<b>Medical oncologist</b>: A medical oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with a variety of drugs often referred to as chemotherapy. Medical oncologists manage chemotherapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings and are often the physicians coordinating and heading up care. Medical oncologists are board certified from the American Board of Medical Oncology or the American Board of Internal Medicine.

<b>Surgical oncologist</b>: A surgical oncologist is a surgeon who specializes in the surgical management of cancer. There are many types of surgical oncologists and they are usually classified according to the part of the body that they operate on. For example, a surgical thoracic oncologist is a surgeon who operates on cancer in the chest and lung area. Your surgeon should be board-certified and experienced with the type of sarcoma that you have.

<b>Radiation oncologist</b>: A radiation oncologist is a physician who specializes in the treatment of cancer by using radiation therapy. Qualified radiation oncologists, certified by the American Boardof Therapeutic Radiology, use radiation rays to destroy cancer cells or alter their metabolism so as to hinder their ability to function normally. Radiation therapy is used on cancers, includingsarcomas, where there is a selective ability for the radiation to destroy the cancer cells while allowing the nearby adjacent normal cells to repair themselves from the injury.

<b>Oncology nurses</b>: Nurses are a very important part of the cancer healthcare team. Nurses work in the hospital setting as well as the outpatient clinic and doctor's office settings. Oncology nurses have specialized training in delivering chemotherapy, handling intravenous lines, managing side effects from treatment, managing pain and providing counseling and education. Most of the time it is the nurse who delivers the chemotherapy and other medications ordered by your oncologists. Nurses have a wide variety of skills and expertise and are often the members of the healthcare team that patients have the most access to during their treatments. Nurses are valuable resources and can answer many questions.                     

<b>Pathologist</b>: The pathologist is a physician with specialty training in the microscopic examination of tissue or cell samples (the biopsy). He/she first determines whether a tumor is benign or malignant (cancerous). If the latter, the tumor is then classified (type) and graded (aggressiveness). It is only when this examination is complete, that the clinical team (surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist) can develop the most effective treatment for optimal outcome. Therefore, it is vitally important that the pathologist has special training and skill in the evaluation of sarcomas. Since these are rare tumors (1% of all cancers) few pathologists have developed high-level expertise in this subspecialty. It is crucial that one of these nationally recognized consultants reviews your case to render a second opinion. If the pathology diagnosis is incorrect or inaccurate, the therapy you receive may be less than optimal.

<b>Pharmacists</b>: Pharmacists are licensed to prepare and dispense drugs.  In addition to preparing medications, pharmacists have a tremendous amount of information on how drugs work, their side effects and potential interactions. Pharmacists can instruct you on the proper and optimal way to take medications and how to manage side effects.

<b>Social workers</b>: Social workers can be a gold mine of information for a cancer patient. Not only are they trained in counseling but they have a great deal of practical information to assist you during your care. Social workers have information on local support groups, community services and government support. Navigating the application process for disability, such as Social Security Disability, can be confusing and difficult to access. Social workers are invaluable in assisting patients with the application process.

<b>Psychiatrists/Psychologists</b>: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in providing psychological counseling and support. Psychologists and other types of counselors provide similar services. Dealing with cancer can be a confusing and emotional time. Talking with a therapist can be helpful in dealing with the anxiety and depression that often surround a diagnosis of cancer. For a referral, ask your oncologist, call your medical plan, or contact a social worker who works with cancer patients.

<b>Dietitian</b>: Keeping up your nutrition is very important for your health during cancer treatments. Many cancer treatments cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea and mouth sores, which can impede eating, and cause unwanted weight loss. A dietitian can make dietary suggestions for particular side effects as well as provide information on maximizing protein, vitamin, and calorie intake.

<b>Spiritual Care/Clergy/Chaplain</b>: Most hospitals have spiritual support resources for patients and their loved ones. Spiritual support can be very comforting when coping with a diagnosis of cancer. Ask your hospital about their spiritual support services or contact your personal support system for help during this difficult time. Many clergy will make in-hospital or home visits for patients fighting serious illnesses.

<b>You, the patient, and your support system:</b> Do not forget that you too are an important member of the healthcare team. Make sure that you take an active role in your treatment decisions and let the healthcare team know when you do not understand information, disagree with treatment choices or feel left out of the treatment making process. Let your healthcare providers know who you are, what is important to you and who is important to you. You are a unique and special person and your healthcare team should know that you are not just another cancer patient.