AOSW Connections
Editorial Team
Editor-in-Chief
Amy Colver, MSSA, MA, LISW
AOSW Communications Director
Jeanice Hansen, LCSW, OSW-C
Managing Editor
Patricia Sullivan
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Meet Your Leaders: Sage Bolte, PhD, LCSW, OSW-C, Director at Large
Why did you become an oncology social worker?
Honestly, I became an oncology social worker because the universe saw fit to put amazing mentors and guides in my life. This is why I am such a huge proponent of mentoring.
As I entered my MSW program, I thought I wanted to work with at-risk youth or in a community mental health setting like I had been doing for two years post BSW. However, when I met with my advisor for the first time in graduate school to discuss my MSW field placement she had a different idea in mind for me—and thank goodness. After getting to know me a little more and where my passions and theoretical framework lay, she asked if I would be interested in exploring an outpatient oncology placement.
From the moment I walked into that outpatient radiation center in Detroit and upon meeting my field instructor, I knew I had discovered where I belonged. I loved the interdisciplinary approach and learning about the various aspects of a person’s experience with cancer. I appreciated that I could truly “meet people where they were at” and utilize multiple change theories to help decrease their distress and help them improve their quality of life on their terms. There was something about the unbelievable opportunity to create a trusting relationship and connect with people in such a vulnerable situation, to empower them, advocate for them, and walk with them that I recognized oncology is where I wanted to spend my career. However, this awareness and passion would not have grown had it not been for my field instructor in the Radiation Department, Linda Diaz. Her guidance, teaching and networking helped open doors for me and assisted me in connecting with other mentors in the field that could challenge me, support me and help me grow professionally.
What led to your decision to get a PhD?
As I said earlier, I have been blessed with incredible mentors throughout my career. I love learning and loved growing my knowledge to really be able to describe why I do what I do and what informs my practice. I also knew that I was interested in research, writing and teaching. And, quite honestly, I was aware that working in an MD world, a PhD would open the door for additional opportunities within my career both in the present and the future. It wasn’t easy. I worked full time, got married and had two babies in the five-year process—that certainly taught me the art of time management and keeping my eye on the prize!!
How has the education/experience of having your PhD affected your profession life?
To be quite frank, it has helped “level the playing field” when working with other MDs and PhDs and afforded me the ability to utilize research, writing and presentations to teach our colleagues about the amazing power of oncology social work. Certainly, I could have done this without a PhD but it does help as I seek leadership opportunities within a medical institution. I work with very skilled clinicians who often have much greater skills than I, but the PhD has helped me become more integrated in the MD/RN community and within our institution in doing psychosocial research and stressing the importance of social work in the care of patients.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
The most challenging aspect of my job is probably just keeping the amount of
plates in the air that are required in running a not-for-profit within a community health system. I have an incredible staff—they are highly competent and skilled so they afford me the opportunity to focus on developing relationships with our board of directors and institutional leaders, developing policies and procedures, and formulating strategic planning and growth opportunities to expand our services in meaningful ways.
What leadership positions have you had in your work and at AOSW, and how did you get into those positions?
Along with Chris Anrig, I started the Sexuality SIG about a year and a half ago. I am the Virginia State Representative and have also mentored OSWs who want to write abstracts. These roles came about by asking to be more involved in AOSW and looking for opportunities that fit my areas of interest. The role of Director at Large was presented to me by a couple of colleagues within AOSW as a role I might want to consider. I feel privileged that I have the opportunity to be involved in these ways!
What advice would you give to AOSW members regarding leadership?
I guess it depends on how you define “leader.” There are many ways to be a “leader” within AOSW. My first charge would be to get as involved as you want to get involved. Seek out opportunities, whether it be with a SIG, assisting with planning regional or state gatherings, being involved with offering information/support through SWON or being a mentor for abstract writing. There are so many ways to be involved and “lead” within AOSW.
Additionally, mentoring is an amazing way to be a leader within AOSW. We have an amazing community with diverse experience and incredible knowledge. If we aren’t working to grow the next generation of leaders then there won’t be a generation to follow. The way all of us can lead is through mentorship, and you don’t have to be 15 years into your career to mentor. One of my greatest mentors was only a couple of years more into her career than I but she took time, she took an interest in me, she supported and encouraged me, and she challenged me to be a better oncology social worker. We all have the ability lead and, in some ways, I believe it is our duty to lead to keep this field THRIVING.
One last question: Whom would you choose to play you in the movie of your life?
Probably Amy Adams.
About the Author
Alison Sachs, MSW, OSW-C, FAOSW
AOSW President-ElectEisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center
Rancho Mirage, CA
asachs@eisenhowerhealth.org
Alison Sachs, MSW, OSW-C, FAOSW
AOSW President-ElectEisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center
Rancho Mirage, CA
asachs@eisenhowerhealth.org
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