It’s been a year of many changes in education at AOSW. I assumed the role of education director in January 2014 and hit the ground running!  I’m proud to start with the jewel in the education crown, our Annual Conference. Both the Baltimore and Seattle conferences were attended by over 500 people! We continue to offer timely, practice and skill building oriented educational sessions as well as ample opportunities to network and connect with colleagues at conference.  I know there is nothing more empowering for me than to sit in a room with 500 other oncology social workers who just “get it.” I always leave conference feeling rejuvenated and excited. Thank you to our sponsors and all who attended and presented at our conferences in 2014 and 2015.

A highlight for me at this year’s conference was the inclusion of panel presentations. This format allowed for attendees to hear multiple perspectives on a topic area and included working with couples, distress screening and social work education. The synergy in the rooms during these panels was exciting. We will continue to tweak the panel presentation format and experience for the 2016 conference.

Speaking of 2016 conference, SAVE THE DATE! The 2016 AOSW 32nd Annual Conference will be held May 4-6, 2016 in beautiful Tampa, Florida. The conference theme is “Oncology Social Workers: Safe Harbor in the Storm.” Your conference committee, led by conference chair Fran Becker, is already working hard to create a memorable learning experience for attendees. Thanks to all of you who submitted conference evaluations. We take your feedback seriously and will work hard to incorporate many of your suggestions into future meetings.

The 2016 call for abstracts is now open. Click here for more information on submitting an abstract. Abstract submissions will close on Monday, September 14.  New to writing an abstract, or just wanting some input from a seasoned abstract writer? Abstract mentorship is also available. Click here for information on abstract mentoring.

AOSW has also launched our Online Learning Program through webinars and webcasting. We plan to offer 4 webinars with CE per year, and to webcast select sessions from the Annual Conference. This allows members who are unable to attend our Annual Conference access to important oncology social work education sessions that will enhance practice.

We will also offer shorter, non-CE professional development sessions focused on topics like “How to Write an Abstract,” “PowerPoint for Presentations," and “Asking for Institutional Support for Training and Conferences,” in 2016.

Are you interested in getting involved with AOSW education planning? We have an active Education Committee that works on planning our Online Learning activities, professional development webinars and guiding education policy and practice for the organization. If you are interested in joining the Education Committee, email me so we can explore your interests and availability.