Multidisciplinary Cancer Care
Courtesy Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa
A diagnosis of cancer is stressful enough. Having to coordinate appointments, determining who to consult with, and worrying about whether you are getting the proper treatment only adds to that stress.
Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa (PCI) is an important collaborator in providing multidisciplinary—team—cancer care in the Eastern Iowa community. For patients, there is the ability to schedule all visits in one day, from the oncologist, to the surgeon, to a professional counselor. For physicians, this approach allows multiple specialists to consult on the best possible course of care.
Dr. Hosne Begum, oncologist at PCI, knows the importance of teamwork, especially for patients with complex cancers. PCI doctors, as well as other cancer care providers in the community, are dedicated to ensuring that each patient gets the most effective, comprehensive, and state-of-the-art care possible. It’s common to consult and seek treatment from a variety of specialists during diagnoses, treatment and follow-up care.
Dr. Begum is passionate about this approach. “A multidisciplinary team thrives on collaboration. We share a passion for reducing waiting time and eliminating stress and doubt for our patients.”
Diagnosis
The team approach begins with the primary physician, oncologist, and pathologist, who consult to diagnose the type and extent of cancer. The pathologist does the evaluation of blood and tissue samples, then works with the oncologists to determine the classification of cancer so that decisions about treatment and prognosis can be made. Having this physician team meet as a group to discuss findings and make a comprehensive diagnosis can reduce the number of appointments, procedures, and consultations for the patient.
There are several sub-specialties within oncology. Consultation between medical oncologists, radiation specialists, and surgeons is important to determine which treatments are appropriate. Treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgical, or a combination of approaches may be used to treat the cancer.
Moreover, oncologists often develop an interest and expertise in the management of particular types of cancer. As cancer care is continuously evolving, consulting with other specialists ensures that new and innovative options, procedures and techniques are being explored. Dr. Begum states, “No single doctor can understand every facet of every type of cancer. It’s good for both patient and doctor to know conversations are taking place to eliminate duplicate or unnecessary services and ensure that the most effective and innovative treatments are being sought.”
Treatment
Once a diagnosis is made, the primary oncologist will determine additional members of the multidisciplinary team. Together with the oncologist, physicians in other specialties will be consulted to determine the best plan of treatment. For instance, if the cancer is found in the lungs, a pulmonologist will be a part of the diagnosis and treatment plan to bring specific expertise related to lung conditions. Other specialists include urologists, gastroenterologists, thoracic surgeons, neurologists, gynecologists, internal medicine doctors and others.
The multidisciplinary team assists in coordinating appointments all under one roof and in a shorter time frame than traditional care plans, which can often yield significant cost savings for the patient. PCI offers multidisciplinary clinics so that patients can see most specialists all at once. They discuss complex cases on a weekly basis to ensure they are coordinating treatments and follow-up care.
The team approach offers a great advantage for the physicians as well. PCI doctors are committed to coming together to determine the most comprehensive, assessment, treatment and follow-up plan possible. Dr. Begun appreciates the support of this team. “Our hearts go into the treatment of every person. Knowing we are putting our heads together to come up with the best possible plan of treatment gives us confidence to know we are doing our very best for each patient.”
Follow-up Care
Team cancer care does not stop after diagnosis and treatment. The care team is focused on ensuring that patients are counseled on needs for fitness, diet, finance, and follow-up care. They also provide resources for palliative care should the need arise. During follow-up care the multidisciplinary team often evolves. There are opportunities to bring in specialists such as physical and occupational therapists, physiatrists, and psychologists among others. “We want to ensure the patient and their families have every resource available to them,” says Dr. Begum.
Multidisciplinary cancer care is an effective way to save time, expense, and ensure better care for each patient. Dr. Begum is proud to be a part of the PCI team that provides this collaborative approach to cancer care. For more information, visit www.pcofiowa.com.
