The Myeloma Program at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) has several staff members who all play key roles in the treatment process. The team works together to ensure that each myeloma patient receives individualized care on a case-by-case basis. This interactive team approach means that patients benefit from the combined expertise of several cancer disciplines.
Your myeloma team will include the following:
Physicians
Our physicians have expertise in hematology and oncology and work directly with patients in determining an individualized plan of care.
Physician Extenders
These professionals include physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) who have masters-level education. They are trained to diagnose and treat common complications associated with chemotherapy and transplantation.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
These medical professionals oversee the drug and chemotherapy regimens prescribed by physicians and/or physician extenders. It is their role to ensure correct dosage and prevent drug interactions.
Clinic Nurses
Clinic nurses are responsible for assisting the physicians at each visit. They will also administer chemotherapy and supportive care treatments.
Clinical Research Coordinators
For patients who decide to participate in a clinical trial, the clinical research assistant (CRA) will closely oversee all aspects of treatment during the study. The CRA is responsible for data collection, analysis, and monitoring of side effects.
Clinical Care Coordinators
Each patient will be assigned a clinical care coordinator who will initiate scheduling and ensure that the patient’s chart is up-to-date at each visit. These coordinators serve as a contact for patient questions and inquiries.
New Patient Coordinator
Our New Patient Coordinator is here to answer any questions that new or prospective patients may have about being treated at HCI or about staying in Salt Lake City while undergoing treatment.
Medical Assistants
The duties of a medical assistant include preparing the patients for examination by taking vital signs, drawing blood, and showing patients to the exam room.
Schedulers
These professionals help ensure that all appointments for radiological and laboratory testing, bone marrow examinations, and any ancillary tests are arranged. Additionally, they will schedule your clinic appointments.
Social worker
If patients and caregivers are experiencing feelings of depression or anxiety, our social worker will provide the appropriate counseling. The social worker also serves as a contact for information on available support groups for myeloma patients.
Financial coordinators
These coordinators are responsible for confirming patients’ insurance benefits for each part of treatment. They will look into whether or not patients are eligible to receive certain home health care services, which can cut down on the number of trips a patient makes to the clinic.
Nutritionists
Our registered dietician gives patients advice on dietary needs post-chemotherapy and transplantation, when patients are vulnerable to infection and often experience a loss of appetite.
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