AOSW Connections
Editorial Team
Editor-in-Chief
Amy Colver, MSSA, MA, LISW
Editor
Katherine Easton, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
AOSW Communications Director
Brittany Hahn, LCSW
Managing Editor
Patricia Sullivan
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To submit a story or information for inclusion in a future issue of AOSW Newsletter, contact Amy Colver or Katherine Easton on the list above.
2025 Themes
February: Workplace & Culture
May: Therapeutic Techniques
August: Palliative Care
November: Caregivers
Member Spotlight: Eucharia Borden, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
How long have you been an oncology social worker?
I have been an oncology social worker since June, 2008. I started in the inpatient setting doing discharge planning and leading a breast cancer support group and in April, 2011, I moved to the outpatient oncology setting.
What is your position where you currently work? Include prior oncology social work.
I am a social worker in the outpatient setting. I see patients with all diagnoses. I get referrals for assistance with employment concerns, transportation insurance, financial issues; emotional support/brief counseling related to diagnosis, coping with illness, treatment concerns, family/relationship concerns; patient assistance program applications, resource linkage and referrals; assistance with obtaining durable medical equipment, hospice, home health care; addressing survivorship-related concerns and advocacy. I thoroughly enjoy working in an outpatient setting because I have the opportunity to get to know patients over time and build working relationships with them.
Where did you earn your degree(s)?
I received a Bachelor of Arts with a focus in Psychology and a Master of Social Work from Temple University in Philadelphia.
How long have you been a member of AOSW?
Since March 19, 2012
Have you attended the AOSW Annual Conference?
Yes – 2013 San Diego (Coronado), and 2016 in Tampa, Florida.
In your role as an oncology social worker/clinician, what is one of your favorite resources to share with clients? Why?
I love to share practical resources with patients. One that patients enjoy learning about is the $300 Taxi Grant from the American Cancer Society that they can apply for once a year. Often, patients think they are going to be overqualified, but find out that they do qualify. The ability to get to treatment is such a huge concern; I like that there is a resource I can tap into that will help the patient get started while we work on other solutions.
In your experience with survivors, would you share a memorable story with us? One that moved you?
Recently, a patient introduced me to her sister as her “part-time social worker and part- time hero.” I did what we all do—be present; listen; offer resources, support, education and encouragement, among other things. This moved me so much because it demonstrates the fact that we have no idea how much the work we do means to others. We all have an opportunity to make a difference in our patients’ lives, even in the smallest of ways. This moment stays with me because, as OSWs, I don’t know how often we stop to consider that what we do is often a gift to our patients.
In that “little something more” section, what is one thing you might share with us about you personally, one that is outside of your work life?
I have a son who will be two years old in June. He brings us so much joy! Being a mother has changed who I am in such positive ways and I am so grateful for that.
Anything more you’d like to tell us?
I’m not sure who said, “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little ‘extra,’” but it has guided my work. Sometimes, that little “extra” means taking the time to recognize that two important skills social workers learned still go a long way: one, meeting patients where they are and, two, the importance of joining with our patients. These seem like such small things yet they matter immensely to the patients we serve. I try to understand where someone is coming from, to ask difficult questions and to listen actively. I try to be sensitive to the things patients don’t say, such as the impact of culture and/or healthcare disparities on their experience. I’m comforted in knowing that oncology social work colleagues share these values and put them into practice.
About the Author
Jean Rowe, LCSW, OSW-C, CJT
Jean Rowe, LCSW, OSW-C, CJT
Articles
Gather With AOSW in Atlanta, GeorgiaMember Spotlight: Amanda Musser, MSW
Member Spotlight: Chesley Flotten, MA, LCSW
Member Spotlight: Christabel Cheung, PhD Candidate, MSW
Member Spotlight: Craig Pressley, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Member Spotlight: Crystal Fields-Burdick, LCSW, OSW-C
Member Spotlight: Dennis Heffern, MSW, LCSW
Member Spotlight: Erin Price, BS, MSW
Member Spotlight: Eucharia Borden, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Member Spotlight: Hilary Cohen, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, CTS, DVC(111)
Member Spotlight: Jamie Bussiere, MSW, MPH
Member Spotlight: Jeanice Hansen, LCSW, OSW-C
Member Spotlight: Jennifer Carrera, MSW, LCSW
Member Spotlight: Katherine Walsh, PhD, MSW, LICSW
Member Spotlight Krista Nelson, LCSW, OSW-C, BCD, FAOSW
Member Spotlight: Lynn Waldman, LCSW
Member Spotlight: Marie Lavigne, LCSW, OSW-C
Member Spotlight: Patrice Al-Shatti, LMSW
Member Spotlight: Robert McMillan, MSW, LCSW, BCD,OSW-C
Member Spotlight: Summer Al-Majed, MSW
Member Spotlight: Susan Glaser, LCSW
Member Spotlight: Teri Freeman, LCSW
Virtual Meetings: From Best Practice to IMHO Suggestions