How long have you been an oncology social worker?
For 32 years. I have always been interested in helping others and giving back to people. In a rural area such as ours, a social worker has to be extremely diversified in their ability to help all “walks of life” in need. Oncology just happens to be a need in this area. I take a very broad approach when it comes to advocating for the people of this community.

Where do you currently work?
For the past 11 years I have been the Director of Oncology Support Services at the Carrie J. Babb Cancer Center in Bolivar, Missouri. I am available to assist with any questions one may have related to mental, emotional, spiritual, family and community support, insurance coverage or arranging home services. Generally, I assist with counseling and support in coping with cancer. There are many resources in the community that patients need. Patients, caregivers and family members are encouraged to attend support groups every third Friday of every month. I am also able to help patients with transportation resources to get them to and from treatment and physician appointments. Many patients need help filling out advance care directives and living wills, which I am capable of assisting with.

Where did you earn your degree(s)?

• Missouri State University BSW
• University of Missouri MSW

How long have you been a member of AOSW? Attended annual conferences?
I have been a member of AOSW for 10 years, and have attended the last eight annual conferences. They give me a yearly opportunity to receive excellent training and information on a variety of oncology issues from professional social workers from around the world. Every session offered has been very valuable to me. And, I get the necessary CEUs for OSW-C renewal.

In your role as an oncology social worker/clinician, what is one of your favorite resources to share with clients? Why?
One of my favorite resources is providing dental care to our patients through Miles for Smiles. Many patients are required to have dental care prior to receiving chemo and radiation. The clinic allows them to receive dental care with financial assistance so they can begin treatments as soon as possible.

In your experience with survivors, would you share a memorable story with us?
Twenty years ago, I went to a local golf course. The owner, a woman I had gone to school with who had breast cancer, came up to me and said, “Robert, I want you to put on a golf tournament fundraiser for cancer someday.” She passed six months later. Two years later, I woke up at 2:00 a.m. and remembered what she requested. Then I started the Karen Kjar Memorial Golf Tournament. This year was the 18th year of the event.

In that “little something more” section, what is one thing you might share with us about you personally, one that is outside your work life?
Sixteen years ago, with another person, I started the Southwest Missouri Celtic Festival. We attended Celtic festivals around three states to obtain information on how to start ours. Now, 3,500- 5,000 people come to a small town in the Ozarks for one and a half days of Scottish entertainment.

Anything more you’d like to tell us?
I recently retired as a Dallas County Missouri deputy sheriff for 40 years. My duty was to pick up prisoners who had broken parole or probation. This role in the community allowed me to create relationships that made it easier to transfer into the social work role.