It’s February 2022, and that means our AOSW Annual Conference is just four months away! Is anyone in need of a physical or virtual get-away? This year more than ever, we may all need more of the inspiration, soul connection, perspective and renewal offered by the AOSW Conference. As you contemplate your next self-care or pandemic management strategy, keep in mind how rejuvenating it can feel to be among oncology social work peers and simply learn. No task lists, no phone calls, no clinic policies or politics to navigate. This is a time for you to add to your own knowledge bank, to consider your oncology social work practice in a new way, and to be among our esteemed colleagues who understand well the challenges of being a social worker in a time of social disconnection. It’s time for us to connect.
In addition to information about the AOSW Conference, this first Issue of 2022 features a riveting article by AOSW President Sarah Conning on social determinants of health. As she notes, there’s even more recent emphasis on the importance of identifying and intervening with social risk factors that have been drivers of cancer disparities. It’s a terrific read with great resources to learn more about this topic. You’ll also find podcast and YouTube links to an educational series presented by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) on social determinants of health in cancer care and cancer outcomes. For members with a clinical focus, this Issue’s book review is of Your Journey beyond Breast Cancer: Tools for the Road, especially useful for women looking for a guidebook during their care.
We hope you enjoy the Issue, and what’s more, we hope it sparks curiosity, ideas and innovation for you!
KrisAnn Talarico, LCSW, OSW-C
Amy Colver, LCSW
Patricia Sullivan
