Attending or Faculty Physicians: The attending or faculty physicians are part of a network of skilled specialists.  He or she heads a healthcare team that provides the right combination of skills, training, and experience to ensure that your visit will be as effective and comfortable as possible.

Fellows: Fellows are fully licensed physicians who have completed four years of medical school, their post graduate training and are now doing additional one to three years of training in a specific field of medicine such as cancer care.  They work under the supervision of an attending physician

Residents: Residents are fully licensed physicians who have completed four years of medical school and are doing a variety of specialized post-graduate training.  They work under the supervision of fellows and attending physicians.

Medical Students: Medical students are not fully licensed physicians.  They are students completing the required four years of medical school.  Their responsibilities differ depending on the number of years of school completed.  They must be under the supervision of residents, fellows, and attending physicians.

Physician Assistants (PA's): Physician assistants are specially trained and certified professionals who provide medical services under the supervision of a physician.  There are several "PA's" in the cancer clinics.  The PA's for the Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program also has specialty training in genetic counseling.

Medical Oncologist: A medical oncologist is also an attending or faculty physician.  These doctors are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer including the use of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and biological therapy.  A medical oncologist often serves as the main medical care provider of someone who has cancer and coordinates treatment provided by other specialists.

Hematologist-Oncologist: A Hematologist-oncologist is also an attending or faculty physician.  These doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer of the blood and bone marrow.  Their areas of interest include a wide range of cancers and sometimes non-cancer related disorders of the blood or bone marrow.

Surgical Oncologist: A surgical-oncologist is also an attending or faculty physician.  A surgical oncologist is a doctor who performs biopsies, places central venous catheters and performs other minor or major surgical procedures for cancer patients.  These specialists also diagnose and treat a variety of cancers.

Radiation Oncologist: A Radiation-oncologist is also an attending or faculty physician.  A radiation oncologist is a doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer.  Radiation therapy involves the use of different radiation sources to destroy cancer cells.

Gynecologic Oncologist: A Gynecologic oncologist is also an attending or faculty physician.  A gynecologic oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancers of the female reproductive organs.  They do both medical and surgical management of these cancers.

Dermatologists: A dermatologist is also an attending or faculty physician.  This doctor specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin problems.  WVU’s Cancer Center has the only dermatologist in the state of West Virginia who is officially certified to perform MOHS surgery—a highly specialized surgical procedure to treat different skin cancers.

MOHS Program Specialist: This specialist coordinates the services of the MOHS program as well as assists with procedures and follow up care.

Gastroenterologists: A Gastroenterologist is also an attending or faculty physician.  You will typically be referred to this doctor for a specific procedure by your surgical oncologist, medical oncologist, or radiation oncologist.  This doctor specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the digestive system.

Palliative Care Therapist: This is a specialist trained in the treatment of symptoms caused by cancer.  Palliative therapy does not alter the course of a disease but can improve the quality of life.  This professional can provide care throughout the treatment process but also works closely with community Hospice programs.

Pain Management Specialists: These specially trained physicians and nurses are available to help you and your doctor develop a pain management plan to use during your treatment.

Psychiatrists and Psychologists: Psychiatrists and psychologists are medical physicians or healthcare specialists with advanced training in dealing with psychological issues that may arise during your cancer treatment.  They talk with patients and their families about emotional and personal matters, and can help them make decisions.  They can also provide support using appropriate prescriptive medicines that help with problems such as depressions, anxiety, stress responses, sleeplessness, etc.

Radiologists: A radiologist is a doctor who specializes in creating and interpreting pictures of areas inside the body.  The pictures are produced with X-rays, sound waves, or other types of energy.  These doctors are also attending or faculty physicians.

Clinical Trials Research Coordinator: The Clinical Trials Research Coordinators at WVU are registered nurses who work closely with West Virginia University's diverse faculty to ensure consistent, reliable care to patients enrolled in clinical trials.

Social Worker: Social workers are professionals who are trained to assist people with social and emotional needs, as well as illness-related problems. Examples of these needs include coping with changes related to a cancer diagnosis, completing advanced directives (Medical Power of Attorney and Living Wills), domestic violence, end of life issues, financial concerns regarding medications or cost of medical care, transportation, referrals to other resources, and support groups.

Social Services at the MBRCC clinic are provided by oncology- certified social workers at no cost to our patients.  Social workers are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Patricia Policicchio can be reached at (304) 598 - 4000 ext 74563 or Jennifer Craddock at (304) 598 - 4000 ext 74564.

Lymphedema Therapist: The Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center offers outpatient treatment by a licensed physical therapist with specialized training and expertise in lymphedema management.  Lymphedema can occur as a common side effect of lymph node removal and other cancer treatments.  It is caused by damage to the lymph system and is seen as swelling of a body part, often the arms or legs.

Dietician: A registered dietician is available to help you with your nutritional needs during your cancer treatment.  They can do a nutritional assessment to identify risk factors, and provide education on ways to protect your health through proper nutrition.  They can provide teaching on ways to deal with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, excessive appetite, weight loss, weight gain, loss of taste sensation, etc.  They can also provide information and instruction on herbal remedies and nutritional supplements.

Pharmacist: A pharmacist is in charge of reviewing all orders for drugs you will receive during your cancer treatment.  They verify medication orders for accuracy mix, dispense medication and work with the medical and nursing team to assure you are getting the best medication for you and your disease.  They can also provide education on the medications you are taking related to dose, timing, side effects, contradictions, etc.

Physical therapist: Physical therapists teach exercises and physical activities that help condition muscles and restore strength and movement.  For example, physical therapy can be used to restore arm, shoulder movement, and build back strength after breast cancer surgery.

Patient Advocate: The patient advocate is available on a consultation basis if you feel you are not receiving the care you feel you should or you deserve.  She is available by beeper to help you with any problems you encounter that you feel the rest of the health care team is not correcting.  You may request her services at any time without concern of repercussions or reprisals.  She is here to help you.

Chaplain: The Chaplain is responsible for helping meet your spiritual needs during your cancer journey.  Please ask any staff at any time if you wish to meet with a chaplain and one will be paged.