Doctors
There are many different types of doctors the first way of describing them is by where they work:
General Practitioners (GP's/ Family doctors)
Most
doctors who treat cancer are based in hospitals, but general
practitioners (GP’s) are also involved in diagnosing and caring for
cancer patients. The GP (general practitioner or family doctor) is the
doctor who is responsible for your medical care at home. He or she is
usually the first doctor you will see he/she will refer you for tests
and investigations, or refer you to a hospital for treatment. Your GP
can coordinate the help you need and arrange help form other healthcare
professionals, such as community nurses. He or she will continue to
provide general medical care for you that is not related to your cancer.
Hospital doctors
Among hospital doctors, the most senior specialists are consultants who supervise the work of a team of doctors. The team may include a specialist registrar (a senior doctor in specialist training) and associate specialists or staff grade doctors. Other doctors in the consultant’s team might include house officers and senior house officers. They are sometimes called foundation year or junior doctors but are fully qualified members of the team.
Medical students are training to become doctors and learn by being involved in treating and caring for patients. However you can say if you do not want a medical student to be present, or if you want to talk privately to your doctor. You have a right to privacy and this will not affect your care.
There are many different kinds of doctor or surgeon involved in diagnosing, treating or caring for cancer patients. The kind of doctor or surgeon will depend on your type of cancer and other needs you may have. You can find out more about hospital doctors at types of hospital doctors explained.
Page last edited: 25 November 2011
