Meet the Team

The primary care physician serves a significant role in cancer care. He or she works with you to interpret signs and symptoms of your disease and may order x-rays and blood work to help make the cancer diagnosis.

Pathologists (experts in the area of cells and tissues) and radiologists (those who interpret x-rays) utilize state-of-the-art methods to diagnose cancer.

Once a diagnosis of cancer is made, you will be referred to a physician or physicians who specialize in cancer treatments based on your type of cancer. They may include a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and/or an oncology surgeon.

The medical oncologist specializes in the administration of chemotherapy, which is usually administered as an outpatient procedure by specially trained nurses.

If surgery is required, you will be referred to a surgeon who is board-certified and utilizes the latest surgical methods to treat cancer.

Radiation therapy is another type of treatment that may be recommended. This will be administered under the direction of a board-certified radiation oncologist. There are different types of radiation therapy, such as internal and external. These options will be discussed with you.

Patients with cancer may experience pain at some time. Often the medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, surgeon or primary care physician can prescribe treatments that are effective. If your physician feels that more extensive pain management is required, they may provide a referral to the Pain Management Clinic. The Pain Management Clinic is an off-campus, outpatient department operated by Mount Nittany Medical Center that treats more than 5,000 patients each year.

The oncology nurses and therapists who work closely with the physicians are also experts in the field of cancer care and are available to answer questions and provide physical, emotional and educational support to you and your loved ones.

Patient Navigators are resources for cancer services within your community. Mount Nittany Medical Center's Patient Navigator is available to discuss any of your needs including but not limited to coordination of care, insurance/financial assistance, transportation help, patient and caregiver support.
Social Workers are available to inpatients to provide discharge planning and to discuss your at-home needs.

Good nutrition is very important in the total care of the person with cancer. Often side effects of treatment can interfere with appetite or the ability to chew or taste. Our staff of clinical dietitians provides nutritional support and counseling.

A chaplain is available for you and your family/caregivers to assist you with any spiritual needs during the time of diagnosis and treatment.

Our goal is also to assist you with greater mobility, strength and endurance so that you can be as independent as possible. Our rehabilitation team includes a physician, physical therapist, speech therapist and occupational therapist. Your primary care physician can discuss with you whether you require these services.

Our wound ostomy and continence nurse can also assist you with issues regarding wounds and ostomies. For more information, call 814.234.6195.