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

The NASW News just published an article that featured oncology social work as a growing specialty in social work. It highlighted the depth and breadth of our practice and how integral our role is in 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 subspecialties. All this brings more positive visibility to our role, our expertise and our viability—all good things.

So how can AOSW help in all this growth, visibility and job opportunity? For many years AOSW has been able to provide the necessary tools our members need to enter the field of oncology—to build the necessary skills and expertise and networks that contribute to an individual’s ability to thrive in their work. By just highlighting a few areas, I think it is important to look at the support and information we provide on an ongoing basis.

Professional Development – AOSW provides multiple opportunities to our members for professional development through delineating standards of practice, which are located on our website. The establishment of standards of practice is very important given the multifaceted nature of our work. The annual conference presents us with the opportunity to hear the latest in clinical practice all along the disease continuum, leadership workshops, mentoring and networking. The annual conference also 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, live webinars, webinar recordings and conference webcasting 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, our research project—A Project to Assure Quality Cancer Care (APAQCC)—that is assisting member with distress screening by providing research guidance and practical support to improve the psychosocial care we provide patients with cancer and their families. Through APAQCC projects, oncology social workers are able to develop the skills to implement and monitor psychosocial care that supports social work practice. This project started last year and is currently ongoing.

These are just a few ways AOSW provides a steady flow of information, guidance, community, networking and professional development. In times like these we need to stay connected more than ever.