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This doctor is an expert in using medicines to help you sleep during procedures, relieve pain and reduce anxiety during surgery and medical tests while in the hospital. Anesthesiologists are present during surgery, but also shorter procedures like a lumbar puncture. They’lltalk to you before a procedure to explain the plan to keep your child comfortable, monitor your child the whole time, and check back in with you once your child’s procedure is finished.

This expert helps children and their families cope with the emotional and developmental impact of illness, hospitalization, surgery, and medical procedures. The child life specialist uses age-appropriate language and play to help your child understand why they need medical care and understand medical procedures. They help children express their feelings through play, art, music, and conversation. Child life specialists facilitate communication between children, families and health care providers  .

This expert plans meals for patients based on their medical needs. They may also keep track of your child’s weight and how many calories your child takes in and may give advice on how to help your child eat during the hospital stay and after they leave the hospital.

This doctor is an expert at finding and taking care of problems with your child’s endocrine system (the glands and organs that make hormones). They may be part of your child’s team if your child’s brain tumor affects one of the glands in the brain or if your child gets radiation therapy to the area near the glands. The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and pineal gland are in the brain. These glands can impact growth, behavior, mood, and responses to changes in the internal environment such as thirst or hunger. Injury can also impact weight gain. Every stage of development has hormones that work together to make sure you are growing and developing healthily, as well as keeping your body functioning at its best.  The thyroid and parathyroid glands are in the neck. Hormones from these glands work with your other organs to maintain proper blood pressure and strong bones. The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney. Adrenal is where the word adrenaline comes from. These glands are important in responding to stress. The pancreas, which has an important job regulating blood sugar and digestion, and the ovaries are located in the abdomen. Testes are in the scrotum. Testes and ovaries help with growth, development, and fertility.  These glands work together to maintain the body’s internal balance, called homeostasis.

An oncology fellow is a medical doctor receiving specialized training and has responsibilities that focus on diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with cancer.

This doctor has finished medical school and 3 years of general medical education, in pediatrics, neurology, or radiology, as a resident doctor and is now getting extra training to become an expert in a specialty like oncology and neuro-oncology. Fellows are licensed physicians that are spending additional years providing the best care for complex diseases like brain tumors The pediatric neurosurgery fellow has completed 6-7 years of training as a neurosurgical resident to become an expert in neurosurgery and is receiving further training to specialize in pediatric neurosurgery.

A hospitalist is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of patients while they are in the hospital. Responsibilities include admitting patients, diagnosing and managing acute and chronic medical conditions, coordinating care with specialists, nurses, case managers, social workers, communicating with patients’ primary care providers and families, discharging patients and ensuring a smooth transition to the outpatient care team or rehabilitation.

This doctor is an expert in the nervous system. The nervous system includes the brain, spine, and nerves that send messages to and from other parts of the body. Neurologists focus on non-surgical treatment of neurological conditions.  In neuro-oncology, neurologists work closely with the oncology team to treat neurological issues such as headaches and brain fog.

A nurse is a licensed healthcare professional who has graduated from nursing school and provides direct patient care, emotional support and education along with supporting doctors and other medical staff.  The nurse plays a key role in promoting health, managing illness,and providing education on disease, treatment and care across various settings. The nurse facilitates communication between patients, families, and the medical teams and advocates for patients’ needs and preferences. They interpret vital signs and lab results, give medicine, insert IVs, draw blood, perform wound care, and are the first responders in a medical emergency. Nurses combine medical expertise with compassion to care for patients across the lifespan from birth to end of life care.

A nurse anesthetist, formally known as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who is trained to administer anesthesia and provide care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, and diagnostic procedures. CRNAs also manage post anesthesia complications such as nausea or breathing problems. They have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), acute care experience in the intensive care unit (ICU) and a graduate degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). A nurse anesthetist is an independent provider of anesthesia care, combining advanced nursing knowledge with technical expertise in anesthesia, patient safety, pain and anxiety management.

A Pediatric or Family Nurse Practitioner is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who specializes in providing healthcare to infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric nurse practitioners assess, diagnose, and treat common and complex pediatric conditions. Primary responsibilities include performing a physical exam with developmental screening; diagnosing and managing acute and chronic illnesses; prescribing medications and treatments, educating families on child health, disease management, pain management, nutrition and safety; collaborating with doctors and other specialists. A nurse practitioner is an independent practitioner with a Master’s degree (MSN) or a Doctoral degree (DNP) in Pediatric Nursing.

The nurse practitioner is often the main contact for families on all matters of care.

This expert works with children to improve fine motor skills that use small muscles that have been affected by the tumor or surgery. The therapeutic focus is on improving a child’s independence, function, and quality of life when physical, mental, or cognitive challenges make daily tasks difficult. They may work on skills like swallowing or hand-eye coordination that your child uses everyday going to school or playing. An occupational therapist has completed a specialized education program and graduated with a Master’s Degree or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.

Palliative care for children with cancer is a specialized approach that focuses on improving the quality of life for both the child and their family, starting at diagnosis and continuing throughout treatment, recovery, or end-of-life care. This team works alongside the child’s oncology team to manage pain, nausea, fatigue, emotional distress, and other symptoms caused by illness or treatment. It also provides support for siblings, helps families navigate difficult decisions, and offers spiritual or cultural support tailored to each family’s beliefs. The goal is not just to treat the disease, but to care for the whole child—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—while ensuring families never feel alone on this journey. This team includes physicians who have gone through specialized training in palliative care, usually in addition to training in oncology, as well as nurses, social workers, and pharmacists.

This doctor is an expert at diagnosing and treating tumors in a child’s brain or spine. This is a highly specialized field that combines expertise in pediatric oncology and neurology. They design your treatment care plan and oversee the implementation of all aspects of the plan your team follows to treat your child’s tumor. To become a pediatric neuro-oncologist, these doctors’ complete residency and at least one fellowship.

A pediatric neurosurgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in performing surgery on the brains, spines, and nervous systems of infants, children, and adolescents. Because children’s brains and nervous systems are still developing, pediatric neurosurgeons use highly precise techniques tailored to the unique needs of young patients. They work closely with a team of pediatric specialists—including neurologists, oncologists, and critical care providers—to ensure comprehensive care. Beyond technical skill, pediatric neurosurgeons are known for their compassionate approach, helping both children and their families understand procedures and feel supported throughout what can be an overwhelming experience.

A pediatric oncologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer in children, adolescents, and young adults. These physicians care for patients with a wide range of cancers, including leukemia, brain tumors, lymphomas, and solid tumors such as neuroblastoma or sarcomas. Because childhood cancers often behave differently than those in adults, pediatric oncologists use specialized treatments tailored to a child’s developing body and unique needs. They manage all aspects of care—from explaining diagnoses and creating treatment plans to overseeing chemotherapy, coordinating with surgeons and radiation specialists, and monitoring side effects or late effects of therapy. Pediatric oncologists also provide vital emotional support to families, helping them navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis with empathy, clear communication, and a focus on hope.

A pediatric oncology nurse is a specially trained nurse who cares for children and adolescents undergoing treatment for cancer. These nurses play a vital role in delivering chemotherapy, managing side effects, monitoring vital signs, and providing comfort during difficult procedures. They are often the healthcare professionals’ children and families interact with most frequently, offering not only medical expertise but also emotional support and reassurance. Pediatric oncology nurses educate families about medications, treatment plans, lab results, nutrition and what to expect during each phase of care. With a gentle, compassionate approach, they help children feel safe and supported, building trusting relationships that make the hospital experience less frightening. Their presence is a constant source of comfort, strength, and stability for both young patients and their loved ones.

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who helps people restore movement, improve physical function, reduce pain, prevent disability after injury, illness, or surgery, improve quality of live and instruct patients on home exercise programs. This expert works with your child to improve gross motor skills that use the large muscles affected by your child’s brain tumor or treatment.  They help with exercises, stretches, and other ways to help your child move better and feel less pain. A physical therapist has completed a specialized education program and has graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

A physician assistant (PA) is a licensed medical professional who practices medicine as part of a healthcare team under the supervision of a physician. Responsibilities of a PAs include taking medical histories, conducting physical exams, diagnosing illnesses, ordering and interpreting tests, prescribing medications, assisting in surgeries and more. In pediatric settings, for example, a PA might help manage treatment plans, and support families throughout the care journey. PAs receive advanced graduate-level education and must pass a national certification exam.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders. This doctor is an expert in treating problems a child might have with thoughts, emotions, or behaviors. Psychiatrists use a combination of approaches, including psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication management, and other interventions tailored to each patient’s needs. They often collaborate with psychologists, social workers, and primary care providers to ensure comprehensive care. In child and adolescent psychiatry, they are trained to understand the unique emotional, developmental, and behavioral needs of young people and support families during and after treatment.

A psychologist is a trained mental health professional who helps individuals understand, manage, and overcome emotional, behavioral, and psychological challenges. Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists are not medical doctors and typically do not prescribe medication. Instead, they use evidence-based therapies—such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, or talk therapy—to help people cope with issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, learning difficulties, and relationship problems. Psychologists often conduct psychological testing to assess cognitive function, emotional development, or learning styles, especially in children. In pediatric settings, psychologists work closely with families, schools, and healthcare providers to support a child’s mental and emotional well-being, offering tools to build resilience, manage stress, and improve overall quality of life.

This doctor is an expert in using radiation to treat different kinds of cancer, including brain tumors.  A radiation oncologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating cancer using radiation therapy. They are experts in planning and delivering precise doses of high-energy radiation—such as X-rays, protons, or other particles—to target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. Radiation oncologists work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including medical oncologists, surgeons, nurses, and physicists, to create individualized treatment plans based on the type, location, and stage of the cancer. In pediatric oncology, they take extra care to consider the long-term effects of radiation on a child’s growth and development, using specialized techniques like proton therapy when appropriate. They also monitor and manage side effects, support families through the treatment process, and adjust therapy as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes.

This doctor is an expert at taking and reading medical images such as MRIs, X-rays, CT and PET scans, and ultrasounds.

A radiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and sometimes treating diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. They interpret these images to identify conditions ranging from broken bones and infections to tumors and internal organ problems. Radiologists play a critical role in guiding treatment decisions by providing detailed reports that help other doctors understand what is happening inside the body. Some radiologists, known as interventional radiologists, also perform minimally invasive procedures using imaging guidance, such as biopsies or placing catheters. In pediatric care, radiologists are specially trained to interpret images of growing bodies and use child-friendly techniques to reduce radiation exposure and anxiety during imaging exams.

This doctor has finished medical school and is now spending three to seven years on-the-job training in one specialty, such as pediatrics. Residents are supervised by attending physicians who approve their decisions. Residency is a crucial step in becoming a fully licensed, independent physician.

Social workers help patients and families cope with the emotional and practical challenges of illness, hospitalization, or difficult life circumstances. They provide emotional support and counseling, help people manage stress, and connect families with vital community resources like housing, transportation, and financial aid. Social workers also coordinate with doctors and nurses to make sure a patient’s overall needs are met, offer guidance during crises, and advocate for patients’ rights and access to care.  They may also help you find practical resources like financial help, transportation, and a place to stay while your child is in the hospital.

A speech therapist, also known as a speech-language pathologist (SLP), is a healthcare professional who evaluates, diagnoses, and treats communication and swallowing disorders.

This expert works with your child to help improve problems with speaking or swallowing that may be caused by a tumor, surgery, or scar tissue. They also assist those who have problems with voice, fluency (like stuttering), and understanding language.