1. Home
  2. Departments & Programs
  3. Cancer Care
  4. Radiation Oncology

Radiation Oncology

Our Radiation Oncology team at the National Life Cancer Treatment Center is committed to compassionate patient care using the latest radiation therapy technology available today.

For more Information

To make an appointment or to learn more about our Radiation Oncology services call us at:

  802-225-5820

Our Radiation Oncology team, led by Dr. Carl Nelson, takes a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care. We work closely with our surgeons, medical oncologists and other physicians to develop individualized, comprehensive treatment plans that give patients the best possible results.

State-of-the-Art Technology and Treatments

There have been vast improvements in radiation treatment over the past 20 to 30 years, and our brand new cancer center houses the most state-of-the-art equipment, technology and treatments available today.

Learn more our about the treatments available at the National Life Cancer Treatment Center.

Our Philosophy of Care

At the National Life Cancer Treatment Center, our Philosophy of Care is based on creating an environment where our patients, their families, and our colleagues feel respected, valued, and supported. We strive to exceed the expectations of those we serve. We believe in the following:

  • Collaborating with colleagues to provide a multidisciplinary team which is focused around the patient.
  • Compassionate care which recognizes the uniqueness of each patient and strives to put resources in place to support them during this difficult time.
  • Education is power. We strive to provide information to our patients, their families, our colleagues, and the community about cancer care and prevention.
  • Commitment to deliver high quality care by qualified, professional team members.
  • Respect all with whom we come in contact. We will treat everyone with respect, dignity, and integrity at all times.

Second Opinions

If you or a loved one is faced with the diagnosis of cancer, obtaining a second opinion can be very valuable as treatment options are considered. Although doctors get similar medical training, they can have different thoughts and opinions on the best treatment approach. A second opinion from a different doctor may provide a fresh perspective, give additional information, or explore new technology that may assist in making a more informed decision regarding treatment options.

At the National Life Cancer Treatment Center, we encourage you to get a second opinion. This helps you and your family make informed decisions and feel assured the treatment you choose is the most appropriate for you.

If you need assistance with a list of other Radiation Oncologists, your medical records, or insurance information, please ask one of our staff members who will be more than happy to help you.

Accreditations

American College of Radiology (ACR) Radiation Oncology Accredited FacilityThe National Life Cancer Treatment Center was awarded a three-year term of accreditation in radiation oncology as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The Radiation Oncology Practice Accreditation Program (ROPA) provides radiation oncologists with third-party, impartial peer review and evaluation of patient care. The program assesses the facility’s personnel, equipment, treatment-planning and treatment records as well as patient-safety policies and quality control/quality assessment activities.

Radiation Oncologists

A radiation oncologist is a physician who specializes in treating cancer using ionizing radiation. Radiation oncologists are responsible for planning the care and prescribing the radiation treatment for each patient, and will carefully monitor the patient’s progress throughout the course of the treatment. In order to ensure the best coordination of care, our radiation oncologists also communicate closely with your surgeons, medical oncologist, other medical specialists, as well as your primary care or family physician.

Radiation Oncology Manager

The radiation oncology manager oversees the administrative functions of the Radiation Oncology department.  Working closely with the Medical Director, the manager is responsible for identifying the clinical and operational needs of the department and aligning with organizational goals. The manager also develops and maintains relationships with teaching affiliates and other local cancer-related organizations (American Cancer Society and Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer [VTAAC]).

  • Lorne Church, RT(T)

Medical Physicist

The medical physicist works with the dosimetrist and radiation oncologist. The physicist is responsible for treatment accuracy and safety, treatment machines as well as the computers used to calculate treatment plans. Physicists make sure that the equipment is running properly and is utilized correctly.

Our Physics support is in collaboration with UVM Medical Center.

Dosimetrist

The dosimetrist works in conjunction with the radiation oncologist and medical physicist to determine the treatment location, beam arrangement and dose distribution required to treat the patient. It is the dosimetrist’s responsibility to make sure that the maximum dose is delivered to the prescribed tumor or cancer area, while at the same time minimizing the exposure of nearby healthy organs. The dosimetrist also takes physical dose measurements to verify dose delivery.

  • Ellen Thompson, CMD, RT(T)

Radiation Therapist

Radiation therapists are specially trained in the operation of the linear accelerators used to deliver radiation therapy. They are responsible for the intial simulation process and then accurately recording, interpreting and administering the treatment prescribed by radiation oncologists. They have continual contact with patients during the course of their treatment, educating them about treatment and simulation procedures and potential radiation side effects. In addition, therapists are responsible for monitoring and observing each patient’s clinical progress and emotional needs.

  • Shawna Conlon, RT(T)
  • Ashley Rivers, RT(T)
  • Katie St Pierre, RT(T)

Oncology Nursing Staff

Our Radiation Oncology Nurses work directly with the Radiation Oncologist and other staff to coordinate patient care during all phases of their radiation therapy. Our nurses monitor the overall health of each patient, help prepare them for their treatments, and provide them with information concerning their diagnosis, treatment and self-care measures to manage potential side effects of treatment. In addition, they stay in close contact with the patient navigator, collaboratively addressing the individual needs of each patient.  

  • Pamela Fournier, RN
  • Sophie Rossignol, RN

Patient Navigator

The National Life Cancer Treatment Center offers a “Patient Navigator” to guide patients through the healthcare system, helping them to overcoming access problems and other barriers to quality care, such as financial or transportation issues. The Patient Navigator also serves as a connection between the patient and the various providers involved with the patient's care. The Navigator assists patients and their families to obtain needed information and provides referrals to and coordination of community resources. Learn more.

  • Kara Dudman, MS, LADC, LCMHC, TTS

Tumor Registrar

Certified tumor registrars are responsible for collecting and reviewing data regarding the nature of cancer patients' illnesses, the diagnostic procedures and treatments used to deal with them, how patients are progressing in their illnesses, and how long cancer patients survive. This information, which is reported to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is valuable for analyzing cancer survivor rates and identifying clinical drug trial candidates.

  • Our Tumor Registrar support is in collaboration with UVM Medical Center.

Support Staff

Our administrative assistants perform an integral role in making sure that the operations of the cancer center run smoothly so that our clinical staff can concentrate exclusively on our patients. In addition to managing medical records and coordinating with other healthcare providers, our medical secretaries greet our patients when they arrive.

  • Tonya Brusoe, Patient Support Specialist
  • Kelly Underwood, Patient Support Specialist
National Life Cancer Treatment Center entrance

CVMC Radiation Oncology

National Life Cancer Treatment Center
130 Fisher Road
Berlin, VT 05602

Phone

802-225-5820

Fax

802-225-5825

Hours

Monday:
7:30 am-4:00 pm
Tuesday:
7:30 am-4:00 pm
Wednesday:
7:30 am-4:00 pm
Thursday:
7:30 am-4:00 pm
Friday:
7:30 am-4:00 pm
Get Directions   Campus Map   Bus Route