If you’re preparing for radiation therapy, one helpful thing you can do is understand the team that will be supporting you throughout treatment.

Radiation oncology departments are full of highly trained professionals working together to get you treated effectively, precisely, and safely. Some of these people you will see every day, while others work more behind the scenes—but each plays an important role in your care.

A quick reflection: When you first walk into a radiation oncology department, it’s completely natural to feel a little overwhelmed as you meet a lot of unfamiliar faces and medical professionals with new titles. It can feel very reassuring to discover that each person has a very specific role focused on helping you through treatment safely and successfully.

In this post, I want to introduce you to the members of the radiation oncology team you will interact with most often during treatment.

(And if you want an even deeper walkthrough of the radiation therapy process, I discuss this in more detail in my book Let’s Talk Radiation Therapy.)

The Staff You’ll See Most Often During Radiation Treatment

Radiation Oncologist

This is your radiation physician.

You’ll meet with them during your consultation to discuss radiation therapy and how it might be beneficial for you.

Your radiation oncologist determines:

• The total amount of radiation you will receive
• How many treatments it will take to deliver that dose
• How much radiation you receive each day

Once treatment begins, you’ll see them for weekly check-ins alongside your radiation nurse. These visits are commonly called:

• On-Treatment Visits (OTVs)
• Weekly Treatment Management (WTM)

These appointments help ensure your treatment is progressing safely and that any side effects are managed appropriately. Additionally, this is a great opportunity to ask any questions that might arise as you go through treatment.

Radiation Nurse

The radiation nurse works closely with your radiation oncologist.

They help you:

• Manage side effects
• Answer questions
• Coordinate communication with other members of your care team

You’ll typically see them during your weekly check-ins or whenever additional support is needed.

Radiation Therapist (My role on the oncology team!)

Radiation therapists are the professionals responsible for delivering your daily radiation treatments.

You’ll see them every day during treatment, and they’re an excellent resource for questions.

If they don’t know the answer to something you ask, they’ll know exactly which team member you should speak with that can help you get the information you need.

Patients often build strong relationships with their radiation therapists because they see them so frequently throughout treatment. Don’t hesitate to talk with them about what you’re experiencing—they’re there to help guide you through the process.

Other Members of the Radiation Oncology Care Team

There are a few additional professionals you may meet during your visits to the department.

Physician Assistant (PA)

A PA is a highly trained, board-certified provider who supports the radiation oncologist.

They may help with:

• Patient evaluations
• Managing treatment plans
• Caring for patients actively undergoing radiation therapy

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse with additional education and board certification.

They often collaborate closely with radiation oncologists and may care for patients:

• During treatment
• After treatment
• In cancer prevention and screening
• In research or surgical settings

Medical Assistant (MA)

Medical assistants support both physicians and nurses within the department.

They often help with:

• Taking your vital signs
• Recording your medical history
• Collecting specimens or other necessary information

Front Desk Administrative Staff

They will often:

• Check you in for daily treatments
• Help with insurance questions
• Assist with scheduling imaging or appointments

They’re a wonderful resource for navigating the logistics of your care.

Understanding who is caring for you and what they can help you with can make the radiation therapy process feel a little less intimidating.

Another quick reflection: Many patients tell me that once they start recognizing the same team members each day, the department begins to feel a little less clinical and much more supportive. Familiar faces can make a big difference during treatment.

If you’d like to learn more about how the entire radiation therapy process works—from consultation through treatment—my book Let’s Talk Radiation Therapy walks through each step in clear, patient-friendly language.