumors, and provide relief from symptoms. Through a relationship with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Sturdy is able to provide you with convenient access to the most advanced radiation therapy at Brigham and Women’s/Sturdy Memorial Radiation Oncology Center, located in Mansfield.
Nurse Navigator: A highly trained medical professional who provides education and support from diagnosis through survivorship.
Oncology Certified Nurses: Sturdy’s oncology program is staffed with Oncology Certified nurses who are specialty trained in various areas of cancer care, including administration of chemotherapy and infusion treatments.
Radiologists: Physicians who use imaging tests such as MRIs, PET Scans, CT Scans, Ultrasound and X-Rays to help diagnose your condition. In addition to interpreting exams, they may use imaging guidance to perform less invasive biopsies.
Pathologists: Physician who examine tissues, reviews lab results, and interprets test result to determine your diagnosis.
Financial Counselors: Provide low income, uninsured, and underinsured patients guidance in applying for financial assistance.
Pharmacists- Work closely with your doctors to ensure proper dispensing of your medications for treatment. They are responsible for the safe handling, dispensing, and administration of all medications prescribed for oncology patients.
Rehabilitation specialists- Include physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, certified lymphedema therapists, as well as pulmonary and cardiac rehab therapists who work with you to help maintain function and improve your strength and quality of life.
Social Workers: Connect you with community resources that can provide further support services and assist with the challenges that may arise from a cancer diagnosis.