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What
role does social work play in radiation oncology?
Social work services assist people with the
psychosocial impact of cancer treatment. The
social worker can provide a valuable link to resources available in the
community. Often, the social worker
can help you find answers to those questions that you’re just not sure whom
else to ask. In addition, oncology
social workers are trained in individual and family therapy. Social workers understand that cancer is a disease that
affects the entire family, and sometimes those effects last after treatment is
completed. One of the main goals in offering social work services in radiation
oncology is to reduce outside stressors, which can impact a person’s ability
to cope with cancer treatment and diagnosis. What are some examples of problems or issues that a person might bring to a social worker in radiation oncology? · I’m not able to work and I need help applying for social security · I don’t have insurance · I don’t know what to tell my 7 year-old son about my cancer diagnosis · I don’t drive and I don’t have anyone to bring me to radiation treatment · I can’t afford to pay for my medications · My spouse doesn’t understand what I’m going through · I live 150 miles away and I don’t have anywhere to stay near Jefferson Hospital · I’m 22 years old and I’d like to talk to another young cancer survivor ·
I live alone and I’m having a difficult time cooking and cleaning for
myself Each of these problems were solved or alleviated
with the help of the social worker. A patient
information session is held every Thursday from 11am to 12pm in the Simon
Kramer Conference room. The
session, which is facilitated by social work and nursing, serves to familiarize
patients with issues related to radiation treatment.
All patients are encouraged to attend before beginning radiation
treatment Maryellen Koenig, LSW is the Social Worker in
the Department of Radiation Oncology. Maryellen
earned her Master of Social Work
degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her undergraduate degree in
Psychology from Franklin and Marshall College.
She is a licensed Social Worker in Pennsylvania. To make an appointment to meet with Maryellen,
call (215) 955-3957. Various support programs are available to cancer patients at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson. If
you have questions about any of these programs, please call Lora Rhodes, LSW at
955-8370. |
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