Social Worker
Psychosocial needs for oncology patients have become far more complex, as treatment has shifted to the outpatient area, patients face more treatment choices, and patients and their families bear heavier responsibility for managing their care.
An oncology social worker’s expertise involves the comprehensive approach of combining the physical healing with mental, emotional and psychosocial wellness. Chronic illness will have a substantial impact on attitude, emotions, lifestyle, finances, job status and social relationships of patients and their families. Also, as a key individual in the multidisciplinary team, the oncology social worker offers significant opportunities to profoundly influence the quality of the family's experience with the chronic illnesses. This potential to truly strengthen and enrich coping strategies for the patient and family is the primary goal for the social worker.
For additional information about St. Joseph Hospital Social Services please click here.
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Debi Lauderdale, MSW
Education: MSW Degree, Long Beach State University
Certifications: Trauma Response and Debriefing
Experience: Five years with Oncology patients
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