IPOS News

I am an early-career counsellor at Mazumdar Shaw, Narayana Health, Bangalore, working  in the Pediatric Hemato-Oncology department. My Master's in Clinical Psycho-oncology from Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, and training at Apollo Hospitals and Karunashraya Hospice Trust have aided  me to equip myself to support children and families throughout their  cancer treatment journeys.

My current work focuses on providing psychosocial support to children and their families throughout the often-long and demanding course of cancer treatment, with a central emphasis on maintaining and enhancing their quality of life. I contribute to the hospital playroom, fostering holistic development and wellbeing through play, art, and creative activities. I am passionate about the therapeutic power of play and its role in helping children in multiple domains of well-being.

Beyond my direct clinical work, I am aspiring to address the broader needs of these children and their families, and in developing appropriate and accessible resources to support their long-term wellbeing.

My personal interests in dance and literature inspire me, and I hope to integrate these art forms into my future clinical practice, using creative expression as a therapeutic tool.

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Please email the following to [email protected] with the subject line “IPOS member profile submission”:

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I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. I also serve as the Secretary General of the Interamerican Psychological Society and as an Associate Editor for the Brazilian Journal of Cognitive Therapies. I worked as a research assistant at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in the Department of Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities (MSKCC). My doctoral research focused on a pre-pilot study that assessed the effectiveness of behavioral activation through physical activity intervention among breast cancer survivors. 

As an Early-Stage Investigator, I conducted a research project titled “Developing and Testing a Spanish-Language Intervention to Reduce Cancer-Related Insomnia,” which adapted an existing intervention that has already shown efficacy among cancer survivors. This project aimed to create and test a Spanish-language behavioral intervention in a pilot randomized clinical trial. As a professor, I mentor graduate students in cancer-related research through the Health Psychology Research Laboratory (HPR Lab). I look forward to collaborating with members of the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) to promote the dissemination and implementation of scientific advancements in cancer care. I engage in daily physical activity, specifically walking for 45 to 60 minutes, to support my well-being and mental health.

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Nsamu Moonga is a music therapist and PhD candidate at the University of Pretoria. He is conducting research titled "Indigenous Musical Arts for Distress and Anxiety Management in Patients with Cancer at Lusaka's Cancer Diseases Hospital." His work explores the therapeutic potential of Indigenous Musical Arts (IMAs) to provide culturally grounded interventions for cancer patients. Nsamu's research integrates psychology, music therapy, psycho-oncology, and anthropology to address the psychosocial needs of patients in low-resource settings.

As an active member of the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS), Nsamu advocates for equitable and inclusive healthcare practices, particularly in low—and middle-income countries. His transdisciplinary research approach aims to decolonise health systems by incorporating Indigenous knowledge and practices into oncology care.

Outside academia, Nsamu enjoys composing music inspired by African traditions and connecting with communities through storytelling and the arts. His passion for blending creativity with care continues to inspire his work.

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Daphne is a general adult psychiatrist, psycho-oncologist, bioethicist, and theologian dedicated to providing holistic care to cancer patients and those facing end-of-life issues, both in outpatient and hospital settings. With a medical background complemented by deep training in the humanities, she approaches patient care from a multifaceted perspective, addressing not only psychological needs but also supporting the emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of those grappling with illness and loss.

As a bioethicist, Daphne contributes to the ethical oversight of medical research and offers consultations on challenging clinical decisions. She is also involved in education and training, mentoring future clinicians in her areas of expertise.

Beyond her clinical and academic roles, Daphne is passionate about the integral development of youth. She volunteers as a management member of a non-profit organization focused on youth empowerment and has active civic involvement in family advocacy groups. 

Outside her professional life, Daphne finds joy in appreciating nature, art, film, classical literature, deep conversations, personal encounters, and “wasting” time with friends.

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I am part of the team at the Psychooncology Department in a cancer Hospital in Chile. We focus on work with adult cancer patients and their families during their cancer journey working closely with other Supportive care Units and health care professionals.  

I have been working in Psycho Oncology for the last 5 years after my training. It allows me the opportunity to know inspiring people and also the IPOS community and the IPOS Survivorship SIG. During this time I have been learning about collaborative work, new international research collaborations along with delivery psycho oncology through Telemedicine and in person clinics at the hospital. 

It brings the opportunity to contribute to include aspects of care for healthcare professionals as long as becoming a mother of two. I am very passionate about learning from our contexts and to find ways to keep building healing relations with others. Psycho Oncology It is a fascinating field and discipline, it has given me the opportunity to learn about human experiences and belonging, acceptance and growing in a shared learning with people we work with. I am very thankful for this time and learning. 

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Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 5 p.m. EST

Brought to you by the IPOS Fear of Cancer Recurrence Special Interest Group (FORwards)

Presentations by:

1. Dr. Daniel Hall

2. Dr. Sophie Lebel (Canada)

3. Dr. Ben Smith (Australia)

Register online by going to https://form.jotform.com/250274672710252

The team at IPOS would like to extend our best wishes to you for a safe and peaceful holiday season. We hope you enjoy your time and festivities with family and friends, and we look forward to what the new year brings!

The IPOS Board of Directors and office will be unavailable from 12 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 to Wednesday, January 1, 2025 inclusive. The office reopens at 9 a.m. ET on January 2 and will make every effort to respond to all inquiries within the first 48 hours upon our return.
 
See you in the new year!

Abstracts are now being accepted through 23rd January for the upcoming Irish Psychosocial Oncology Network (IPSON) conference on Thursday, 20th March 2025 at National College of Ireland in Dublin. The theme of the conference is Collaborative Practice in Psychosocial Oncology: Optimising Quality in Practice and Research.

The conference will feature two exciting keynote speakers:

Dr. Sahil Suleman, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, University Hospitals Birmingham, NHS Foundation Trust

Ms Siobhan Gaynor, Metastatic Cancer Patient and Researcher

Registration for the conference will open in several weeks, however be assured that the schedule for the day is looking fantastic! Details for poster abstract submissions and the conference are attached. We are grateful if you would share these details with your professional networks.

We look forward to receiving your submissions and seeing you at the conference.

If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch: [email protected]

SUBMISSIONS

Please email your abstract as a Word document (Calibri, 12-point font) no later Please email your abstract as a Word document (Calibri, 12-point font) no later than 23rd

January 2025, midnight GMT to: [email protected]

I have 11 yrs of general psychiatry practice followed by 2 years of liaison psychiatry practice in EGYPT. For 3 years I have been working in psycho oncology as a senior specialist psychiatrist at SQCCCRC. I am looking forward to collaborate with colleagues from around the world and share the knowledge for better psycho oncology care.

Music inspires me.

Interested in being profiled?

Please email the following to [email protected] with the subject line “IPOS member profile submission”:

1. Name
2. Employment position
3. Employer/Institution
4. Country
5. Twitter handle (if available)
6. Jpg photo of yourself
7. 50-to-200-word description that notes details on your practice, involvement with IPOS and something “fun or interesting” about yourself.

As a Psycho-Oncologist at the After Completion Therapy Clinic, Cancer Institute (WIA), I have dedicated the past five years to providing specialized psychological support to pediatric and young adult cancer survivors. My role in this holistic clinic involves working closely with a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, nurses, psycho-oncologists, and social workers to offer comprehensive care. I am particularly fascinated by the resilience and unique needs of pediatric cancer survivors, which fuels my passion for helping these young individuals navigate their post-treatment journey. Witnessing their strength and growth, while addressing their psychological and emotional challenges, is both inspiring and rewarding. My commitment lies in facilitating their transition from treatment to a fulfilling life, ensuring they receive the support necessary to thrive. This interdisciplinary approach not only enhances the overall well-being of survivors but also continually enriches my professional experience. Engaging with young patients and their families, understanding their experiences, and contributing to their long-term wellness drives my dedication and enthusiasm in this field.

Interested in being profiled?

Please email the following to [email protected] with the subject line “IPOS member profile submission”:

1. Name
2. Employment position
3. Employer/Institution
4. Country
5. Twitter handle (if available)
6. Jpg photo of yourself
7. 50-to-200-word description that notes details on your practice, involvement with IPOS and something “fun or interesting” about yourself.