Our Experts
Cancer is a complex disease and may require the collaboration of experts from many different specialties. Our multidisciplinary team of experts meet with one another each week to review every patient’s situation and create a personalized treatment plan for them. These weekly meetings, called tumor conferences, allow us to provide patients with the highest quality of care and most advanced treatment options.
The Sentara EVMS Comprehensive Head and Neck Center team includes three fellowship-trained surgeons, a microvascular reconstruction specialist, a fellowship-trained pathologist, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, endocrinologists, neuroradiologists, dentists, oral surgeons, a nurse practitioner, an oncology counselor, an oncology dietician, speech and language pathologists, and oncology research nurses.
You can also consult the key below for a description of specialties:
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Endocrinologists
Physicians who specialize in treating diseases related to the glands. Many of our endocrinologists are ECNU certified. ECNU stands for Endocrine Certification and Neck Ultrasounds (ECNU), which means they can perform neck ultrasounds and thyroid biopsies. This specialization sets them apart from other endocrinologists in the region.
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Head and Neck Surgeons
Physicians who specialize in head and neck surgery.
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Hematology Oncologists
Physicians who coordinate and oversee your colorectal cancer care. Medical oncologists specialize in the medical treatment of cancer, such as chemotherapy.
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Radiation Oncologists
Physicians who specialize in treating cancer with radiation therapy, called radiation oncologists.
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Pathologists
Physicians who specialize in the diagnosis of disease, including cancer
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Neuroradiologists
Physicians who specialize in radiology that is to diagnosis and surveille head and neck cancer.
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Palliative Care Physicians
Specializing in pain and symptom management.
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Nurse Navigator
A registered nurse (RN) with oncology experience who guides patients and their families through treatment and recovery.
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Dietitian
Dietitian with a specialization in oncology and helping patients develop a plan for proper nutrition to help keep patients healthier and feeling better during treatment.
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Oral Surgeon
Performs surgery on the mouth and jaw.
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Dentist
Helps with the early detection of head and neck cancer through regular dental screenings and provides clearance for patients undergoing dental surgery or radiation.
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Speech Language Pathologists
Speech therapists specially trained to provide diagnostic and rehabilitative services for a wide array of communicative, cognitive, voice and swallow function disorders.
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Oncology Research Nurse
Patients and their families are also important members of the team. Patients are asked to give input on their treatment plan, which contributes to the improvement of overall quality and satisfaction.