Who will you meet?

Pediatric oncologist

The pediatric oncologist is a pediatrician specialized in the type of cancer your child has. In most cases, the pediatric oncologist is your lead physician and coordinates the treatment team.

Pediatric neurologist

The pediatric neurologist specializes in tumors of the brain and spinal cord. If your child has a brain tumor, the neurologist is often your lead physician and coordinates the treatment team.

Pediatric endocrinologist

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

Pediatric surgeon

The pediatric surgeon performs surgeries. They place a port or line, take biopsies, and remove tumors. Before surgery, you will have a conversation where the surgeon explains what will happen and what to expect. After the procedure, they always check in to see how your child is doing.

Neurosurgeon

The neurosurgeon operates on children with brain tumors. They may place a drain and remove the tumor. Before surgery, the neurosurgeon explains the procedure and what to expect. Afterward, they always come by to see how your child is doing.

Orthopedic surgeon

The orthopedic surgeon is responsible for removing bone tumors. Before surgery, the surgeon explains what will happen and what to expect. After the operation, they always check in to see how your child is recovering.

Laboratory technician

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

Pathologist

The pathologist examines bone marrow, cerebrospinal fluid, biopsies, and tumors under the microscope. They check whether there are cancer cells present and whether the tumor margins are clear.

Radiology technician

Radiology technicians take X-rays, ultrasounds, and scans. They explain beforehand what will happen. During the scans, they stand behind a wall for safety, but you can always talk to them.

Radiologist

The radiologist interprets X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans. These are done at diagnosis and during treatment to see how the cancer responds.

Anesthesiologist

The anesthesiologist is responsible for anesthesia and sedation during surgeries, procedures, and scans. Beforehand, you will always have a conversation where they explain what will happen and when your child must stop eating and drinking.

Radiation oncologist

The radiation oncologist determines the radiation dose and plans how the treatment will be given. Before starting, you will have a consultation where they explain what to expect.

Radiation therapy technician

Together with the radiation oncologist, these technicians perform the radiation treatment. They guide your child and explain each step.

Nurse practitioner

The nurse practitioner is specialized in the medical treatment of children with cancer. They support your family throughout the entire treatment, offer advice, and provide practical guidance. The nurse practitioner is your case manager.

(Pediatric oncology) nurse

The (pediatric oncology) nurses care for your child and guide your family during day care visits and hospital stays. They are responsible for check-ups, administering medication, and arranging additional support when needed.

Child life specialist

Child life specialists help you support your child during treatment. They explain medical procedures and can prepare and guide your child if you wish. You can ask them for advice on how to make the hospital stay go as smoothly as possible, and how to support siblings or deal with your surroundings.

Social worker

Social workers help you adjust to life after diagnosis or treatment. They provide emotional and practical support, for example with finances, work, or family issues.

(Neuro)psychologist

Cancer has a major impact on a child’s and family’s quality of life. Most families manage to adjust to the new situation, but some need extra help. Psychologists can support you with emotional, behavioral, or learning difficulties. All children with a brain tumor meet with a neuropsychologist as part of their care. When needed, the psychologist arranges follow-up care with a psychologist near your home.

Pharmacist

Pharmacists know everything about medicines. They can give you more information about the medication used during treatment, possible side effects, and safe medication management.

Pharmacy technician

Pharmacy technicians make sure the medicines your child needs are ready when you go home. They can also explain how to use them.

(Pediatric) physical therapist

The (pediatric) physical therapists specialize in movement and fitness. They encourage your child to stay active during treatment and help build strength and endurance during recovery. They also coordinate with your local physical therapist for continued care.

Rehabilitation physician

Rehabilitation physicians are involved in the rehabilitation of children with brain or bone tumors. They ensure a smooth transfer to a rehabilitation center near your home.

Speech therapist

Speech therapists help if your child has difficulty eating, drinking, swallowing, or speaking. If needed, they arrange follow-up care with a local speech therapist.

Educational consultant (school)

If your child is hospitalized frequently or for a long time, educational consultants from the in-hospital school service help them keep up with their studies. Together with you and your child’s school, they create a learning plan that matches your child’s energy and abilities. They can also give lessons themselves and ensure a smooth transition back to your child’s school.

Dietitian

Dietitians know everything about nutrition. They help you support your child in eating as healthily as possible and advise when tube feeding or intravenous nutrition is needed.

Comfort team

The comfort team works with you and the treatment team to prevent and reduce pain and other symptoms. They also support the care team in addressing the emotional impact of treatment on your child and your family.

At the Princess Máxima Center, you’ll meet many volunteers. They support children and parents in many ways, provide distraction, and help staff by taking on various tasks. There are Máxima volunteers and volunteers from partner organizations.

Máxima volunteers wear blue vests. They help you find your way around the center, give tours, and accompany children and parents to and from the WKZ/UMC Utrecht. They organize play and craft activities and may also assist with language or integration lessons.

Volunteers from our partner organizations provide activities and entertainment to help reduce stress.

Parent supporters from the Dutch Childhood Cancer Association and volunteers from Villa Joep offer peer support, understanding, and a listening ear. KIKA volunteers also provide information.

Would you like to become a Máxima volunteer? Take a look at the current vacancies here.