By Linda Mathew, DSW, MSW, LCSW-R 
AOSW President 

Hello AOSW Members, 

Happy Spring to everyone! We are just about a month away from meeting in Atlanta.   

I hope you’re as excited as I am about the upcoming AOSW Annual Conference! The program is shaping up to be an incredible event. Our theme Let’s Unite to Ignite: Cultivating Connections, really captures the spirit of the oncology social work community.  

The preconference workshops all sound invaluable, offering opportunities for both foundational learning and advanced skill-building. Here’s a quick breakdown of the workshops: 

• Oncology Social Work Foundations: Learning to Manage Complex Needs and Foster Connections
  This is such an important foundational session—addressing the complex, multifaceted needs of oncology patients and finding ways to build strong, supportive relationships. 

• Utilizing the Generic Model of CBT for Individuals Living with a Cancer Diagnosis: An Advanced CBT Workshop
  For those looking to deepen their CBT skills, this sounds like a fantastic opportunity to refine clinical practice and provide even more effective support to individuals facing a cancer diagnosis. 

• Advancing Clinical and Leadership Skills with ESPEC-Oncology: Educating Oncology Social Workers in Palliative and End-of-life Care
  Palliative and end-of-life care are critical areas of oncology social work, and this workshop will certainly help attendees strengthen their approach in these emotionally challenging but vital aspects of care. 

• The Force Behind the Forces: VA and Community Oncology Social Work Collaborations to Serve Veteran Patients
  This is particularly intriguing, highlighting the intersection between military service and cancer care. Collaborations between VA and community oncology teams can lead to more holistic care for veterans. 

From the Heart: Cultivating Connections 

As I turn to our Connections newsletter, I’m reminded of the power and importance of building and nurturing meaningful relationships. Cultivating Connections is more than just a theme—it’s a call to action for us all. In our field, where compassion and service are at the core of what we do, connecting with like-minded social workers can be both inspiring and restorative. 

There are many therapeutic interventions and techniques available to us, but sometimes, in the chaos of daily life, things can feel overwhelming or out of control. My hope is that each of you is finding time every day to refuel and re-energize your mind and body. Even the smallest moments of self-care can have the biggest impact. 

Let this space remind us that we are not alone—that through community, empathy, and shared purpose, we continue to rise 

“Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”  

~ Dr. Brene Brown