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Our goal at the University of Michigan
Blood and Marrow Transplant Program is to provide world class care for you and your family using a team approach, and you are a vital part of this team. In fact, you are the MOST important team member, and we encourage you to take an active role in your treatment and the recovery of your health. Over the course of your transplant, you will be cared for by a large number of staff members. At times this may seem overwhelming. Remember, we are all working to see you successfully through your transplant.
Our team includes the following professionals:
Physicians
While undergoing your transplant, medical care is provided by a transplant physician. He or she
sees you on a daily basis to examine you, answers any questions you may have and keeps you informed
of your progress. Responsibilities of the transplant physicians rotate every two weeks. This means
you will have the opportunity to receive care from our entire team of physicians during your hospitalization
and recovery period. Weekly meetings of the physicians and other team members keep everyone up-to-date on the
status of every patient. Generally, your primary physician (the one who saw you at your initial consultation)
resumes your care for follow-up after you have returned to your refering physician near your home.
Meet the BMT Physicians -
note: this link opens onto the UMHS website
Transplant Unit Staff Nurses
These nurses are educated in the care and special needs of transplant patients.
Your inpatient staff nurses organize your care from the time you are admitted until
you are discharged from the hospital. They will meet with you soon after admission to discuss
the transplant process and what will be expected of you. They also will be available to help you
and your family with any physical or emotional problems as they arise. Once you are discharged,
the outpatient clinic nurses will help develop your plan of care in the outpatient setting and will
assist you and your caregiver through the recovery process.
Clinical Nurse Coordinator
Your nurse coordinator tracks your treatment prior to your transplant admission and plans the necessary
testing and treatment you will need at the Cancer Center to get ready for transplant. The coordinator
also will plan your donor’s schedule. This person is your primary contact as you work your way toward
transplant.
Advanced Practice Nurses/Physician Assistants
These caregivers have advanced training in transplant patient care and have day-to-day responsibility for your care while you are in the hospital or in the clinic. They work in close collaboration with the attending physician in both the inpatient and outpatient setting.
Social Worker
A transplant social worker is
available to you and your family to discuss needs and concerns you may have.
The social worker assists you with transportation, housing and financial concerns,
and helps you deal with the emotional aspects of the transplant procedure. If needed,
the social worker also assists in explaining your needs to your school system or employer.
Patient Accounts Representative
This person works with transplant patients and their insurance companies. He or
she has information for you regarding the billing process, insurance approval and
coverage, and anticipated expenses.
Nutrition Specialist
The transplant nutritionist meets with you to explain the special diet you will follow during your
hospital stay. He or she also works with you in setting nutrition goals to prevent weight loss,
follows your nutrition intake and offers suggestions on how to achieve your nutrition requirements.
The nutritionist is available to you after you are discharged and during your recovery as your appetite
returns to normal.
Clinical Pharmacist
A clinical pharmacist participates
in the planning of your chemotherapy and any other medication you receive as an outpatient or inpatient.
He or she is available to answer questions you may have about any of the medications you receive.
Blood Bank Technologist
This person coordinates all blood products for transplant patients and their donors. He or she processes
all stem cell products after harvesting and coordinates the apheresis procedures.
Physical Therapist
If you are receiving an allogeneic transplant, after
your admission a physical therapist will see and assist you with your activity program.
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