Your Radiation Treatment Team

Radiation Oncologist

The radiation oncologist is a physician who specializes in cancer treatment. He or she has completed a 4-year medical degree plus a 4-year residency in radiation oncology. The radiation oncologist consults with your primary care physician to prescribe an individualized radiation treatment plan.

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Medical Dosimetrist

Based on the radiation oncologist’s prescription, the medical dosimetrist calculates the dose for each treatment and plans how to deliver the dose to the area where the cancer is located. The medical dosimetrist’s role is to design treatments that effectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. Medical dosimetrists are educated in physics, anatomy, and radiobiology. RBOI’s medical dosimetrists are certified by the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board.

Medical Physicist

In addition to verifying the dose calculations, the medical physicist checks that the equipment used to deliver the treatments is calibrated correctly and working properly. He or she has a master’s or doctorate degree in medical physics.

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Radiation Therapist

The radiation therapist administers radiation treatments to the patient. He or she prepares the patient for each treatment, applies the radiation, records and verifies each treatment, and monitors the patient during treatment. Radiation therapists complete 2-year or 4-year professional educational programs focusing on physics, radiation safety, anatomy, and patient care. They are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Oncology Nurse

The oncology nurse completes the radiation treatment team. Oncology nurses educate cancer patients and their families, monitor patients for signs and symptoms related to radiation therapy, and perform nutrition analyses. Oncology nurses are registered nurses with specialized experience in caring for cancer patients.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker has specialized knowledge of the impact of cancer on individuals and those around them. Licensed Clinical Social Workers provide support and counseling services to patients and their families and caregivers, meeting with them individually and/or together. These counselors help connect you to appropriate resources, support, and services, such as transportation, community resources, education opportunities, and cancer support groups. They are available throughout your visit and are also available for scheduled appointments.

Learn more about our social workers.