Your healthcare team

A primary care provider is a doctor or other licensed medical professional who manages your overall health over time. They can be doctors specialized in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, or Pediatrics, as well as advanced practice provider like physician assistants or nurse practitioners. A PCP is your point-person for medical questions and referrals. They help to coordinate your care and address your whole health. They can address questions about exercise, prevention of diabetes, screening for cancer, and vaccinations. They also help to address injuries, pain, and common infections.

A gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diseases of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas. They diagnose, treat, and follow up patients with chronic pancreatitis. A gastroenterologist works closely with other specialists to help make recommendations for your care. They often lead your pancreatitis care, recommend images or endoscopic procedures, and put together a plan of care.

Some gastroenterologists undergo additional training to become pancreatologists, focusing on complex pancreatic conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, acute pancreatitis, and pancreatic cysts. They may or may not be trained to perform endoscopic interventions in your pancreas.

Some gastroenterologists receive specialized training to perform procedures in the bile duct and pancreas like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). These are called interventional endoscopists or advanced endoscopists.

An endocrinologist is a medical doctor that specializes in hormone-related disorders. They help managing diabetes and its complications.

A surgeon is a medical doctor trained to perform surgical procedures to treat diseases or injuries. A pancreatic surgeon is a surgeon who has received additional training on performing pancreatic surgeries. Some of the surgeries that they perform in chronic pancreatitis include removing a part or the entirety of your pancreas or creating a connection between the pancreatic duct or bile duct with your small bowel.

A radiologist is a medical doctor trained to interpret imaging studies such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasounds. An interventional radiologist is a radiologist who has received specialized training to perform minimally invasive procedures. Interventional radiologists perform image-guided procedures like biopsies, feeding tube placements, drainage of fluid collections or obstructed ducts.

A pain specialist focuses on the evaluation and management of both acute and chronic pain. They use a combination of treatments such as medications, nerve blocks, physical therapy, and psychological support to help reduce pain and improve daily function.

A urologist is a medical doctor that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders that impact the urinary system. In some cases, patients with chronic pancreatitis develop stones inside the pancreatic ducts and they need to undergo a procedure named extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy that uses waves to pulverize the stones in the pancreas. This procedure is sometimes performed by a urologist.

A physician assistant (PA) is a licensed healthcare professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a licensed physician. A PA can diagnose and manage a wide range of medical conditions. They can conduct exams, interpret lab results, prescribe treatments, and help you understand your care options. They often handle routine visits and work closely with your physician to review your health status and adjust your treatment as needed.

A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse provider who has completed advanced education and clinical training beyond their initial nurse preparation. NPs can evaluate symptoms, diagnose conditions, order tests, prescribe medications, and provide education tailored to your needs. They often conduct office visits and follow-ups, helping ensure continuity of care and quick access to clinical support. Their training combines clinical expertise with a focus on prevention and individualized care.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. They can diagnose and treat conditions like depression and anxiety, which are common in people living with chronic pain. Psychiatrists can also prescribe medications to help manage these symptoms.

A practicing psychologist has professional training and practical experience to help people learn to cope more effectively with life issues, mental health problems or a chronic condition interfering with their lives. People may see a psychologist because they are depressed, angry, or anxious for a long time. Sometimes a psychologist will obtain advance training to provide cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses in improving chronic pain.

This is a type of therapy where a group of patients meet to discuss their mental health or other topics under the supervision of a therapist. Group therapy is an affordable and effective alternative or supplement to individual therapy. Some groups are geared toward specific issues, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse or obesity, while others focus on helping people deal with a variety of issues such as anger or low self-esteem.

Counselors offer guidance to individuals, couples, families, and groups who are dealing with issues that affect their mental health and well-being. They work with clients on strategies to overcome obstacles and personal challenges that they are facing.

A dietitian is a healthcare professional specializing in food and nutrition. They provide guidance on healthy eating and tailors nutrition plans to each individual's needs. For patients with chronic pancreatitis, they help address issues such as malnutrition, fat malabsorption, and vitamin deficiencies through diet and supplements.

A licensed acupuncturist is a healthcare professional trained and certified to treat certain medical conditions using acupuncture. Licensed acupuncturists are non-physician providers who complete specialized education programs approved by state boards and meet licensure requirements.

Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Patients typically see an occupational therapist to regain function in their daily life, help manage chronic pain symptoms, and prevent future injury.

Physical therapists help injured, or ill people improve movement and manage pain. They use exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy, and equipment to ease patients' pain, help them increase their mobility, prevent further pain or injury, and facilitate health and wellness.

A medical social worker helps you understand hospital procedures and medical plans, as well as helping you and your family with financial planning. The social worker will also facilitate communication between you, your family, and the healthcare team.

Case managers oversee everything that happens from the moment of admission, during treatment and up to discharge from a hospital or another healthcare facility. These professionals provide guidance for long-term care, which includes decision-making about any important treatment options.