Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute

Stroke Care Center at the Gates Vascular Institute
Members of the Stroke Care Team

Stroke is a complex medical event that requires the involvement of many healthcare professionals. The following are members of the team and their respective responsibilities:

Attending physician –The physician primarily responsible for coordinating hospital care.

Consulting physicians – These are physicians who are specialists in a specific area or areas. The attending physician may seek their advice to assist in  patients’ care.

Dietitian – Their expertise is in the nutritional needs of patients. They are also knowledgeable about feeding methods and products for those unable to take food by mouth.

Emergency Department physician – A physician who specializes in taking care of patients’ immediate needs when they arrive at the hospital with an acute illness or injury.

Hospitalist – A medical physician assigned to coordinate a patient’s care while he or she is hospitalized. A hospitalist is assigned if a patient’s own physician does not practice at that hospital.

Neuroendovascular surgeon – A neurosurgeon with advanced training in detecting and treating the blood vessels in the neck and brain.

Neurologist – A medical physician who specializes in diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles.

Neurosurgeon – A surgeon who specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases of the nervous system.

Nurse – A person with special skills and training in the assessment and care of patients.

Nurse Practitioner – A registered nurse who has completed advanced training and is qualified to assume some of the duties and responsibilities that may be identified as a physician’s role (such as ordering medications or completing a physical exam). The nurse practitioner works in partnership with the physician.

Occupational Therapist (OT) – A therapist skilled in retraining those with brain injuries to resume the self-care activities important to daily living.

Patient Care Assistant (PCA) – A person who assists in the care of patients under the direct supervision of a nurse.

Patient Care Coordinator – A nurse trained in services and programs available for recovery. They assess patient needs and coordinate services.

Physiatrist – A physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation who is responsible for coordinating the rehabilitative needs of the patient to promote a better overall outcome.

Physician Assistant – A person who has completed advanced training and is qualified to assume some of the duties and responsibilities that may identified as a physician’s role (such as ordering medications or completing a physical exam). The physician assistant works in partnership with the physician.

Physical Therapist (PT) – A therapist who evaluates extremity strength, walking and the risk of falling. The physical therapist sets goals to achieve the greatest degree of independence possible.

Resident – A physician who has completed medical training and is working under the supervision of attending physicians.

Respiratory Therapist – A technologist skilled in assisting patients who have breathing problems and who can operate the necessary equipment to help them breathe.

Social Worker – An expert in the social, emotional and financial needs of patients and their families. Social workers link patients and families to services.

Speech Language Pathologist – A therapist specializing in the evaluation and treatment of communication problems and swallowing disorders.

Unit secretary/clerk –A person who coordinates messages and manages the clerical work of the nurses’ station under direction of the nurses.