IPOS News

I am originally from Malaysia, received my B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin in the United States, and my PhD from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. I have been a member of IPOS since the IPOS World Congress in Banff in 2019 and have attended every world congress since! I am also one of the founding members of the IPOS Survivorship SIG and can highly recommend joining this active group of lovely people under the excellent leadership of Dr Michael Jefford and Dr Christina Signorelli. I do registry-based epidemiological research, survey-based research and intervention trials, and have a special interest in the psychosocial aspects of cancer caregiving and of living long-term with incurable cancer. Other areas of my research include grief and bereavement, patient and public involvement in research, and stress and coping. I enjoy international collaboration, so feel free to reach out!

Interested in being profiled?

Please email the following to ed@ipos-society.org 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.

I am Rita Daher, a senior psychology student at the Lebanese American University in Lebanon. My journey in psychology has been enriched through practical experiences, particularly at an NGO where I provided hands-on support to intellectually and physically disabled adults and elderly individuals navigating various psychological, social, and physical challenges. Complementing my academic endeavors, I was enrolled in Music Therapy training to further expand my expertise in the psychology field. Currently, I am exploring the captivating realm of academia, with a focus on a psycho-oncology course. This course delves into the psychological, social, and physical barriers faced by cancer patients, the coping dynamics of families, and the diverse interventions both pharmacological and non-pharmacological required. It also highlights the crucial role of the medical team and emphasizes the significance of effective communication between physicians and patients. Inspired by my studies, I have also joined the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) to explore the intersection of psychology and oncology. Furthermore, I am enrolled in the CITI program that serves online courses in ethics, research, regulatory compliance, and responsible conduct of research. Outside of academia, I find solace in creative writing poetry, and drawing as a powerful means of self-expression.

Interested in being profiled?

Please email the following to ed@ipos-society.org 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.

I am a psychologist and got a Master of Science in psychology at Irkutsk State University of Russian Federation. I have worked as a psychologist at National Cancer Center of Mongolia from 2006 to 2020. I am one of the first pioneers in developing psychosocial care services in Mongolia. Currently, I am working as a lecturer at MNUMS. But I am interested in raising awareness of the population about psycho-oncology, building comprehensive and multidisciplinary health care for people with cancer, and integrating psychosocial care into routine cancer care in LMICs with limited resources. Since 2018 I have joined  the IPOS network. I desire to learn and collaborate with experts from all nations over the world to develop mental health care for people living with cancer. 

Interested in being profiled?

Please email the following to ed@ipos-society.org 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.

Psychiatrist

Departments of Oncology and Psychiatry

Cumming School of Medicine

University of Calgary 

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).

The Departments of Oncology and Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary in conjunction with the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute and Alberta Health Services, invite applications for a Contingent Term position within the discipline of Psychiatry, at the Professor level. 

Qualifications include an MD and eligibility for registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta in Psychiatry and Certification or board eligibility in Psychiatry from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.  Applicants must have 10 plus years of experience with special competency in a Psychiatry discipline, evidence of   continuous, externally funded (at the level of Tri-Council or equivalent peer reviewed National/International organization), an outstanding academic publication record as evidenced by continuous publication in high impact journals or leading in the field, demonstrated ability to lead research teams, outstanding teaching and graduate supervision record, and evidence of academic service leadership.

The successful candidate will be an academic clinical psychiatrist with a track record in psychosocial oncology with special interests in palliative care, indigenous health and /or geriatric oncology.  In addition, the successful candidate will have a proven track record of leadership of diverse teams and will have an activity profile that will be in part in scope, servicing urban, rural and remote clinically applied academic investigation into unmet clinical needs.  

The Department of Oncology and its eleven (11) clinical and academic divisions represent all major cancer disciplines.  Our key research streams align with the research foci of the Cumming School of Medicine, the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, the new Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, and with the cancer research priorities of Cancer Care Alberta.  Our clinical population and psychosocial research continuum within the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, the Holy Cross Centre and the new Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre support the Department of Oncology’s vision, mission, and values, which guide us through our research, academic and clinical service success as identified in the four strategic pillars that form the framework to achieve our success plans.  These include: i) Advancing our research foci, ii) Embracing our research leadership culture, iii) Building capacity, mentoring and supporting researchers, and iv) Fostering teamwork and collaboration.

Scheduled to open to the public in 2024, the new 1.4 million square foot Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre will engage patients at the centre of a multidisciplinary health system, enabling access to comprehensive cancer care services in a world-class facility. In fact, the extensive scope and integration of cancer care services at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre will make it one of the most comprehensive cancer centres in the world. Integrated research across the spectrum will further optimize care with focus on prevention, early detection, precision medicine and psychosocial care.

UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

Calgary is one of the world’s cleanest cities and has been named one of the world’s most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America. 

The University of Calgary recognizes that candidates have varying career paths and that career interruptions can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged but not required to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions to allow for a fair assessment of their application. Selection committees have been instructed to give careful consideration to, and be sensitive to the impact of career interruptions, when assessing the candidate’s research productivity.

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit an application online via University of Calgary Careers webpage using the ‘Apply Now’ link.

Please be aware that the application process allows for a maximum of four attachments. Your four application attachments should be organized to contain the following (you are encouraged to merge documents to reduce the number of attachments):

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research interest statement (not to exceed 2 pages)
• Leadership statement including equity, diversity and inclusion considerations (not to exceed 2 pages)
• The names and contact information for three (3) referees. Reference letters will not be required unless the applicant is short-listed for a visit/interview. 

View full posting and apply: https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/13904164-psychiatrist-departments-of-oncology-and-psychiatry-cumming-school-of-medicine

For more information please contact:

Dr. Don Morris,

Professor and Head

Department of Oncology

Email: Don.Morris@albertahealthservices.ca

Application deadline: March 8, 2024

To learn more about academic opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Academic Careers website (http://careers.ucalgary.ca/).  For more information about the Cumming School of Medicine visit Cumming School of Medicine | University of Calgary (ucalgary.ca).

The University of Calgary strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)

Interested in advertising with IPOS? Click here to learn more.

We are looking for volunteer members for our Special Interest Group: E-Health and AI (Artificial Intelligence)

If you are a current member of IPOS and want to get involved, we have a great opportunity for you. Considering becoming a member of our Special Interest Group: E-Health and AI (Artificial Intelligence) Our goal is to have a group with members with broad experiences and perspectives. We also want members from all parts of the World!

If you are a member of IPOS and have an interest in e-Health and/or Artificial Intelligence as it pertains to psychosocial oncology, this is the group for you!

The co-chairs:

• Carmen Loiselle – Canada
• Claire Foster – United Kingdom
• Tania Estape – Spain

Please email ed@ipos-society.org with your name, country and one sentence about why you are interested in volunteering with the Special Interest Group: E-Health and AI (Artificial Intelligence)

Please submit by February 15, 2024.

I am a psychologist at the psychosocial service of the Podоl Regional Oncology Center, Vinnytsia. I provide assistance in various departments: polyclinic, surgical, therapeutic. I also work with palliative patients.

Since 2006, I have been one of the first pioneers in the development of psychosocial assistance services in Ukraine.

I want to learn and collaborate with experts from around the world to improve psychiatric care for people with cancer, especially vulnerable populations, especially those who have been forcibly displaced by war and genocide.

My goal is to develop and improve psychosocial oncology services in Ukraine.

I restore the forgotten traditions of my people, I bake bread.

Interested in being profiled?

Please email the following to ed@ipos-society.org 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.

I am currently investigating depressive symptoms and cognitive impairments (memory problems, attention, mental agility...) associated with breast cancer. Specifically, I am studying possible biomarkers of both conditions and a home treatment that combines non-invasive brain stimulation techniques and cognitive training to improve these symptoms (NCT06053775). I became a member of IPOS because I believe that it will greatly contribute to enrich my professional practice, both clinical practice and research, by meeting professionals in this field and being up to date in therapeutic intervention with oncology patients. In addition, I believe that this membership will allow me to disseminate my work so that other professionals can get to know it. I have initiated this research project with the intention of learning more about one of the main sequelae of cancer, which often goes unnoticed by medical professionals and for which many patients do not receive treatment. I hope to be able to extend this knowledge to other populations, such as children, to improve the quality of life of these patients. I am confident that my background and enthusiasm will make this possible!

Interested in being profiled?

Please email the following to ed@ipos-society.org 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.

The Journal of Psychosocial Oncology Research and Practice is the official global journal of the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS). This open access journal focuses on the growing body of research in the field of psychosocial oncology. The journal publishes articles reporting on clinical research examining psychosocial and behavioral interventions in oncology settings, research on the implementation of psychosocial and behavioral interventions in routine clinical practice and their impact on outcomes. This includes reports on pragmatic clinical trials, qualitative research, systematic reviews, survivorship research and care, psychosocial oncology research and practice in developing countries, innovative research methods and research into global and regional health disparities as they relate to psychosocial oncology care and services.

First Name	Last Name	Country
Khaled	Al Omari	Oman
Chioma	Asuzu	Nigeria
Alcon	Barnett	Jamaica
Svetlana	Baziliansky	Israel
Genevieve	Breau	Canada
Rosario	Costas-Muñiz	USA
Susanne	Dalton	Denmark
Lauren	Daniel	USA
Haryana	Dhillon	Australia
Tania	Estape	Spain
Claire	Han	USA
Saki	Harashima	Japan
Jochen	Kaiser	Germany
Cramer	Kallem	USA
Juliet	Kroll	USA
Ken	Kurisu	Japan
Wendy Wing Tak	Lam	Hong Kong, China
Gerald	Matua	Oman
Anja	Mehnert-Theurkauf	Germany
Hitoshi	Okamura	Japan
Masako	Okamura	Japan
Ying	Pang	China
Sarah	Reed	USA
Lauren	Rudy	Canada
Kelly	Shaffer	USA
Mariana Alejandra	Sierra- Murguía	Mexico
Ellen	Sweeney	Canada
Miyako	Takahashi	Japan
Rachel	Taylor	UK
Kathleen	Van Dyk	USA
Vicki	White	Australia
Lori	Wiener	USA
jeanette	Winterling	Sweden
Nienke	Zomerdijk	Australia

Find out more by going to https://journals.lww.com/jporp/pages/default.aspx

Florina Pasca (Pop), PhD, clinical psychologist at the Oncological Institute Prof. dr.I. Chiricuta with more than 10 years of experience in Psycho-Oncology. I work with adult patients with various malignant pathologies. During the 10 years of activity, I participated in various conferences in the field of psychology, psychotherapy and psycho-oncology, but was also involved in research projects, including those aimed at online psycho-education for cancer patients and their families. I believe in continuous professional training, and her personal interests include quality of life, etiopathogenetic mechanisms involved in health and mental illness, multidisciplinarity in the care of cancer treatment and effective psycho-oncological interventions in emotional self-regulation of cancer patients and their caregivers. The person who inspires me from psychooncology domain is prof. Maggie Watson, also an IPOS active member.

Interested in being profiled?

Please email the following to ed@ipos-society.org 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.

The team at the IPOS would like to extend our best wishes to you all for a safe and peaceful holiday season. We hope you are able to enjoy the festivities with family and friends. Looking forward to what the new year will bring!

Holiday Office Hours

The IPOS Board of Directors and office will be unavailable from 5 p.m. ET on Friday, December 22, 2023 to Monday, January 1, 2024 inclusive. We will be back 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 all in the new year!