Sheila K. Riggs Radiation Oncology Center at GBMC

Sheila K. Riggs Radiation Oncology Center

The Radiation Oncology Center provides advanced radiation therapy to cancer patients. GBMC offers 3D conformal radiation therapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), imaged- guided radiation therapy (IGRT), transperineal prostate implants, a wide array of brachytherapy treatments, stereotactic radiosurgery, and radioimmunotherapy. Through participation in national clinical trials, the department helps identify and bring the most promising therapies and new cancer treatments to our patients as soon as possible. For example, GBMC was the first community hospital in the area and one of few institutions nationwide to offer the sophisticated Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) to oncology patients.

The Radiation Oncology Center is a statewide model of excellence. Patient care is paramount. All patients are provided with the highest quality of radiotherapeutic care. Board-certified radiation oncologists and a board-certified medical physicist are on staff. Patient satisfaction survey results show that 97% of the patients participating in the survey have had a good to excellent experience. A recent special medical report issue of Baltimore Magazine named each of the radiation oncologists as "Top Doctors". The Top Doctor recognition is a peer-review honor, where fellow physicians name doctors who they would recommend to loved ones.

Radiation therapy is multidisciplinary. It requires teamwork from a variety of professionals to provide quality care to cancer patients. Our radiation oncology team consists of radiation oncologists, radiation oncology nurses, radiation therapists, medical dosimetrists, medical physicists, medical assistant, secretaries, receptionists, and volunteers. The radiation oncologist is the patient's physician in the department. He or she is board certified with the American Board of Radiology to treat cancer with radiation. The radiation oncologist prescribes the dose of radiation and manages the patient's treatment and/or side of effects. In addition, the radiation oncologist follows the patient's post treatment. Radiation oncology nurses work closely with the radiation oncologist to manage side effects. This includes educating the patient about side effects and the necessary steps to minimize side effects.

The nurses also make recommendations about diet and skin care. Radiation therapists are health care professionals certified in radiation therapy by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology. Radiation therapists deliver the radiation treatment by operating the linear accelerator. Radiation therapists also participate in the simulation process and aid in the education of patients. Medical dosimetrists are responsible for providing treatment plans that meet and adhere to the radiation oncologist prescription. Medical physicists are responsible for providing clinical physics service and quality assurance.

Medical assistants work in all aspects of department work, such as clerical, nursing, and radiation therapist duties. Secretaries are responsible for the radiation oncologists' schedules and making sure that the physicians have all necessary records for consultations. The receptionists greet patients daily and schedule follow up appointments.

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• Radiation Oncology
• GBMC
• Eva Zinreich
• Albert Blumberg
• Robert Brookland
• Oncology