Radiation Medicine is built on collaboration. Beyond physicians and physicists, an entire team of specialists plays a vital role in advancing patient care. This series shines a spotlight on those professionals—their responsibilities, their expertise, and the people behind the titles. Our goal is to help you appreciate the depth and diversity of work that makes Radiation Medicine possible. From guiding residency applicants and coordinating clinical trials to ensuring accurate radiation dosing and delivering exceptional nursing care, our faculty and staff cover it all.
This month, we’re excited to introduce Pete Radke, Registered Nurse, and our March Expert!
1. What is your title and which areas of the Department of Human Oncology (DHO) do you work within? (clinical, research and/or medical education)?
I am a Registered Nurse in the UW Health Radiation Oncology Clinic at Eastpark Medical Center.
2. What drew you to the field?
I knew next to nothing about the Radiation Oncology specialty when I began, however the application of cutting-edge technology and patient interactions appealed to me. I wanted a job where I could do a lot of patient-facing work, and especially during a challenging time in their lives. The radiation oncology clinical setting has a lot of unique features you won’t see elsewhere in the nursing field.
3. What is something you look forward to in your job every day, week, month or year? What’s your favorite part? Each day presents unique challenges that often require outside the box solutions. On a daily basis, I’m tasked with a variety of responsibilities – communicating and coordinating with patients, starting IVs, assessing patients with new conditions or questions, answering phones, collaborating with other clinical teams and departments, etc. My favorite part of the job is working with all my lovely co-workers. The breadth of experience and ideas that other staff members bring to the table makes for a unique collaborative process. Here at RadOnc there is a drive amongst the team to continuously make things better than they were before.
4. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I love spending time with my wife, daughter, dog, and usually agreeable cat. As a family we’ve gotten more involved in our local community theater; with my daughter on stage, my wife making costumes, and me working on sets or on stage myself. This past summer we trekked out to a national park for the first time and are already making plans to return. When the weather allows I plan to put more miles on my e-bike and see more of the city close-up. And I’m always planning video games.
5. What is your favorite piece of advice from a mentor or inspiring figure in your life?
The most indispensable piece of advice came from a seasoned nurse at my first job, “Most patients won’t expect you to solve all of their problems, but they do expect you to give a darn.” It can be tempting to focus on the issue at hand, and then move on to the next patient, but the personal touch is something the patients value very much. We’re constantly getting feedback from our patients that our department uniquely cares about their concerns. That’s not just a coincidence as I have seen from the top down that we are making the patient experience a priority.
➡ Follow along as we feature a new expert every other month. Don’t miss the chance to learn more about the incredible people shaping Radiation Medicine!
