Multidisciplinary Lung Clinic

Often, patients who suspect lung cancer face a series of diagnostic appointments over a period of several weeks, without benefit of actually consulting with all necessary specialists. We find this unacceptable. So, we instituted a Multidisciplinary Lung Clinic to ensure that our patients receive a timely diagnosis and a thorough evaluation by all relevant specialists.

The Process. When patients are referred to our Lung Clinic they are assigned an oncologic nurse who coordinates their care and makes certain they are promptly seen by all appropriate multidisciplinary specialists. Patients are seen each Thursday by a surgeon who, if necessary, arranges a biopsy that very day. The patient's case is then discussed at a weekly Pulmonary Tumor Board which includes a multidisciplinary team of a radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, an oncologic nurse, cancer resource specialist and surgeon, to take advantage of their collective knowledge. When the patient returns the next Thursday they meet with their physician to personally discuss the most ideal treatment options and a plan of action is set into motion. The patient's family is included in this meeting as well.

Something More. We understand that the journey for our cancer patients includes not only the physical aspects of cancer care but also emotional and spiritual issues as well. That is why each multidisciplinary team also includes a personal cancer resource specialist (CRS) to help guide patients through their care. All of our CRSs are Masters-level social workers with an expertise in cancer care. These care givers are available for the sole purpose of assisting patients with the emotional and practical aspects of treatment.

To become part of the Multidisciplinary Lung Clinic have your primary care physician make a referral, or self-refer by calling 1-877-LACKS-MI or 616-752-LACK(S).