As many of you know from having attended our 2016 Annual Conference in Tampa this past May, or from hearing about it through AOSW’s many avenues of communication, it was a terrific conference—full of opportunities to learn, connect, network and relax amongst new friends and old.

There truly was something for everyone—and I would like to commend Christina Bach, MBE, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, our Education Director, and her conference team, ably chaired by Fran Becker, LCSW, for an exceptional job! Without the hard work of the committee and Christina’s guidance, a conference of this magnitude just would not be possible.

We were both moved and inspired by our Opening Keynote Speaker, Margaret Mohrmann, MD, PhD; reminded of the depth and breadth of the knowledge, commitment and passion of our members by our ACS Quality of Life in Cancer Care Award recipient, Kerry Cox Irish, LCSW, OSW-C; heeded the call to action of our Closing Keynote Speaker, AOSW Past President Iris Cohen Fineberg, PhD, MSW, ACSW, OSW-C; and the poster session—the enjoyment of being able to move through the session engaging the authors in in-depth conversation regarding their work! The continued high quality of poster presentations provided an outstanding educational experience and a rich and rewarding networking opportunity.

As I reflect back on the whirlwind of those few days, what I remember most is the camaraderie among AOSW members, the welcoming spirit of the Conference Committee, and the involvement and engagement of our Board of Directors. All of these combined led to a warm, open, heartfelt feeling of belonging to an organization that exists to serve its members at the highest level of commitment to our profession. And, after all, isn’t that why we are the Association of Oncology Social Work?

I wish you all a wonderful fall season filled with the spirit of renewal and dedication to the field we hold so dear.
Ali