Do you have memories of having been inspired by great leaders in AOSW you have not heard from in a while? Well, we are reaching out to AOSW’s former leaders and asking them to share news about where they are and what they are doing now. We begin this new feature with Past President and amazing OSW Susan Stensland, LCSW, who recently retired from Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska.

How long have you been in the field of oncology?
My first job post-MSW was in 1979 in a hospital. I was hired as an oncology social worker and was involved in developing the hospital’s hospice program. In 1983 I was part of the new Bone Marrow Transplant program and became Manager of Social Work in 1998. I worked with inpatients and outpatients, including developing and facilitating support groups, was involved in a survivorship clinic and helped develop an oncology/BMT volunteer program. Also, I was involved with community organizations (such as hospice and American Cancer Society), as well as providing local and national presentations.

How has the field changed in that time?
Obtaining and/or keeping adequate staffing for oncology social work services has been challenging. Increased use of the Internet has led to more options for providing support to patients/families—e.g., obtaining information on their disease, psychosocial aspects, online support groups—which directed oncology social workers to adjust the best methods to provide interventions. Organizations began to advocate for oncology services—e.g., the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship advocating and defining survivorship, Institute of Medicine reporting on survivorship and quality cancer care, Commission on Cancer developing standards for distress, survivorship, and navigation—which have helped define the need for social work staffing to meet their standards. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has had significant impact defining distress screening and distress management, and outlining the roles of the psychosocial disciplines (social work, chaplaincy, pastoral care, psychiatry, psychology). In addition, research done by many social workers have impacted interventions as well as social work staffing. Most recently I has used Brad Zebrack’s survey of staffing when requesting more oncology social work staff (“Guidance for Determining Oncology Social Work Staffing Standards” – 2014).

What were your leadership roles in AOSW?  
I had a variety of roles in AOSW, including Regional Director, Treasurer, President (1996-1997, & President-Elect and Past President), BMT SIG Co-Coordinator and three Conference Planning Committees (including Abstract Chair).

(left to right): Katherine Walsh, Joyce Herschl, Debra Dozier Hall, Ginny Vaitones, Marie Lauria, Vicki Kennedy, Noni Sterns, Susan Hedlund, Susan Stensland, Karlynn BrintzenhofeSzoc. 

What was the most meaningful aspect of those roles for you?
Impacting a fairly new organization and being a resource for oncology social workers meant the most to me. Most importantly, I have lifetime friends from those times on the Board and Conference Committees.

What have you been doing since your time on the Board?
I have been the manager of the social work department at Nebraska Medicine. I continued to work with BMSCT patients and oncology groups, but gradually I had to decrease direct patient care. When I retired in January, 2017, I was supervising and providing staffing for 50 inpatient and outpatient medical social workers who provided a wide range of services. I have been involved in several health system projects and committees, including Joint Commission committees.

Have you received any awards?
In 2000 I received the Leadership in Oncology Social Work Award.

What keeps you connected to AOSW?
SWON has been most helpful on current issues and activities in oncology social work, also, the AOSW Navigator. I have continued relationships with those I have worked with over the years; periodically I contact them for their input, direction, feedback on various clinical and administrative issues.

How do you suggest keeping former leaders engaged in AOSW?
I would like to see former leaders provide input on projects per their expertise.

What are your plans now that you are newly retired?
I will be able to spend more time with my parents (93 & 97 years). My mother has published some books so I hope to help her finish some of her writing projects. I also hope to participate in hobbies that I have not had time to be involved in the last several years, such as music and photography.

What recommendations do you have for current and future AOSW leaders?
For current AOSW leaders:  AOSW is a great organization. Thank you for contributing to the continuation and growth of AOSW. For those considering leadership: AOSW is a great way to expand your own professional growth as well as an opportunity to contribute to overall impact on oncology social work.

We also reached out to some of Susan’s longtime AOSW friends and colleagues to share some memories and good wishes. Here are some of their responses:

Nancy J. Boyle, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Oregon Health & Sciences University
Portland, Oregon
When I walked into the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1990, after 10 years as a general hospital social worker, Susan Stensland introduced me to the world of oncology social work and bone marrow transplant. My career was transformed. Not only was she a consummate oncology social worker, but I found a lifelong friend and mentor. I walked in carrying a bag that said “Uff Da” and a bond was formed between two Norwegians. Uff da means “OMG!,” “Say what?” or “What now?” It is perfect for social workers who always need to be ready for the next problem! Susan introduced me to what was called NAOSW (later AOSW), and I was hooked. I learned so much from Susan that affects my practice today. She was practicing evidence-based interventions before that was what they were called. She always supported me and was ready to discuss anything that came up and offer advice and humor. Her humor was the best coping mechanism ever. She would remind me that while it is serious and sacred work that we do, it is important to balance that with humility and humor. She deserves a long and beautiful retirement! 

Susan Hedlund, LCSW, OSW-C
Manager, Patient & Family Support Services
Knight Cancer Institute Oregon Health & Sciences University
Portland, Oregon

Sue and I forged a bond in the early days of NAOSW. I always attended her presentations at the conferences because they were superb and full of incredible information. She was the one who, early on, was talking about the needs of BMT patients and I learned so much from her. Over subsequent years, we were on the AOSW Board together and, as Nancy said, she has a wonderful sense of humor. I can picture her laughing over many things. As a Scandinavian myself, we are a stoic breed, so seeing her just laugh out loud is wonderful. One funny memory is that she and I were back-to-back presidents of AOSW. More than once, people would approach us at conferences to have conversations. Because our names are similar, we later realized people were talking to us thinking we were the other one. I had an opportunity to visit Sue and her colleagues in Nebraska. While there, it was abundantly clear how much respect people had for her and her thoughtful and wise perspectives. I too share that respect. Congratulations on your retirement, Sue! 

James Zabora, MSW, ScD
The Johns Hopkins Center to Reduce Cancer Disparities
Baltimore, Maryland
I will never forget Susan and Vicki Kennedy not being able to stop laughing during the beginning of my talk in 1988 in Colorado Springs. Better yet, they were sitting in the front row! I had to stop to discipline them! They still could not stop! 

Holly Adams LCSW, OSW-C
Chicago Health Henry Lynch Cancer Center
Chicago, Illinois
My memory is of Sue bringing together oncology social workers from all over Omaha, Nebraska—Creighton University, Children’s Hospital, VA Hospital, NE Medical Center, Methodist Hospital and Clarkson Hospital—and forming the Greater Omaha Oncology Social Work Association (GOOSWA). Bylaws were written, officers job descriptions defined. This really became the home for all of us who were trying to figure out this work—oncology social work. We had a lot of fun working together on different committees or programs in the city. We shared and supported each other about challenges and celebrated each other’s triumphs. I told Sue she was the Mother Goose for GOOSWA. Her delightful wit and wisdom greatly appreciated by all. No one deflects that attention like Susan. She truly is one of a kind!

Joyce Herschl, retired  
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
Very fond memories of working with Susan who was always the ultimate professional but with style, warmth and dignity. And, retirement is great. Enjoy.

Vicki Kennedy, LCSW, Cancer Support Community
Washington, DC
I have many fond memories of Susan Stensland and love her dearly. How can I forget endless hours of laughter at the Broadmoor conference? Yards of beer at the Golden Bee? Pranking a fellow OSW? Susan and I started the first AOSW SIG—BMT. I have to say, without Susan and the other BMT social workers at AOSW, I would never have been able to survive in my job in those days. I feel so blessed to have shared our passion about our work and an enduring friendship that comes from years of sharing the highs and lows of life along the way. Even though time and distance keep us apart, we can come together and be instantly feel connected. Susan, you are the real deal and my role model. Your legacy in our field is immense and I cherish all that I learned from you and shared in this crazy journey. With love…

Rissy Smith, LCSW, OSW-C, ACSW, CHI
Health Henry Lynch Cancer Center
Omaha, Nebraska
Oh, my yes, I have many memories of Susan!  We go way back to 1980! Some of my fondest memories were writing our first abstract for NAOSW (I believe it was called that in the old days) on bone marrow transplant; submitting it and never thinking it would get accepted. When it did, we burned the midnight oil in her duplex drinking strong coffee and eating Oreos to get the presentation done! Of course, we were younger then, did this outside of a normal workday and headed into the work the next day fresh as a flower. Whenever I see an Oreo now, I think of Susan. I also have fond memories of our going to a LLS Conference in New Orleans one year. I taught her the fine art of eating yummy donuts, drinking Hurricanes and enjoying jazz music on Bourbon Street while not missing a conference meeting. Those were great memories with lots of laughs and we still talk about that trip today. We have been great friends and colleagues for many years. She has taught me a great deal and we have shared a little fun in between. I look forward to many more years of friendship with Susan and am just thrilled for her that she made the decision to retire. I wish her all the best in this next chapter in her life.

Brad Zebrack, PhD, MSW, MPH, FAPOS
University of Michigan School of Social Work
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Congratulations on a career filled with major accomplishments and every day efforts to help cancer patients.