We believe that successful treatment is directly related to our ability to get to know our patient, their family, and goals for their future. Our neuro-oncologist regularly meets with our patients to discuss their diagnosis, outlook, treatment options, pathology path and opportunities for clinical trials.

Our care extends through out the clinical treatment. We have specialized case managers, social workers, child-life specialists, and support staff that understand the anxiety and stress a brain tumor diagnosis can have on the patient and their family – emotionally, physically and monetarily. We provide assistance in finding options that can help the patient and family, including counseling, support groups and financial assistance.

Multidisciplinary Team
Sutter Neuroscience Institute takes a comprehensive approach to brain tumor diagnosis and treatment. Our team includes:

Neuro-oncologist:
Works with the patient and family from diagnosis through every step of treatment.

Nora Wu, M.D. Medical Director, Neuro-oncology

Pediatric and adult neurosurgeons:
Works with the team to diagnosis the tumor and identify the best type of surgery for each patient.

	Samuel Ciricillo, M.D. Medical Director, Pediatric Neurosurgery
	Edie Zusman, M.D. Medical Director, Adult Neurosurgery
	Cully Cobb, M.D. Medical Director, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

Pediatric and adult radiation oncologists:
Educates patients on and administers radiation therapies that are used to stunt the growth of a tumor.

Harvey B. Wolkov, M.D., FACR, FASTRO Medical Director, Radiation Oncology Co-Medical Director, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

Pediatric and adult neurologists:
Examines the patient and treats associated neurological symptoms.

Medical Oncologists:
Trained in diagnosing and treating brain tumors.

Neuro-pathologists:
Biopsy’s the tumor to extract cells and identify the type and grade of the tumor.

Neuroradiologist:
Examines the CT, MRI and PET scans of the brain to diagnose tumors.

Comprehensive Support Staff:
Support services provide a valuable service to our patients, and their families, and include: child-life specialists; physical, occupational and speech therapists; social workers, nursing and case management.

Brain Tumor Board
An added benefit of Sutter Neuroscience Institute is our Brain Tumor Board which meets weekly to review and discuss the medical condition and treatment options of our patients. This provides a platform for multidisciplinary discussion and innovative and comprehensive treatment plans for eligible patients.