Physicians

Primary Oncologist

Your primary oncologist referred you to the Colorado Blood Cancer Institute Blood and Marrow Transplant Program. He or she will continue to follow your progress, even if he/she is not directly involved in your care.

Transplant Physician

Your transplant physician is the primary doctor who will be managing your care. There are nine transplant physicians at the Colorado Blood Cancer Institute Blood and Marrow Transplant Program. Transplant physicians are formally trained to perform stem cell transplant. This advanced training is called a fellowship. The training time required to treat hematology patients with stem cell transplantation is at least 3 years following residency. During the transplant, your transplant physician will closely monitor all aspects of your care. You will have a primary transplant physician who will oversee your care. However, it is likely you will be seen by most, if not all, of the transplant physicians as you proceed through the transplant process. The transplant physicians will keep your primary oncologist informed of your progress.

Surgeon

Your transplant physician may ask a surgeon to 1) insert a central venous catheter for apheresis and use during your transplant, 2) to perform surgery to obtain a sample of tissue for analysis, or 3) to help in treating an unusual complication.

Radiologist

A radiologist studies and interprets your x-rays and scans. Specially trained radiologists perform biopsies and place large central venous catheters.

Other Specialty Physicians

Depending on your particular needs and the side effects you experience during treatment, your transplant physician may ask other physician specialists to assist in your care. Examples include pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, nephrologists and infectious disease specialists. Your transplant physician is always the physician directing your overall care during the transplant treatment. If you become confused by information given to you by different physicians, always refer your questions to your transplant physician.