AOSW Connections
Editorial Team
Editor-in-Chief
Amy Colver, MSSA, MA, LISW
Editor
Katherine Easton, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
AOSW Communications Director
Brittany Hahn, LCSW
Managing Editor
Patricia Sullivan
Contribute Today!
To submit a story or information for inclusion in a future issue of AOSW Newsletter, contact Amy Colver or Katherine Easton on the list above.
2025 Themes
February: Workplace & Culture
May: Therapeutic Techniques
August: Palliative Care
November: Caregivers
December 2016
Volume 2 | Issue 6
President's Message
President's Message: Around AOSW
As my year as AOSW President comes to a close, I am filled with excitement for the future of our organization and our membership. With new leadership already in place and moving full steam ahead we are positioned to continue to grow, excel and lead in the field of psychosocial oncology. I move on with confidence in the leadership of your new President Catherine Credeur, LMSW, OSW-C, and President-Elect Tara J. Schapmire, PhD, MSSW, CSW, OSW-C, FNAP.
AOSW Staff Announcement: Emily Burch Named Executive Director
Vicki Loise, CMP, CAE, has resigned as AOSW Executive Director effective December 14. Emily Burch will step into the role of Executive Director on December 15.
AOSW Conference
2017 Annual Conference: Denver, Here We Come!
It’s hard to believe that in just a few months we will be enjoying the natural splendor of Denver, Colorado, as we gather for the 2017 AOSW 33rd Annual Conference. This year’s theme, “Elevating Compassion, Experience and Vision,” will be highlighted by our Keynote and Featured speakers.
Committee Updates
Research: Building a Patient-Centered Research Collaborative (PCRC) for Psychosocial Oncology
Recently, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), a nongovernmental organization established through funding from the Affordable Care Act, awarded a two-year $250,000 grant to the University of Michigan School of Social Work and AOSW to establish a Patient-Centered Research Collaborative (PCRC) for Psychosocial Oncology. Collaborative and cooperative group models for scientific research are common in oncology; however, they focus primarily on biomedical outcomes and cancer treatment trials. Relatively little psychosocial research is supported through these cooperative group models, and rarely do these models integrate patients as part of the investigative team. This new project will involve engaging a committed group of 15 oncology social workers, 15 cancer patient advocates and academic researchers in the identification of high priority research questions and ultimately supporting their involvement in research of relevance to patients and families.
Director's Report: Advocacy - AOSW Supports Better Access to Palliative Care
In a time of partisan rancor and legislative gridlock and a presidential election cycle none of us will soon forget, would you be surprised to know there is a bill with genuine bipartisan support?
Director's Report: Membership
In just about a month it will be one year since I stepped into this role—and what a year it has been! Here are the highlights:
Education
Resources: Survivors Retreat - Life After Cancer
What now? This is the question many survivors ask when they reach the end of their treatment. In 2013 we realized we needed to assist patients in answering this question. Often they finish their treatment and are unsure what the next steps are after cancer and survivorship. We began searching for a way to assist our patients in moving forward with their lives after treatment was finished. Based on this, an idea was born.
Clinical Content
Research: Building a Patient-Centered Research Collaborative (PCRC) for Psychosocial Oncology
Recently, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), a nongovernmental organization established through funding from the Affordable Care Act, awarded a two-year $250,000 grant to the University of Michigan School of Social Work and AOSW to establish a Patient-Centered Research Collaborative (PCRC) for Psychosocial Oncology. Collaborative and cooperative group models for scientific research are common in oncology; however, they focus primarily on biomedical outcomes and cancer treatment trials. Relatively little psychosocial research is supported through these cooperative group models, and rarely do these models integrate patients as part of the investigative team. This new project will involve engaging a committed group of 15 oncology social workers, 15 cancer patient advocates and academic researchers in the identification of high priority research questions and ultimately supporting their involvement in research of relevance to patients and families.
Resources: Survivors Retreat - Life After Cancer
What now? This is the question many survivors ask when they reach the end of their treatment. In 2013 we realized we needed to assist patients in answering this question. Often they finish their treatment and are unsure what the next steps are after cancer and survivorship. We began searching for a way to assist our patients in moving forward with their lives after treatment was finished. Based on this, an idea was born.
SIG Updates
Special Interest Group Announcement: New Research SIG (SWORG) Formed
A new Special Interest Group (SIG) for AOSW members who are interested in research has formed. The SIG, to be known as SWORG (Social Work Oncology Research Group), will be chaired by Elizabeth A. Rohan, who works at the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and is a member of the current Research Committee. Unlike the Research Committee, which is a small group of experienced researchers, the new group will be open to all AOSW members who are interested in research.
Research
Research: Building a Patient-Centered Research Collaborative (PCRC) for Psychosocial Oncology
Recently, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), a nongovernmental organization established through funding from the Affordable Care Act, awarded a two-year $250,000 grant to the University of Michigan School of Social Work and AOSW to establish a Patient-Centered Research Collaborative (PCRC) for Psychosocial Oncology. Collaborative and cooperative group models for scientific research are common in oncology; however, they focus primarily on biomedical outcomes and cancer treatment trials. Relatively little psychosocial research is supported through these cooperative group models, and rarely do these models integrate patients as part of the investigative team. This new project will involve engaging a committed group of 15 oncology social workers, 15 cancer patient advocates and academic researchers in the identification of high priority research questions and ultimately supporting their involvement in research of relevance to patients and families.
Special Interest Group Announcement: New Research SIG (SWORG) Formed
A new Special Interest Group (SIG) for AOSW members who are interested in research has formed. The SIG, to be known as SWORG (Social Work Oncology Research Group), will be chaired by Elizabeth A. Rohan, who works at the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and is a member of the current Research Committee. Unlike the Research Committee, which is a small group of experienced researchers, the new group will be open to all AOSW members who are interested in research.
Advocacy & Health Policy
Director's Report: Advocacy - AOSW Supports Better Access to Palliative Care
In a time of partisan rancor and legislative gridlock and a presidential election cycle none of us will soon forget, would you be surprised to know there is a bill with genuine bipartisan support?
Kudos
Achievements of AOSW Members
While I know that there are just as many Kudos to celebrate this month as we have throughout 2016, the response was a bit light. So this is short and sweet, while still recognizing the inspiring work that our members are a part of every day.
Member Spotlight
Director's Report: Membership
In just about a month it will be one year since I stepped into this role—and what a year it has been! Here are the highlights:
Achievements of AOSW Members
While I know that there are just as many Kudos to celebrate this month as we have throughout 2016, the response was a bit light. So this is short and sweet, while still recognizing the inspiring work that our members are a part of every day.