Patient care at MRO Radiation Therapy Centers is based on the team concept.   This means that specialists from various disciplines are involved in the planning and delivery of custom designed patient treatments.  These specialists include board certified radiation oncologists, oncology certified registered nurses, board certified medical radiation physicists, certified medical dosimetrists and registered radiation therapists.

The Radiation Oncologist

A doctor called a radiation oncologist will supervise a patient’s care.  A radiation oncologist is a physician who has received specialized training in radiation therapy to treat cancer.  He or she will decide what will be the most effective way for care for each patient.

Because each person entering the center for treatment is a unique patient, the radiation oncologist, along with other specialists, must custom design a treatment plan for every patient.

The Radiation Oncology Nurses

The radiation oncology nursing staff is specifically trained in the needs of cancer patients and helps manage patient’s care.  Working closely with the radiation oncologist throughout a patient’s treatment, they can answer questions and concerns that may arise.  The nurses are always available to the patient’s and their families and are a good source of information.

The Medical Radiation Physicists and Medical Dosimetrists

Medical radiation physicists and medical dosimetrists assist the doctors by measuring and determining the proper dosage of radiation according to the doctor’s prescription.

The medical radiation physicists maintain the accuracy of the center’s equipment to ensure that the proper amount of radiation is being produced and delivered during treatment.  They also make sure that all of the treatment machinery is operating properly.  Physicists work closely with the radiation oncologists, dosimetrists, and other personnel in the treatment planning process. 

The medical dosimetrist is responsible for helping plan a patient’s treatment.  Dosimetrists calculate radiation dosages prescribed by the radiation oncologist.

The Radiation Therapist

Radiation therapists are specially trained to deliver radiation treatments and to ensure that the radiation is given exactly as prescribed by the radiation oncologist.  When a patient is called into the treatment area, the therapists properly align the area of treatment with the radiation beam and are in continuous communication with the patient during treatment.

Medical Secretary

The medical secretary is there to greet the patient daily. The Medical Secretary assists in the patient’s care by scheduling appointments,  gathering pertinent information for the patient’s record and maintains the patient’s records.

Other Personnel

MRO Radiation Therapy Centers actively participate in training individuals in careers in radiation oncology. MRO is in partnership with Argosy University Radiation Therapy program, University of Minnesota Radiation Therapy Program and UW LaCrosse Dosimetry Program. Under the supervision of MRO staff, individuals receive clinical training in medical physics, dosimetry and radiation therapy technology.