Caregiver Team

Before treatment begins, information is gathered and reviewed by the radiation oncologist in order to prescribe individualized treatment for each patient. First, radiation therapists scan the patient to capture images and precise measurements of the areas of interest inside their body. This data is then transferred to a treatment planning system and used by medical physicists, dosimetrists and radiation oncologists. Together, this team plans a precise radiation treatment plan for each patient.

Below are detailed descriptions and roles of the key members who will be prescribing and delivering radiation therapy.

Radiation Oncologist: The radiation oncologist supervises the care of each patient from start to finish and uses his or her extensive training in cancer medicine to prescribe a safe use of radiation for treatment. Working with physicians and the other members of the radiation oncology team, the radiation oncologist develops and prescribes each treatment plan, making sure the treatment is administered correctly. Responsible for monitoring the progress of treatment, the radiation oncologist will adjust the treatment and treat side effects in order to provide quality care at a level comfortable for the patient.

Credentials: Four years of college, four years of medical school, one year of general medical training and four years of specialty training in radiation oncology is completed. Radiation oncologists are certified by the American Board of Radiology.

Radiation Therapist: The radiation therapist dispenses the prescribed radiation treatment. Working with the radiation oncologist, the radiation therapist maintains treatment records and makes sure that machinery is working properly.

Credentials: After high school or college, a two-to-four year program is completed. Radiation therapists are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety.

Dosimetrist: The dosimetrist is responsible for calculating the dose of radiation the patient receives during treatment. Working with the radiation oncologist and medical physicist, the dosimetrist selects the best possible dosage that will ultimately destroy the tumor while sparing the healthy surrounding tissues.

Credentials: Beginning as a radiation therapist, this medical professional becomes a dosimetrist after very intensive training. Some professionals elect to graduate from a one-to-two year dosimetry program, then become a Certified Medical Dosimetrist.

Physicist: The physicist works directly with the physician in the planning and delivery of treatment. The physicist oversees the work of the dosimetrist to ensure the treatment plan is correctly suited to each patient. Also responsible for making sure the equipment is working properly, the physicist develops and directs programs to test the accuracy and functionality of all equipment on a regular basis.

Credentials: Physicists have completed four years of college, two to four years of graduate school, one to two years of clinical physics training, have a doctorate or master’s degree and are certified by the American Board of Radiology or the American Board of Medical Physics.