Who does what

Pediatric oncologist

The pediatric oncologist is a pediatrician who specializes in the type of cancer you have. In most cases, the pediatric oncologist is your treating physician and leads the treatment team.

Pediatric neurologist

The pediatric neurologist specializes in tumors of the brain and spinal cord. If you have a brain tumor, the neurologist is often your treating physician and leads the treatment team.

Pediatric endocrinologist

The pediatric endocrinologist specializes in hormones. With certain types of brain tumors, the endocrinologist is your treating physician and leads the treatment team.

Nurse specialist

The nurse specialist specializes in the medical treatment of children with cancer. They support you throughout the entire treatment, give advice, and provide practical support. The nurse specialist is your main point of contact.

(Pediatric oncology) nurse

The (pediatric oncology) nurses care for you and guide you in the day care unit and during hospital stays. They perform checks and give medications.

Child life specialist

Child life specialists explain tests, procedures, and treatments. They are often present during these as well, especially if you would like that. They also help with distraction and relaxation.

Medical social worker

Medical social workers help families adjust to life after the diagnosis or during treatment. They also help with practical and emotional challenges, such as finances, work, and relationships.

(Neuro)psychologist

Psychologists can help with mental health concerns and behavioral or learning difficulties. Teenagers with a brain tumor always meet the neuropsychologist. If needed, the psychologist also arranges a good transfer to a psychologist closer to home.

Laboratory technician

The laboratory technician draws blood and analyzes it in the laboratory.

Pathologist

The pathologist examines bone marrow, cerebrospinal fluid, biopsies, and tumors. They check whether cancer cells are present and whether the edges of the tumor have been completely removed.

Radiology technician

Radiology technicians perform X-rays, ultrasounds, and scans. They explain in advance what will happen. During X-rays and scans they stand behind a wall, but you can always talk to them.

Radiologist

The radiologist reviews X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans. These tests are done around the time of diagnosis and during treatment to see how the cancer is responding.

Anesthesiologist

The anesthesiologist is responsible for anesthesia and sedation during surgeries, tests, and procedures. Beforehand, you will have a conversation in which the anesthesiologist explains what will happen and from when you need to stop eating and drinking.

Pediatric surgeon

The pediatric surgeon performs surgeries. They place a VIT or line, take biopsies, and remove tumors. Before the surgery you will have a conversation in which the surgeon explains what will happen and what to expect. After the surgery they will always check how you are doing.

Neurosurgeon

The neurosurgeon operates on teenagers with a brain tumor. If needed, they place a drain and remove the tumor. Before the surgery you will have a conversation explaining what will happen and what to expect. After the surgery they will always check how you are doing.

Orthopedic surgeon

The orthopedic surgeon removes bone tumors. Before the surgery you will have a conversation explaining what will happen and what to expect. After the surgery they will always check how you are doing.

Radiation oncologist

The radiation oncologist determines the dose of radiation and calculates how the radiation therapy will be given. You will have a conversation beforehand in which they explain what will happen.

Radiation therapy technician

Together with the radiation oncologist, radiation therapy technicians provide the radiation treatment. They guide you and explain what will happen.

Pharmacist

Pharmacists are experts in medications. They can give more information about the medicines you receive, possible side effects, and medication management.

Pharmacy assistant

Pharmacy assistants make sure your medications are ready when you go home. They can also explain how to use them.

(Pediatric) physical therapist

(Pediatric) physical therapists specialize in movement and physical fitness. They encourage you to stay active during treatment and help you build strength and recover. They also ensure a good handover to a (pediatric) physical therapist near your home.

Rehabilitation physician

Rehabilitation physicians are involved in the rehabilitation of teenagers with a brain tumor or a bone tumor. They also ensure a good referral to a rehabilitation center near your home.

Educational support consultant (school)

If you stay in the Máxima Center regularly or for a long time, consultants from the educational support service help you keep up with school. Together with you and your school, they create a learning plan that takes into account what you are able to do. They can also teach you.

Dietitian

Dietitians specialize in nutrition and help you eat as healthily as possible. They also help if you need tube feeding or nutrition through an infusion.

Comfort team

The comfort team works with you and your treatment team to support your quality of life. This means preventing and reducing pain, other symptoms, and emotional stress.