Cancer CenterOur Team
It takes an entire team to sort through the complexities of cancer treatment and design the best possible radiation therapy, tailored to an individual’s diagnosis. Our physician specialists and health care professionals work with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver effective radiation therapy programs.
The Regional Cancer Collaborative at St. Vincent Hospital is grateful to share our values of Respect, Care, Competence, and Joy with you and your family. We thank you for choosing us as your health care provider.
Radiation Oncologist
Medical Physicist
Radiation Therapist
Dosimetrist
Radiation Therapy Nurse
Clinical Research Associates
Cancer Care Coordinator
Child Life Specialist
Chaplains
Dietitians
Social Workers
Clerical Staff
Palliative Care
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologists are physicians who are key decision makers in choosing whether radiation therapy may be of value and the type of radiation therapy an individual may receive. This physician is the team leader and stays with the patient from initial consultation all the way through follow-up care.
Medical Physicist
Medical Physicists are at the center of quality control and radiation safety for each radiation treatment. These highly trained professionals work directly with the physicians to help determine the best radiation therapy technique for cancer treatment. The Medical Physicist oversees the planning process in conjunction with the Dosimetrist. It is the Physicist’s responsibility to check the quality of radiation delivered by the equipment. They perform audits to assure the treatment is administered by the Radiation Therapists as prescribed by the physician. Medical Physicists have a master’s degree or doctorate degree. Qualified Physicists have completed four years of college, two to four years of graduate school, and typically one or two years of clinical physics training. They also are certified by the American Board of Radiology or by the American Board of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology Physics.
Radiation Therapist
Radiation Therapists work directly with the Radiation Oncologist in simulation and treatment. They treat each patient under the physician’s prescription and supervision. Radiation Therapists also maintain daily records and regularly check the treatment machines to make certain they are working properly. They also help make certain that the radiation therapy service maintains high standards of efficiency and quality. Radiation Therapists receive thorough training under a two- to four-year educational program. In addition, all of our Radiation Therapists must pass a rigorous examination and be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, a standard higher than many other cancer centers.
Dosimetrist
Dosimetrists are specially trained Radiation Therapists who help calculate the radiation dose in the computer to produce the best treatment plan for the individual. They work with the physician and the Medical Physicist to determine how the radiation beams will be arranged to destroy the tumor, yet protect the normal tissues surrounding the tumor. In addition, our dosimetrists must pass a national examination to be certified by the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board.
Radiation Therapy Nurse
Specially trained registered nurses meet with patients each week throughout the radiation therapy treatment course and assist the Radiation Oncologists in consultation and follow-up visits after treatment is completed. The Radiation Therapy Nurse checks the patient’s weight, monitors side effects, answers questions, and provides referrals to other supportive services as needed.
Clinical Research Associates
A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) interacts with patients who are enrolled on a clinical trial. A clinical trial is a research project which helps find better ways to diagnose, treat or prevent cancer.
Cancer treatment trials typically evaluate the current standard and use treatments against a new treatment that researchers believe will be better. Cancer prevention and control trials typically evaluate methods to prevent cancer with high risk individuals or control/minimize symptoms and side effects of cancer or its treatments. The CRA will work with the physician in finding a clinical trial for patients and in determining if patients are eligible to participate in the trial. If a patient is invited to participate in a trial, the CRA will review the informed consent document with the patient. When a patient is entered on a clinical trial, the CRA will be available throughout the trial to monitor a patient's progress on the trial and to answer the patient's questions.
Cancer Care Coordinators
Hearing the news that you have cancer can be overwhelming. At St. Vincent Hospital, our Cancer Care Coordinators can help guide you medically, emotionally, and spiritually. We take a "whole health" approach as we work with you and your family through each step of the cancer care process.
Our Cancer Care Coordinators will provide an interdisciplinary assessment that involves reviewing any physical, psychosocial, nutritional, spiritual, or relational issues. If you have questions, our Cancer Care Coordinators will seek out answers. In addition, our Cancer Care Coordinators also will serve as your contact person throughout treatment by providing:
• Assistance from members of the multidisciplinary team:
-Breast Health Educator
-Child Life Specialist
-Cancer Nurse Specialist
-Dietitian
-Case Manager/Counselor
-Clinical Research
-Genetic Counselors
-Palliative Care Specialist
-Pastoral Care
-Rehab Therapist
• Resource links to the community, with a multitude of agencies able to assist you and your family.
• Support group information at St. Vincent and within the Green Bay community.
• Written materials about cancer and cancer treatment.
The St. Vincent Cancer Care Coordinator is a service provided to you free of charge. If you have not been contacted by our Cancer Care Coordinator and you wish to schedule a meeting, please let us know by calling (920) 433-8840.
To contact our Cancer Care Coordinators, Connie Worzala or Marilyn Wilson:
Phone: Connie - (920) 433-8840, Pager: (920) 556-1463
Phone: Marilyn - (920) 433-8971, Pager: (920) 556-2782
Fax: (920) 884-5357
or via e-mail
Child Life Specialist
The services of the Child Life Specialist are available to the patient and their family to help with emotional needs. This can include explaining the benefits of using different types of play with children to help them through the treatments. Demonstration, photos and exploration of the medical equipment also can help reduce some of their anxiety. The Child Life Specialist can also help children understand a parent’s serious illness.
Chaplains
From time to time, patients and families find themselves searching for answers to some of life’s most difficult questions such as, “Why do I have cancer? Where is God when I seem to need God the most?” A Chaplain is available to listen and help with spiritual concerns, to offer prayer and emotional support, and provide education related to grief and loss. In addition, assistance in reviewing or completing a living will, power of attorney for health care, or pre-hospital, do-not-resuscitate papers is available not only to all of our patients, but to the general public upon request.
Dietitians
During or after treatment, concerns related to weight or diet sometimes occur. A specially trained Dietitian is available to help. Concerns that may be encountered during cancer treatment include:
• Weight loss
• Poor appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Sore or dry mouth or throat
• Taste changes
• Questions about special diet restrictions
• Swallowing
Social Workers
Social Workers can provide important services for both the patient and family. Social Workers are able to provide family counseling to help the patient and family adjust to the cancer diagnosis, the treatment ahead, or the impact on their lives. They also have expertise in finding financial resources for people in need and have an in-depth understanding of community services that may be available.
Clerical Staff
Our Health Unit Coordinators are the first friendly faces patients see when they enter our cancer center. They register patients for services and schedule appointments and tests ordered by the Radiation Oncologists.
Palliative Care
When you are facing a serious illness, Palliative Care focuses on patient and family advocacy in regard to the psychological, social, physical and spiritual aspects of care. The Palliative Care team aims to make sure the patient and family's goals and wishes are recognized and followed. The team approach makes use of psychotherapy, pastoral care, case management, massage therapy, Child Life staff and discharge planning depending on patient and family needs. In addition, our dedicated palliative care clinical nurse specialist assesses and coordinates all the additional resources needed.
Palliative care is not the same as hospice care. Physical symptom management is a key componet with the goal of relieving the pain, symptoms and stress of a serious illness regardless of the prognosis.
Any patient who has a life-altering condition qualifies for palliative care, including patients who are seeking active, aggressive treatment as well as those who are near end of life.
The Regional Cancer Collaborative at St. Vincent Hospital is grateful to share our values of Respect, Care, Competence, and Joy with you and your family. We thank you for choosing us as your health care provider.
Radiation Oncologist
Medical Physicist
Radiation Therapist
Dosimetrist
Radiation Therapy Nurse
Clinical Research Associates
Cancer Care Coordinator
Child Life Specialist
Chaplains
Dietitians
Social Workers
Clerical Staff
Palliative Care
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologists are physicians who are key decision makers in choosing whether radiation therapy may be of value and the type of radiation therapy an individual may receive. This physician is the team leader and stays with the patient from initial consultation all the way through follow-up care.
Medical Physicist
Medical Physicists are at the center of quality control and radiation safety for each radiation treatment. These highly trained professionals work directly with the physicians to help determine the best radiation therapy technique for cancer treatment. The Medical Physicist oversees the planning process in conjunction with the Dosimetrist. It is the Physicist’s responsibility to check the quality of radiation delivered by the equipment. They perform audits to assure the treatment is administered by the Radiation Therapists as prescribed by the physician. Medical Physicists have a master’s degree or doctorate degree. Qualified Physicists have completed four years of college, two to four years of graduate school, and typically one or two years of clinical physics training. They also are certified by the American Board of Radiology or by the American Board of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology Physics.
Radiation Therapist
Radiation Therapists work directly with the Radiation Oncologist in simulation and treatment. They treat each patient under the physician’s prescription and supervision. Radiation Therapists also maintain daily records and regularly check the treatment machines to make certain they are working properly. They also help make certain that the radiation therapy service maintains high standards of efficiency and quality. Radiation Therapists receive thorough training under a two- to four-year educational program. In addition, all of our Radiation Therapists must pass a rigorous examination and be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, a standard higher than many other cancer centers.
Dosimetrist
Dosimetrists are specially trained Radiation Therapists who help calculate the radiation dose in the computer to produce the best treatment plan for the individual. They work with the physician and the Medical Physicist to determine how the radiation beams will be arranged to destroy the tumor, yet protect the normal tissues surrounding the tumor. In addition, our dosimetrists must pass a national examination to be certified by the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board.
Radiation Therapy Nurse
Specially trained registered nurses meet with patients each week throughout the radiation therapy treatment course and assist the Radiation Oncologists in consultation and follow-up visits after treatment is completed. The Radiation Therapy Nurse checks the patient’s weight, monitors side effects, answers questions, and provides referrals to other supportive services as needed.
Clinical Research Associates
A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) interacts with patients who are enrolled on a clinical trial. A clinical trial is a research project which helps find better ways to diagnose, treat or prevent cancer.
Cancer treatment trials typically evaluate the current standard and use treatments against a new treatment that researchers believe will be better. Cancer prevention and control trials typically evaluate methods to prevent cancer with high risk individuals or control/minimize symptoms and side effects of cancer or its treatments. The CRA will work with the physician in finding a clinical trial for patients and in determining if patients are eligible to participate in the trial. If a patient is invited to participate in a trial, the CRA will review the informed consent document with the patient. When a patient is entered on a clinical trial, the CRA will be available throughout the trial to monitor a patient's progress on the trial and to answer the patient's questions.
Cancer Care Coordinators
Hearing the news that you have cancer can be overwhelming. At St. Vincent Hospital, our Cancer Care Coordinators can help guide you medically, emotionally, and spiritually. We take a "whole health" approach as we work with you and your family through each step of the cancer care process.
Our Cancer Care Coordinators will provide an interdisciplinary assessment that involves reviewing any physical, psychosocial, nutritional, spiritual, or relational issues. If you have questions, our Cancer Care Coordinators will seek out answers. In addition, our Cancer Care Coordinators also will serve as your contact person throughout treatment by providing:
• Assistance from members of the multidisciplinary team:
-Breast Health Educator
-Child Life Specialist
-Cancer Nurse Specialist
-Dietitian
-Case Manager/Counselor
-Clinical Research
-Genetic Counselors
-Palliative Care Specialist
-Pastoral Care
-Rehab Therapist
• Resource links to the community, with a multitude of agencies able to assist you and your family.
• Support group information at St. Vincent and within the Green Bay community.
• Written materials about cancer and cancer treatment.
The St. Vincent Cancer Care Coordinator is a service provided to you free of charge. If you have not been contacted by our Cancer Care Coordinator and you wish to schedule a meeting, please let us know by calling (920) 433-8840.
To contact our Cancer Care Coordinators, Connie Worzala or Marilyn Wilson:
Phone: Connie - (920) 433-8840, Pager: (920) 556-1463
Phone: Marilyn - (920) 433-8971, Pager: (920) 556-2782
Fax: (920) 884-5357
or via e-mail
Child Life Specialist
The services of the Child Life Specialist are available to the patient and their family to help with emotional needs. This can include explaining the benefits of using different types of play with children to help them through the treatments. Demonstration, photos and exploration of the medical equipment also can help reduce some of their anxiety. The Child Life Specialist can also help children understand a parent’s serious illness.
Chaplains
From time to time, patients and families find themselves searching for answers to some of life’s most difficult questions such as, “Why do I have cancer? Where is God when I seem to need God the most?” A Chaplain is available to listen and help with spiritual concerns, to offer prayer and emotional support, and provide education related to grief and loss. In addition, assistance in reviewing or completing a living will, power of attorney for health care, or pre-hospital, do-not-resuscitate papers is available not only to all of our patients, but to the general public upon request.
Dietitians
During or after treatment, concerns related to weight or diet sometimes occur. A specially trained Dietitian is available to help. Concerns that may be encountered during cancer treatment include:
• Weight loss
• Poor appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Sore or dry mouth or throat
• Taste changes
• Questions about special diet restrictions
• Swallowing
Social Workers
Social Workers can provide important services for both the patient and family. Social Workers are able to provide family counseling to help the patient and family adjust to the cancer diagnosis, the treatment ahead, or the impact on their lives. They also have expertise in finding financial resources for people in need and have an in-depth understanding of community services that may be available.
Clerical Staff
Our Health Unit Coordinators are the first friendly faces patients see when they enter our cancer center. They register patients for services and schedule appointments and tests ordered by the Radiation Oncologists.
Palliative Care
When you are facing a serious illness, Palliative Care focuses on patient and family advocacy in regard to the psychological, social, physical and spiritual aspects of care. The Palliative Care team aims to make sure the patient and family's goals and wishes are recognized and followed. The team approach makes use of psychotherapy, pastoral care, case management, massage therapy, Child Life staff and discharge planning depending on patient and family needs. In addition, our dedicated palliative care clinical nurse specialist assesses and coordinates all the additional resources needed.
Palliative care is not the same as hospice care. Physical symptom management is a key componet with the goal of relieving the pain, symptoms and stress of a serious illness regardless of the prognosis.
Any patient who has a life-altering condition qualifies for palliative care, including patients who are seeking active, aggressive treatment as well as those who are near end of life.
