Meet Our Urologic Cancer Team
Our Philosophy
At the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute, our team brings deep experience, specialized patient-centered care, and compassion to treating urologic cancers. We care for people with many types of cancers, including those of the bladder, kidney, penis, prostate, pelvis, testicles, and urethra.
Some patients come to us without a clear diagnosis. Our team coordinates the necessary tests to get an accurate one so you can start treatment as soon as possible. Your care team may include oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, nurses, and support specialists who will take time to explain every step — from diagnosis to treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of therapies.
Patients say that what makes us stand out is not just the high level of care and leading-edge treatments, but also our individual approach. For us, cancer treatment is more than just medications and procedures – it’s about treating the whole person.
Supporting Team Members
In addition to our expert doctors and specialists, you'll be supported by a team of compassionate professionals who focus on your whole health - body, mind, and spirit. They're here to guide you, answer questions, and make sure you always know what to expect.
Our specially trained oncology nurses provide expert care, guidance, and education throughout your treatment. They help manage side effects, coordinate your care plan, and offer a compassionate presence every step of the way.
Our fellowship-trained rehabilitation physician and a team of therapists—including physical, occupational and speech therapists—help you maintain or regain strength, mobility, and function during and after treatment.
Onco-psychiatrists specialize in the emotional and psychological needs of people facing cancer. They help you navigate the mental health challenges that may arise, offering counseling, medication management, and tailored support.
Registered dietitians provide expert nutrition counseling to help you manage treatment side effects, maintain strength, and nourish your body through every phase of care. They tailor their guidance to your personal needs and preferences.
Our physician medical geneticist guides a team of genetic counselors to help assess personal and family cancer risk through genetic testing and counseling.
Palliative care specialists focus on relieving pain, managing symptoms, and improving quality of life at any stage of cancer care. They work alongside your oncology team to ensure your comfort, values, and goals are honored.
We offer a wide range of supportive services, including cancer rehabilitation, naturopathy, health education, art and music therapy, medical massage, and social work support. Learn more about our supportive care services.
Note: Some services are provided by local partners and vary based on location. Please contact your clinic for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your team includes board-certified urologists and surgeons who specialize in treating different types of urologic cancers, as well as nurses and physician assistants who will support your care before and after surgery and any following treatments.
If your treatment includes cancer-directed medication, your medical oncology team will include a medical oncologist along with nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and nurses who specialize in urologic cancer.
If radiation therapy is part of your treatment plan, you’ll also work with a radiation oncologist and a care team that may include radiation therapists, physicists, and nurses to guide you through that part of care.
Cancer often requires a combination of treatments to achieve the best outcome, so it’s likely your care plan could include more than one type of treatment and specialist.
Surgery is not typically part of treatment, but chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy may be used to treat cancer cells, reduce the risk of recurrence, or improve overall effectiveness.
Our cancer experts tailor treatment to your specific diagnosis, working to achieve the best outcomes.
The Providence Swedish Cancer Institute offers a wide range of treatment options for treating urologic cancers, ranging from active monitoring, where we watch you closely to see if your cancer progresses, to cutting-edge therapies and clinical trials. Some patients benefit from chemotherapy and radiation therapy, while others may have traditional surgeries or minimally invasive procedures. The goal is to find the right treatment plan that is best suited for you.
Yes. Our cancer experts participate in regular multidisciplinary tumor boards and stay current with the latest research and clinical guidelines. Many are also involved in clinical trials, research efforts, and national committees that ensure patients have access to emerging therapies and leading-edge care. This collaborative and patient-focused research approach helps ensure your treatment plan reflects the most current advancements in cancer care.
Many patients come to us after a diagnosis or abnormal test results. They’re usually referred by a urologist, because they are frequently the first specialists to suspect urologic cancer. Some referrals come from radiation oncologists and primary care providers. Others are sent by trusted clinicians in our wider network who know and value our team. If you’re looking for a second opinion or want to explore your options, we encourage you to reach out directly.
Yes. At any given time, the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute has access to hundreds of clinical research studies involving most types of cancers. We are one of the leading clinical trial sites in the western United States and often the only site in the Pacific Northwest to participate in many clinical trials, including select first-in-human studies that offer early access to promising new therapies. Ask your care team if a clinical trial could be part of your personalized treatment plan.
Yes, we are one of only a handful of national programs to offer a dedicated rehabilitation program led by a fellowship-trained specialist.
The program integrates the medical management of treatment-related side effects and a variety of other physical, occupational, and behavioral therapies, which have been shown to improve overall health for people living with cancer. This may include nutritional guidance to help you eat well during and after treatment and physical or occupational therapy to help prevent lymphedema.
We provide a full range of supportive care services to support you during and after your cancer treatment. Some of these services include:
- Art therapists
- Cancer rehabilitation (onco-physiatry)
- Care coordinators
- Genetic counseling (cancer geneticist)
- Health educators
- Medical massage (edema, lymphedema management)
- Music therapist
- Naturopaths
- Nutritionists
- Oncology nurses
- Social workers
- Speech and language pathology
We can also help with finances, food, transportation, and other challenges for eligible patients through our patient assistance fund.
See the full list of supportive care services.
Note: Some services are provided by local partners and vary based on location. Please contact your clinic for more information.