By Amy Colver, MSSA, MA, LISW
As I’m sitting here writing this message, I’m realizing that it’s been a little while since I’ve written to all of you. So much has happened within AOSW and for me personally. First, AOSW is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year! This milestone is being highlighted in many different ways this year, including at our Annual Conference. Next, I hope you had a wonderful Social Work Month! So many people within AOSW did an excellent job honoring our profession during the month of March. If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to check out AOSW’s social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn – not only for regular updates, but to see all the great things related to Social Work Month. To name a few – Michael Grignon’s President’s message and interview with Noni Sterns, quotes from our colleagues about why they became an oncology social worker, and photos of our members. I hope you are feeling appreciated and celebrated for the incredibly important work you do every day.
For me personally, I took some time away from Connections at the beginning of the year. I became a mom in January when my husband and I welcomed our baby boy into the world. It’s been such a sweet, beautiful, challenging time. As life does sometimes, it has changed so much. I’m grateful and welcome the change, but at the same time, I’m also grateful to return to things that feel familiar to me, like being one of the editors of this newsletter. I would like to take a moment to thank Managing Editor Patricia Sullivan, Communications Director Jeanice Hansen, and former Assistant Editor Melody Griffith for their hard work on the February issue on self-care, which you can check out here. I would also like to thank all the authors who contribute to this newsletter – you make Connections what it is and we wouldn’t be able to offer this publication without you!
I’m excited to introduce this issue of Connections to you. The theme is the Impact of Technology on Psychosocial Oncology. I acknowledge that’s a broad topic, so I hope you enjoy the author’s different approaches to it.
AOSW President Michael Grignon starts us off with an article about this years’ virtual conference. He shares AOSW’s rationale for holding a virtual conference while reflecting on the many ways that the annual conference has benefited him throughout his career. Education committee member Nicole Marcouiller provides an in-depth review of this years’ conference and informs us of all the exciting opportunities that are ahead.
In additional AOSW news, we also have an article from Membership Director Jill Randall about the membership committee and their initiatives. Virtual Health SIG leaders Allie Gubin and Kristin Scheeler also write about the work of the SIG and invite us to connect in this space.
We have articles about psychosocial interventions that use technology as one of the modalities that administers them. State Representative Kiersten Anderson writes about her work with the PAVING the Path to Wellness program – an opportunity for breast cancer survivors to achieve their optimal level of wellness. Social workers Melissa Levin and Jen Brown talk about their work in the area of neuro-oncology and share a comprehensive list of apps to support patients. Trish Pangilinan and Nicole Robertson share information about the American Cancer Society’s CARES app that helps people navigate a cancer diagnosis.
Last but surely not least, we have a few articles on AI. Christina Bach and Rosie Nagy write about this topic from the perspective of social work ethics. Jennifer Bires also writes about how AI is making an impact in the psychosocial oncology space and encourages us to think about our role as AI continues to develop.
As you’re reading the articles, and as they resonate with you, I hope you will consider reaching out to an author or two. Part of the intention of this newsletter is to connect us with our colleagues. There are several great articles in this issue with plenty of opportunity for connection and discussion, so enjoy! Please also feel free to reach out to me if you have any thoughts you’d like to share about the newsletter. I look forward to connecting with you again soon!
