Your Health Care Team at Lombardi

Fellows

A "fellow" is a physician who has completed training as an internal medicine resident and is board-certified or board-eligible. Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center's medical oncology and hematology fellowship program trains physicians in specialized oncology/hematology patient care and research during their three to five year training program at the center. Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center's palliative care fellowship program trains physicians in the aspects of specialized palliative care that relate to patient care and research during a one to two year training program. The addition of a fellow in your care team provides the advantage of "another set of eyes" to monitor your care. Your "attending" physician directs your care and may be assisted by a fellow, nurse practitioner, or physicians assistant.

Nurse Practitioners

A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has completed advanced graduate education and credentialing to achieve expertise in patient care. On your first visit, the NP will take a thorough history and perform a physical exam. The nurse practitioner works in direct collaboration with the attending physician, and is responsible for assessing health status and the effects of treatment. The nurse practitioner prescribes medications and manages side effects. The focus of the NP is on the patient as a whole, and she provides education to you and your family through the entire cancer experience. The NP works closely with all members of the health team to ensure your access to all available resources.

Clinical Nurse Coordinators

During the consultative and treatment phase of your illness, a clinical nurse coordinator may be involved in your care. A clinical nurse coordinator is a nurse specializing in the care of persons with cancer, and can provide information and support to you and your family. The nurse coordinator can help you understand the information from your physician and support you through complex decision-making. As an expert nurse clinician, a nurse coordinator may be able to justify needed services and negotiate with your insurance company, or may have suggestions for resources within your community to help you and your family. The clinical nurse coordinator is the consistent point of contact for you, and a person who can communicate information to your health care team.

Research Nurses

A staff of specially trained oncology nurses supports the critical research mission of the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. If your doctor believes that you may be eligible for participation in a research study, or "clinical trial," a research nurse will further evaluate your eligibility, discuss the details of the trial with you, and support you through the decision making process. Once registered in a clinical trial, the research nurse will coordinate all aspects of your care and support you through the process.

Primary Infusion Nurses

The infusion nurses, specializing in the treatment of cancer patients, provide chemotherapy, immunotherapy, blood product administration and therapeutic phlebotomy as ordered by your physician. The nurses, certified in chemotherapy administration, work closely with our oncology pharmacist, doctors, and the nurse practitioner/case manager/research nurse to safely administer your treatment. The infusion nurses will work closely with you to ensure your comfort and well-being throughout the treatment regime.

Clinical Administrative Assistants

The Clinical Administrative Assistants (CAA) work with teams of doctors, physicians assistants, nurse practitioners and case managers to support patient care activities in the clinic. The CAA will work with you to schedule tests and appointments, get lab results and provide other services you may need during your clinic visit.

Oncology Social Workers

Oncology social workers are available for both adult and pediatric patients at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. The social work staff can support you in identifying community resources, applying for various financial benefits, and providing information and support throughout your experience with cancer. In addition, the social work staff offer services through our support groups.

Oncology Nutrition Specialists

At Lombardi, all adult and pediatric patients have access to nutrition counseling. Nutritional services and intervention during treatments can be very helpful to both patients and caregivers. As a member of the multidisciplinary team, the oncology nutrition specialist works closely with your physician and nurse to optimize your care, especially if your nutritional status may be compromised due to treatments. Please ask your physician or nurse for information regarding an appointment with our nutrition specialist.

Palliative Care Team

Lombardi's Palliative Care Program offers both inpatient and outpatient consultation services for patients with, or at risk for, challenging symptoms associated with serious illness. Lombardi's palliative care team consists of specialty-trained physicians, an advanced practice nurse and a fellow. Services are available for patients in all phases of their illness, whether their goals of care are for comfort and life sustaining therapies or comfort alone. The palliative care team works closely with your primary oncology team, and follow-up care is always coordinated with the established care team and with nursing services in the community. Read more about Lombardi's Palliative Care Program.

Pastoral Care

Pastoral care, offering a spiritual dimension to the healing process, is available for all patients, families and significant others at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Chaplains understand the unique experience of cancer and are ready to assist you through the experience. Any member of the health care team is happy to help arrange a meeting for you with Pastoral Care.

Pediatric Art Therapists

Lombardi's art therapists work with children with cancer and their families by using art as an avenue of expression. Through one-on-one and group interaction, children are supported in their experience of cancer. The art therapist is an integral part of the Pediatric Oncology Program and works in concert with other members of the team to provide a warm and caring environment for children and families during this stressful life experience. Lombardi also offers an art therapy support group for children of adult patients.