I became familiar with oncology patients and their families from years of working in hospice. I was very comfortable having discussions about end-of-life care. However, when I accepted a job at Moffitt as an Outpatient Social Worker, I wanted to learn more about oncology care and change some of the topics of my conversations. I asked my manager for a letter of recommendation for a scholarship and the PTO to attend the 2025 AOSW conference. I hoped the conference would provide me with knowledge I could apply in my practice, and that hope was surpassed before I even arrived in Atlanta!
I checked the AOSW website frequently to review the agenda and choose the sessions I was most interested in attending. I chose several focusing on therapeutic techniques and others specific to my patient population (Thoracic, Head and Neck). I downloaded the app and began connecting with other attendees through various discussion posts. I even exerted my competitive spirit with the leaderboard and stalking social media posts for scavenger hunt clues to find a cute panda!
When I checked into the conference, I had butterflies! 1. I was worried my husband would get my son to school on time. 2. I am a bit of a nerd, so I was excited. After grabbing my badge and hot pink “First Time Attendee” ribbon, I visited the vendors. There was lots of free stuff, but more importantly than obtaining writing utensils and hand sanitizer, I learned of many resources available to patients, families, and us, many of which I include in my daily conversations.
Walking into the ballroom, with my bags of free goodies and brochures, I was surprised by the number of attendees … there were more people than I expected. Hearing people recognized for various awards was inspiring; there were so many accomplishments by colleagues throughout the U.S. I realized my favorite thing at this conference would be connecting with other attendees. There were social workers who had been in the field for decades, and others who were like me, new to this area of social work. Being able to connect with each other through a welcome reception, SIG meetings, and lunches was such an unexpected benefit of attending this conference. I knew I wanted to continue connecting with AOSW members.
When I returned to work after conference, my colleagues rolled their eyes as many times I giddily reflected on my trip. I passed out information about resources to other clinics, and I worked with our Education Committee to bring some of the sessions to our team. A couple of weeks later, I learned my enthusiasm and interactions through the app during conference were something the AOSW Communications Committee noticed. I was invited to join their committee! Although I was not 100% sure of what that meant, I knew I wanted to stay connected to this organization.
Attending my first AOSW committee meeting made me feel the same way I did when I checked into the conference, butterflies. Learning about the responsibilities of the Communications Committee reminded me how large and important the AOSW is for our professional growth. Posts in SWON and the Connections Newsletter are overseen by this committee, in addition to all social media posts. I was thrilled to be a small part of a committee responsible for making sure members remain engaged, educated, and empowered to do our work.
At the conclusion of the meeting, I volunteered to assist with the relaunch of Connections’ Kudos Column. Yes, I tend to be someone who says, “Yes!” However, I wanted to engage with the committee on this initiative because I was inspired by AOSW members at conference and hoped to engage more members in the future for the amazing work we do daily.
Since joining AOSW, I attended the annual conference, met some colleagues in other states with whom I still communicate, joined a committee, and increased the confidence I have in working with patients and family members daily. I have also evolved at Moffitt. I assist with onboarding new team members, was elected to our Social Work Advisory Council, joined the Palliative Nursing Education Committee for interdisciplinary representation, and presented at our state’s oncology conference. I may have strong support and opportunities through my employer, but the knowledge and community I receive through the AOSW are what truly gives me the validation and drive to continue to evolve.
