A Cytopathologist is a medical doctor who diagnoses disease by examining cells under a microscope. They commonly work in pathology laboratories supporting cancer detection and diagnosis. Their opinions help clinicians decide what additional testing or treatment planning may be needed. You may encounter a Cytopathologist when a Pap test, body fluid sample, or needle biopsy is evaluated.
A Pathologist is a physician who diagnoses disease by studying cells, tissues, and body fluids. In cancer care, a Pathologist helps confirm whether a tumor is present and what type it is. A Pathologist’s findings are most often delivered through a pathology report after a biopsy or surgery. This role is used in hospitals, cancer centers, and outpatient laboratories.
A Radiology technologist is an allied health professional who performs medical imaging exams that help clinicians see inside the body. They work in radiology and imaging departments in hospitals, cancer centers, and outpatient clinics. In oncology, they commonly support imaging used for cancer detection, diagnosis, staging, and treatment follow-up. They also help patients prepare for scans and ensure imaging is performed safely and consistently.
An Oncology fellow is a physician in advanced specialty training in cancer care. They have completed medical school and residency and are now focusing on oncology. Oncology fellows work in hospitals and cancer centers, usually as part of a supervised team. You may meet an Oncology fellow in clinics, inpatient units, infusion centers, or consult services.
Nurse practitioner oncology is specialized cancer care delivered by a nurse practitioner (NP) trained to evaluate, treat, and support people with cancer and blood disorders. It combines advanced nursing practice with oncology knowledge across diagnosis, treatment, symptom management, and survivorship. It is commonly used in outpatient cancer centers, infusion clinics, inpatient oncology units, radiation oncology services, and survivorship programs. The focus is coordinated, patient-centered care across the full cancer care pathway.
Physician assistant oncology is cancer care delivered by a physician assistant (PA) as part of an oncology team. It includes evaluation, treatment support, symptom management, and follow-up for people with cancer and blood disorders. It is commonly used in medical oncology, hematology-oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology clinics. Care is provided in collaboration with physicians and the broader cancer-care team.
A Hospice nurse is a licensed nurse who specializes in comfort-focused care for people with serious illness, including advanced cancer. The role centers on symptom relief, emotional support, and coordination of care when the goal is quality of life rather than cure. Hospice nursing is commonly provided in the home, inpatient hospice units, nursing facilities, or hospice residences. Hospice nurse care also supports family and caregivers through education and planning.
A Palliative care physician is a medical doctor who focuses on relieving symptoms and stress caused by serious illness, including cancer. They help patients and families understand options, clarify goals, and coordinate care across oncology and other specialties. This care can be provided alongside chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or clinical trials. Palliative care physician services are commonly used in hospitals, cancer centers, outpatient clinics, and sometimes in home-based or hospice settings.
A Case manager is a healthcare professional who helps coordinate a patient’s care across appointments, services, and settings. In oncology, a Case manager often supports patients from diagnosis through treatment, recovery, and survivorship. The role is common in hospitals, cancer centers, outpatient infusion clinics, and health insurance plans. The focus is organization, communication, and access to appropriate services—not making the cancer diagnosis or prescribing treatment.
A Clinical trials pharmacist is a pharmacist who specializes in managing medications used in research studies, including cancer clinical trials. They work with oncology teams to support safe, consistent handling of investigational drugs and protocol-driven treatment plans. You commonly find this role in academic cancer centers, hospitals, and large outpatient infusion clinics. Their work helps align everyday medication practices with strict trial requirements.