Also see Multidisciplanary Chest Conference/Clinic

A team of physicians and other medical professionals reviews each case and may then meet individually with each patient.

Thompson Cancer Survival Center offers patients the option of a private, individual consultation with a team of specialists in one single office visit.

Many of the recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer require close collaboration between cancer specialists in differing areas of expertise. Thompson's Multidisciplinary Brest Clinic brings those specialists together to evaluate each patient's case and then to meet individually with the patient to discuss treatment options. So a process that might otherwise take weeks is completed in a single day, and treatment can begin quickly.

First the physicians meet to discuss each case and determine the best treatment option. Then each specialist meets individually with the patient to explain treatment choices and answer questions. In most instances the patient will meet with a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a surgeon and others. A multidisciplinary cancer care coordinator organizes the meetings and schedules subsequent care.

Additional resources are available either at the clinic or during subsequent visits. These services often include genetic counseling and a social worker for financial matters.

The patient is encouraged to ask questions and be actively involved in the assessment. At the conclusion of the visit, the multidisciplinary cancer care coordinator acts as a patient advocate to ensure the patient understands the plan of care and continues to act as a resource throughout the treatment process.

Who Is Included in the Medical Team?

• Medical Oncologist
  
• Radiation Oncologist
  
• Surgeon
  
• Radiologist specialized in women’s imaging
  
• Pathologist
  
• Social Worker
  
• Nutritionist
  
• Genetic Counselor
  
• Clinical Trial Nurse
  
• Multidisciplinary Cancer Care Coordinator