O'Neal CCC Patient and Family Guide | Page 5

YOUR CANCER CARE TEAM YOUR CANCER CARE TEAM The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center team believes that there’s a lot more to fighting cancer than just getting rid of cancer cells through treatment. We believe that comprehensive, holistic cancer care includes other aspects of your life that may have an impact on your overall well-being. After all, cancer changes everything. At UAB, you have a personalized team to support you. Oncologist – The oncologist is an attending physician who will develop a treatment plan and provide your medical care, in collaboration with other consulting physicians. Our medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists may be involved in your care, depending on your treatment. Fellow – Fellows have graduated from medical school, completed residency training, and are participating in additional subspecialty training. Resident Physician – Residents have graduated from medical school and are participating in educational/ training programs to expand their knowledge. Advanced Practice Provider (APP) – APPs treat both physical and mental conditions through comprehensive history-taking, physical exams, physical therapy, ordering tests, and assisting with therapies for patients. They are qualified to treat certain medical conditions without the direct supervision of a physician. Registered Nurse (RN) – Nurses will provide your routine care throughout your journey. From delivering infusion treatments to caring for you at the bedside, our nurses are there for you. Your assigned Clinic RN serves as a key contact for clinical needs. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) – CMAs perform clinical procedures and lab duties as requested by the physician or other team members. Patient Care Technician (PCT) – PCTs assist nurses with taking vital signs, drawing blood, and other routine medical activities. Patient Encounter Specialist – Patient encounter specialists perform a variety of administrative tasks, including scheduling appointments, updating patient information, and following up with patients. Please refer to uabmedicine.org/plan-your-visit/yourclinic-visit for more information. CARE COORDINATION TEAM Oncology Nurse Navigator – A nurse navigator serves as the leader of your care coordination team and will coordinate your care during your cancer journey with us. Your nurse navigator, alongside our clinic staff, will help answer questions, suggest support services, develop your treatment plan, and more. Care Guide – Non-clinical care guides will be there to help lower stress by proactively identifying issues and connecting you with the appropriate resources for support. Their goal is to support you and your caregivers. Social Worker – is available to provide assistance with any barriers or concerns that may arise, provide emotional support, and help you access practical assistance during your cancer journey Oncology Psychologist and Counselor – are experienced in helping you, your caregiver, and your family cope with the emotional and relational impact of cancer throughout all phases of the cancer journey Financial Counselor – is available to help you understand your insurance benefits and discuss options for out-of-pocket costs associated with treatment 6 A Guide to Your Care at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB