Oncology
What is Oncology?
Oncology is the area of medicine involving cancer.
An oncologist is a doctor specialising in the treatment of cancer with targeting agents such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy or radiation.
A haematologist specialises in tumours of blood such as leukaemia and lymphoma.
Oncologists collaborate closely with surgeons and general physicians to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Our team
Dr Charles de Groot - Visiting Waikato DHB Radiation Oncologist
Dr Natalia Gavrilova - Visiting Waikato DHB Haematologist
Dr Prashanth Hari Dass - Medical Oncologist
Dr Shahid Islam - Visiting Waikato DHB Haematologist
Dr Ian Kennedy - Visiting Waikato DHB Oncologist
Dr Niranjan Rathod - Visiting Waikato DHB Haematologist
Dr Alistair Wickham - Medical Oncologist
What we do
Te Whatu Ora Lakes provides oncology services locally as well as from an outreach clinic of Te Whatu Ora Waikato.
Patients are seen both by the local Medical Oncology team as well as visiting Medical Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists and Haematologists.
The Rotorua Medical Oncology team run three clinics per week - Monday, Tuesday and Friday.
The Haematology team visits four times a month and the Radiation Oncologist visits Te Whatu Ora Lakes from Te Whatu Ora Waikato once a month.
Oncology services are supported by Cancer Care Co-ordinators, Cancer Psychologists, Palliative Care, Dietitians, Social Workers and Occupational Therapists, as well as other community organisations such as Cancer Society, Hospice and Aroha Mai.
Usually referral to the Oncology service is by letter from another doctor, such as a GP, physician or surgeon.
One of our consultants will read through the letter and ask our clerical staff to book an appointment, taking account of the urgency of the condition.
When you come, you will be seen by an oncologist or a haematologist who will ask questions about your illness, examine you, and discuss the management of your condition.
We encourage you to bring a family member or other support person to sit in on the visit.
You may be referred to the Chemotherapy Unit for further treatment.
Te Whatu Ora Lakes Cancer Care Coordinators are available to support patients and their family through their cancer journey.
You may be referred to the Cancer Care Co-ordination team by the Oncology team, your GP or you can contact them directly.
Ask your consultant if you would like to learn more about involvement in clinical trials.