IPOS News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

I work as a cognitive psychologist and psycho-oncologist in Centro de Terapia Cognitiva (Cognitive Therapy Center) de Buenos Aires, in which I coordinate the activities of this area.

I am the coordinator of my own team of Psycho-Oncology and Palliative care in the private practice. In Argentina, I am a teacher in different institutions, related to psychotherapy, psycho-oncology and palliative care.

I have been an associate member of IPOS since 2007.I have attended some world congresses and presented a poster at one of them. I like singing to relax from the stress at work.

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.

Tihana is an Early Career Professionals in Psycho-Oncology (ECPP) Committee Co-Chair, a dedicated healthcare professional with a specialization in oncology and hematology nursing. Subsequently, she expanded her horizons by undertaking a specialization in Oncology Nursing at the European College of Cancer Nursing. Currently, Tihana is pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Maribor, Faculty of Health Sciences, solidifying her commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of oncology nursing and psychosocial interventions. Tihana is not only a proficient healthcare practitioner but also a prolific researcher and author. Her publications span various topics. Notably, her work in psycho-oncology nursing reflects a keen understanding of the holistic care needed for cancer patients. Tihana's dedication to the field of oncology and hematology nursing, coupled with her academic prowess and leadership qualities, positions her as a dynamic and influential figure in the healthcare community. In her free time, she writes a book blog.

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.