Our Team

A Dedicated Multi-Disciplinary Team

Board certified medical oncologists lead the cancer care team, working with leading radiation oncologists, surgeons, radiologists and pathologists to develop and provide treatment plans with a compassionate approach to managing their patients' care.

When a diagnosis of cancer is suspected or confirmed, the patient and family are met with a bewildering, complex system of new terminology and specialists. The following is a list of cancer specialists whose services you are likely to require during your treatment:

Radiologist Oncologist - A physician trained in the administration of radiation therapy and providing highly individualized treatment programs with custom set-up, computerized treatment planning and state-of-the-art equipment.

Radiologist - A physician with advanced training in the interpretation of imaging studies, such as X-rays, CT scans, ultrasound, MRI and PET scans. The radiologist also uses imaging techniques to perform biopsies if a tumor is suspected.

Interventional Radiologist - A specially trained physician who uses X-rays, ultrasound or other imaging techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. They guide small tubes called catheters and miniature tools directly to the site of the disease for diagnosing cancer without surgical biopsy, and for treatment.

Pathologist - A physician with advanced training in the evaluation of tissue samples. Biopsy specimens are evaluated under a microscope and may be tested with a variety of substances to determine the exact nature of the disease. Critical decisions regarding diagnosis, type of tumor and behavior of malignant tissue depend on this person's expertise.

Surgical Oncologist - A physician with specialized training in the surgical management of tumors. The primary treatment for many types of cancer is surgical removal. Surgical oncologists at Torrance Memorial are highly skilled at determining not only the type and extent of surgery that is optimal, but also the cosmetic outcome.

Medical Oncologist - A physician with advanced training in the medical management of patients who have cancer. The medical oncologist typically oversees the patient's care and treatment throughout the course of the disease and continues regular follow-up once the patient is cured or in remission. Types of treatments that may be used include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, therapy to stimulate the immune system and various treatments available through research protocols. The board certified medical oncologists at Torrance Memorial provide medical treatment with a compassionate approach, based on the most up-to-date medical research and tailored to meet the needs of each individual patient.

Plastic Surgeon/Reconstructive Surgeon - A physician specializing in surgery to rebuild the part of the body changed by cancer treatment. Often the specialist is a plastic surgeon who will share with you the surgical options available based on your body type, age and anticipated post-surgery treatment.

Oncology Nurse Practitioner - Through Torrance Memorial's Cancer Resource Center an oncology nurse practitioner helps patients sort through the complex terminology associated with cancer care. She provides helpful literature and connects patients and families with resources and support groups and will meet with patients to talk about their cancer diagnosis and care plan.

Nurse Navigator - Our Breast Health Navigator is an RN who is specially trained to provide breast health instruction and education on an individual basis and to community groups. The Breast Health Navigator assists patients diagnosed with breast disease to coordinate appointments, especially during the diagnostic process. She is available to answer questions about study findings, treatment options and side effects, and she serves as a liaison between patients, and various physician specialists as appropriate to ensure timely care.

A Broad Array of Physician Subspecialists

Because the South Bay is home to a select group of doctors affiliated with the Torrance Memorial Cancer Center, patients can receive care from specialists with particular expertise in cancer care. Torrance Memorial's medical staff includes board certified urologists, gastroenterologists, gynecologic oncologists, neurosurgeons, thoracic surgeons and general surgeons who perform simple to complex surgical procedures with sophisticated facilities and equipment.

Collaboration On Care - Tumor Board

These physicians also participate in Torrance Memorial's Tumor Board, which meets weekly to provide a forum for treatment planning and consultation among surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists and other cancer specialists in the community.

At the Tumor Board, physicians present cases, review the latest medical literature and research findings, and share recommendations for treatment. The American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer has recognized the Torrance Memorial Tumor Board Program as an excellent example of multidisciplinary cooperation that enhances patient care.