Patient Resource Guide_2025_FINAL Accessible - Flipbook - Page 14
GLOSSARY OF CLINICAL ROLES
There are many people involved in your care. Some you will get to know very well as you see them over
and over again. Others you may never meet because they work behind the scenes. Here are a few of the
types of people who will be part of your care team.
Attending Physician
Advanced Practice Provider (APP)
An attending physician is in charge of your overall care
and oversees the work of residents, fellows and students.
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants work closely
with doctors. They can perform physical exams, prescribe
medication and help make sure your care plan is on track.
Fellow
A fellow is a licensed doctor who has completed residency
and is getting additional, specialized training.
Resident
A resident is a doctor who has finished medical school and
practices under supervision but with an increasing amount
of independence. Depending on the specialty, a residency
can last between three and seven years.
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses are the backbone of cancer care. They
administer drugs like chemotherapy and immunotherapy,
monitor your vital signs, change dressings and help with
personal needs. Some of our nurses have earned a special
Oncology Certified Nurse credential that shows their indepth knowledge of nursing skills for cancer patients.
Oncologist
Doctors who specialize in cancer care are oncologists.
Surgical oncologists focus on surgery and medical
oncologists focus on medications, but there can be a lot of
overlap between these two. Radiation oncologists provide
radiation treatment.
MY CARE TEAM
SURGEON
MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST
RADIATION ONCOLOGIST
ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDER
NURSE NAVIGATOR
OTHER TEAM MEMBERS
PAGE 12
MUSC HOLLINGS CANCER CENTER
