Registered Dietitian Nutritionist - Beth Violette, RDN, CSO | Conversations with the Oncology Care Team

Join moderator Erica Clinton as she has an insightful conversation with Beth Violet, a board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition at Dartmouth Cancer Center.

Explore the pivotal role of medical nutrition therapy in cancer care, debunk common misconceptions, and understand the significance of proper nutrition during treatment and recovery. Learn about evidence-based dietary practices to reduce recurrence risks and how collaboration within healthcare teams enhances patient care. Gain insights into integrative therapies, managing compassion fatigue, and the rewarding journey of supporting cancer patients holistically.

Lead Genetic Counselor - Melissa Gilstrap, MS, CGC | Conversations with the Oncology Care Team

Join us for an enlightening webinar in the ‘Conversations with the Oncology Care Team’ series, hosted by the Society for Oncology Massage and the Society for Oncology Aesthetics. Moderator Erica Clinton speaks with Melissa Gilstrap, Lead Genetics Counselor at Adventist Health, about her role in cancer care.

Discover the importance of genetic testing, common misconceptions, and Melissa’s involvement in patient support groups. Gain insights into the collaboration within oncology teams and the vital role of genetic counseling in personalized cancer treatment.

 

 

Physical Therapy - Dr. Lora S. John, PT, DPT, MPT | Conversations with the Oncology Care Team Webseries

In this episode of ‘Conversations with the Oncology Care Team,’ Erica Clinton moderates an insightful dialogue with Dr. Lora John, a licensed physical therapist and lymphedema therapist in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area.

Dr. Lora shares her journey in oncology care, emphasizing the importance of physical therapy for patients with oncological and pelvic health diagnoses. She discusses the challenges and misconceptions in healthcare, the rewarding aspects of her work, and the necessity of integrative collaboration among healthcare professionals, including massage therapists and estheticians.

Dr. Lora also highlights her commitment to providing care for the uninsured and the ongoing need for accessible rehabilitative services.

 

Healthcare Chaplain - Darrell Cousino | Conversations with the Oncology Care Team

In this episode of “Conversations with the Oncology Care Team,” Erica Clinton hosts a dialogue with Darrell Cousino, the Market Director for Spiritual Health Services at Bon Secours Mercy Health.

This enriching discussion covers the crucial role of spirituality in holistic patient care, particularly in oncology settings. Darrell shares insights into his journey, the nature of his work, and how chaplains support patients in connecting with their spiritual and emotional selves during challenging health crises.

He emphasizes the importance of an integrative approach, working alongside medical teams to address spiritual distress and promote healing beyond just physical cure.

The episode also touches on the parallels between the work of chaplains and oncology massage therapists, the evolution of chaplaincy, and the profound impact of human touch and connection in healthcare.

Clinical Social Worker - Susan Crawford | Conversations with the Oncology Care Team

In this episode of “Conversations with the Oncology Care Team,” Susan Crawford, a clinical social worker with extensive experience in palliative care and oncology social work at Smilow Cancer Hospital, shares insights into her role, emphasizing the importance of identifying the person within the patient and addressing their unique needs and worries.  

Susan discusses the comprehensive nature of her work, which includes providing emotional support, conducting assessments, and connecting patients with resources such as financial navigators and integrative medicine practitioners. She highlights the challenges posed by financial constraints in the healthcare system and the increasing specialization within the field.  

Despite these challenges, she finds immense reward in witnessing the resilience and hope of patients, particularly through her support group for women with advanced illness. The episode also delves into the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals, the role of integrative medicine, and how the presence and care provided by professionals like massage therapists can significantly impact patients’ experiences. Both Ericka and Susan underscore the value of human connection and emotional support in oncology care. 

Integrative Oncology Care Manager - Susan Yaguda, RN | Conversations with the Oncology Care Team

 

In this webinar, ‘Conversations with the Oncology Care Team’, Susan Yaguda, manager of integrative oncology, survivorship, and senior oncology at the Levine Cancer Institute discusses the multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, highlighting the role of massage therapy, acupuncture, and other integrative practices in supporting patients.

Susan shares insights into the importance of evidence-informed practices, the challenges faced in healthcare, and the rewarding aspects of providing integrative care to both patients and healthcare workers.

The conversation emphasizes the collaborative effort in oncology care and the potential benefits of integrative medicine in alleviating symptoms such as anxiety, stress, and physical discomfort. The inclusion of oncology-trained estheticians and the impact of their work on skin issues caused by conventional cancer treatments are also discussed.

Naturopathy - Dr. Ken Weizer | Conversations with the Oncology Care Team

 

In this webinar, ‘Conversations with the Oncology Care Team’, Dr. Ken Weiser, a naturopathic physician and cancer survivor from Portland, Oregon, discusses the significance of integrating naturopathic medicine and oncology massage into cancer care.

He emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach that values the patient’s narrative, accentuating diet, exercise, stress reduction, and evidence-based natural medicines.

Dr. Weiser shares insights into naturopathic medicine’s complementarity with conventional oncology, aiming to minimize treatment side effects, and reduce recurrence risk. He advocates for building trustworthy interdisciplinary teams and establishing integrated healthcare models to improve patient access to supportive care services.

The discussion also covers the roles of massage therapists in providing non-clinical support to oncology patients, highlighting the essential human connection and personalized attention in healthcare.