Meet Our Providers

Gina Riner, APN

Staff Education:
Gina received her associates in nursing at Carl Sandburg College in 1983. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in nursing from University of Illinois at Chicago in 2003 and received her master of science in nursing from UIC in 2006.
When did you join Illinois CancerCare?
September 2013
Hobbies / Interests:
Hanging out with my kids and grandkids, walking our hyperactive German short hair pointer, reading and shopping.
What medical change has impacted the field of cancer the most since you began practicing medicine?
When I started in oncology in 2002, traztuzumab and rituximab were relatively new and imatinib had just been approved for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). We now have SO MANY targeted therapies and the even newer immunotherapies. It is nice to have non-chemotherapy options!
Why did you choose your field?
I went into the nursing program at our local junior college at the age of 19 because it was convenient and an inexpensive way to start supporting myself and my son within two years. I’ve stayed in nursing because I LOVE it, and went back to school at 38 so I would be BETTER at it.
Do you have any advice to give patients after they have been diagnosed with cancer?
Communicate with us for optimal management of side effects and for better understanding of your diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options. Let your family and friends support you – they WANT to help!