The world of oncology treatment is changing right before our eyes. The advances in treatment, the sheer increase in number of survivors, the shift to more cancers being treated as a chronic illness and the increase in caregiver burden are only some examples of these changes.

The NASW News recently published an article that featured oncology social work as a growing specialty in social work. Many of our own members were quoted—such as Iris Fineberg, Jennifer Bires, Grace Christ, Carolyn Messner, and Lynn Behar. The last three, of course, are the editors of the recent Handbook of Oncology Social Work, the amazing achievement of oncology practice and evidence-based care. The NASW article highlighted the depth and breadth of oncology social work and how integral our role is to achieving best practices in patient-centered care. It also highlighted that in the field of social work, oncology social work and palliative care are growing sub-specialties and consequently growing job opportunities.

The Handbook is an impressive, comprehensive selection of chapters that span the landscape of what we do in clinical areas, in research, in education and how it interfaces in excellent psychosocial support to the person with cancer and their support system. All this brings very positive visibility to our role, expertise and viability in oncology care. The Handbook and the article do not simply explain what we do but they illustrate the range of expertise and modalities we employ to address complex and crisis-based issues facing people with cancer.

So how does AOSW fit in with all this growth, professionalism, visibility and job opportunities? For many years AOSW has been able to provide our members the necessary tools they need to enter the field of oncology, build the necessary skills, expertise and networks that contribute to an individual’s ability to thrive in their work.

• Professional development—AOSW provides multiple opportunities to our members for professional development through delineating standards of practice, which are located on our website. But these standards are put into action through the annual conference. The conference presents us with the chance to hear the latest in clinical practice all along the disease continuum through leadership workshops, mentoring and networking. It provides in-depth opportunities to develop and solidify our collective and individual professional identities. Both recharged and with renewed purpose we then return to our respective institutions, organizations and practices with an empowered sense of purpose regarding our contributions.

• Communication—We are building our networks of communication and outreach all the time. Initially, our online network SWON served as a constant stream of real time communication among members throughout the country and the globe. This venue allows us to support one another as we discuss complex clinical issues or ethical dilemmas. In addition, AOSW has developed many means by which we can connect to one another—through Facebook, Twitter, OSW NewsBrief, AOSW Navigator and webinars that bring us quality information necessary for our work.

• Research—Our long-standing association with the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology has given our members a direct connection to the evidence-based research in our field. In addition, we have a new research project—A Project to Assure Quality Cancer Care (APAQCC)—that is assisting members by providing research guidance and practical support  to improve the psychosocial care received by cancer patients and their families. Through APAQCC projects, oncology social workers are able to develop the skills to implement and monitor psychosocial care that support social work practice. This project started last year and is currently ongoing.

These are just a few of the ways AOSW provides a steady flow of information, guidance, community, networking and professional development. This has been a great year for you all as oncology social workers. Thank you all for everything you do every day with integrity and passion.