Solid Tumor Program at Children’s Minnesota
Children’s solid tumor program is the largest pediatric tumor program in Minnesota and provides diagnosis and treatment for all types of tumors. Clinic visits and hospitalizations are done in a convenient, coordinated “one-stop-shop” environment. Specialists in cancer and blood disorders tailor a treatment plan individualized for your child or teen. Your child will benefit from the evidence-based practice model we use that combines the best available current knowledge from the experienced clinical practitioner, current research and patient preference.
Families using Children’s cancer and blood disorders services benefit from a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals to meet their individual needs. The medical team includes pediatric physicians and surgeons trained in cancer and blood disorders, radiology, pathology and other areas.
Pediatric oncologists are physicians with special focus on childhood cancers. Our oncologists tailor a treatment plan that is individualized for your child or teen.
Certified nurse practitioners (CNP) are nurses who have completed a master’s program and specialty training in caring for children with cancer.
Pediatric nurse case managers are registered nurses who are trained to provide and coordinate the nursing care and teaching to children and their families in the hospital or clinic.
- Erin Denne, RN
- Melissa Behling, RN
- Tara Jackson, RN
Additional multidisciplinary team members you may meet:
Child life specialists have special training in child development and how children react to illness and being in the hospital. A child life specialist helps children to cope with cancer and its treatment.
Chaplains are trained to offer spiritual care, support and prayer according to each family’s individual needs.
Genetic counselors are trained to provide information and support to families who may be at risk for a variety of genetic disorders or inherited conditions.
Nutritionists are trained to evaluate your child’s nutritional needs and weight. The nutritionist also helps to provide teaching and support about eating and drinking when your child goes home.
Pathologists are physicians who test tissues for disease using a microscope and other biology tests.
Pediatric hematology/oncology nurses focus their knowledge and attention on patients with childhood cancer and blood disorders.
Pediatric hematologists are physicians with special focus on childhood blood disorders. Our hematologists tailor a treatment plan that is special for each one of our patients.
Pharmacists are trained to prepare the medicines and nutritional support that your child will need.
Physical therapists work with your child to maintain or restore a level of fitness through strength and endurance exercises.
Psychiatrist or psychologists are health professionals available to help you and your child cope with feelings of anger, fear, depression, and hope that you or your child may experience. This person may also perform testing.
Rehabilitation therapists are health professionals who help your child maintain and improve muscle strength and flexibility.
Social workers are trained to help you and your child cope with illness and hospitalization through counseling, support groups, financial assistance, and resource referral.
Volunteers are trained as an unpaid helper with non-medical activities for your child.
This team approach gives families and referring physicians access to a wealth of expertise.