I remember my very first AOSW Annual Conference in La Jolla, California, back in 1998 (I think it was ‘98) and I attended a talk on depression in patients with cancer by Susan Hedlund. I thought she was a brilliant (and beautiful) inspiration. She was also an excellent actor! She role-played a young woman with brain cancer in “Life of a Group,” a dramatic and emotional role in a support group performed by our leaders on stage. I learned that she was President of AOSW. I think I decided that day that I wanted to be an OSW just like her.

Over the years, I invited Susan to Louisville, KY, a few times to share her brilliance with us and we became friends. I even enjoyed dancing with her at more than one AOSW dance party. Given my great respect for Susan Hedlund—this wonderful gift to AOSW and to me—it was easy for me to reach out and ask her to reflect on her role as an OSW and her leadership in our field.

How long have you been in the field of oncology?
Thirty-five years

How has the field changed in that time?
Oh, my! it has changed dramatically!! Thirty-five years ago, cancer was considered a “death sentence.” Treatments were difficult. We did not have good antiemetics at that time so side effects were very challenging. We even kept some of our radiation patients in the hospital for a full six weeks! Gratefully, the statistics of survival have reversed themselves since that time. So much more is known now about the treatment of cancer, which results in a cure for many people. The fields of genetics and immunotherapy have also revolutionized our understanding of cancer.

How has the role of oncology social work changed?
The role has evolved and become more sophisticated. Oncology social workers are now essential members of most cancer center teams. We are viewed as the psychosocial experts on many of our teams. The addition of the patient-centered care Commission on Cancer standards has also elevated the social work role and, in many cancer centers, oncology social workers are in leadership positions.

What are/were your leadership roles in AOSW?
I have been Abstract Committee Chair, a member of several Conference Planning Committees and eventually President of AOSW (a huge honor). I am currently on the Membership Committee.

What was the most meaningful aspect of being president for you?
I felt so honored and humbled to be chosen to lead our organization. AOSW was formed during my time as an oncology social worker, and has been my professional life-line for my entire career. It has also resulted in some of my most precious friendships. I was very proud of the Diversity SIG that we started during that time. Currently, I am happy to represent AOSW on the College of Surgeons.

What have you been doing since your time on the Board of Directors?
I continue to work as an oncology social worker. After working at a large academic medical center, I worked at a community nonprofit agency for cancer patients, then directed a home-based palliative program until being invited back to our university teaching hospital to lead our team of oncology social workers. I have been in this role for six years. We have increased our team from six to 13 oncology social workers, and have a team of contract employees who provide integrative medicine services within our department. I also continue to be on the faculty at our School of Social Work and am an Assistant Professor in the School of Medicine.

What awards have you received?
I received Oregon’s Social Worker of the Year Award (long ago!), AOSW’s Leadership in Oncology Social Work Award, the ACS Quality of Life Award and the Sojourn’s Award from the Cambia Foundation for Excellence in Palliative Care.

What keeps you connected to AOSW?
The people. I love learning about what others are doing, and am always impressed with the creativity and wisdom of oncology social workers. The networking has been amazing. Also, going to the conferences is like “coming home” to dear friends.

What advice would you give to new leaders in our organization?
Hang in there! While the politics can at times be distressing, it is an honor and a privilege to represent and serve such a great social work specialty and profession. Listening and keeping an open mind helps immensely. Find mentors to help you.

What would you like to see as ways to keep former leaders engaged in AOSW?
I would like AOSW to create a culture where new OSWs and new OSW leaders are mentored and encouraged to grow, while also having regard for our history, and respect for those who have built the foundation over the years of AOSW. That would be ideal. Acknowledging past leaders at the conference is a nice touch. It is hard for longtime OSWs to find a lot of new content at conferences, but they can be invited to participate with certain topics to share their expertise. Also, as special projects come up (e.g., best practices group), inviting former leaders to participate would be a good way to engage. And, having a mix of longtime leaders and newer ones on committees is a good plan as well.

Susan, thank you so much for all you have done and continue to do for AOSW, our field and for those affected by cancer. And thank you for all you have done for me.