IPOS News

I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and bring over 15 years of experience in the field of Psycho-Oncology. I earned a Master’s degree in Psycho-Oncology from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE) in 2024, following formal clinical training in Psycho-Oncology at the National Cancer Institute (INCAN) in Mexico City from 2008 to 2009.

Since 2013, I have founded and led the Psycho-Oncology Department at José Carrasco Arteaga Hospital (HJCA). My professional focus includes providing psychological support to cancer patients and their families, grief counseling, interdisciplinary collaboration in palliative care, and the prevention of professional burnout among healthcare teams.

I have authored articles published in peer-reviewed medical journals such as Revista Gamo and Revista Médica HJCA, addressing the emotional health of oncology patients.

I am committed to promoting comprehensive well-being for individuals facing cancer, advocating for humanized, evidence-based care.

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 Dr. Joyeeta Talukdar, a translational cancer biologist and psycho-oncology researcher currently working as a Research Associate in the Department of Biochemistry at AIIMS, New Delhi. My work bridges cancer biology and mental health, with a focus on cancer stem cells, tumor immunobiology, and the psychosocial dimensions of survivorship, including fertility preservation, depression, and body image among adolescents and young adults with cancer. As the innovator of a DHR-funded project, we integrate cytokine profiling with psychological assessments to understand how immune–metabolic changes intersect with psycho-oncological vulnerabilities. I have been engaged with the IPOS through its global networks that strengthen psycho-oncology as a discipline in low- and middle-income countries. I am especially committed to building collaborative models that bring together laboratory research, clinical oncology, and patient-centered advocacy. Something fun about me is that beyond science, I am also a trained Sattriya dancer, a writer of children’s books inspired by true-life stories, and an active speaker on perseverance and patient empowerment—creative outlets that keep me grounded and connected to people.

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.

Applications are now open for the Integrative Oncology (IO) Scholars program. The program brings together oncology professionals in a year-long course designed for the full spectrum of oncology care professionals. The program equips diverse oncology professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and evidence-based integration of complementary therapies in conventional oncology care. The course is developed by researchers and clinicians at the University of Michigan (U-M) Medical School. The program includes self-paced web learning modules, a community-based clinical capstone practicum, and interactive virtual instructional sessions for IO Scholars to learn together in a Zoom environment throughout the training year. The IO Scholars program will enable you to identify, evaluate, and create evidence-based integrative oncology services within your patient community.

Eligible MDs and DOs have the opportunity to apply to participate in a fellowship. The fellowship includes the above IOS program along with an additional second year and involves establishing an IO consult clinic at your institution with guidance from our faculty. Upon completion, fellows will be eligible to sit for the American Board of Integrative Medicine.

For more information and to apply online, go to: https://sites.google.com/view/integrative-oncology-scholars-/home

Applications due September 30, 2025. Contact us directly at [email protected]

The above is a paid advertisement. Learn more about advertising with IPOS by going to https://ipos-society.org/ads

We are pleased to report that we had a record-setting voting turnout for our 2025-2027 board of directors’ election! We were very excited to see the support and involvement by our members and nominees in this election. THANK YOU.

Below are the official 2025-2027 IPOS Board of Directors results:

• President: Chioma Asuzu (Nigeria)
• Past Past President: Wendy Lam (Hong Kong)
• Vice President: Tania Estapé (Spain)
• Secretary: Cristiane Decat Bergerot (Brazil)
• Treasurer: Jayita Deodhar (India)
• Early Career Director: Tihana Gaspert (Croatia)
• Director from REGION 1: Regions of Africa, Middle East, India or Russia: Surendran Veeraiah (India)
• Director from REGION 2: Asia/Pacific: Daisuke Fujisawa (Japan)
• Director from REGION 3: Canada: Carmen Loiselle (Canada)
• Director from REGION 3: USA: Amanda Balakirsky (USA)
• Director from REGION 4: Europe/UK: Ozan Bahcivan (Portugal)
• Director from REGION 5: Latin and Central America: Rodbin Campos (Costa Rica)
• Executive Director: John Chagnon

The new board term commences shortly after the IPOS AGM being held in Adelaide, Australia on November 13.

IPOS’ Early Career Professionals in Psycho-Oncology (ECPP) Committee is proud to announce the IPOS Early Career Mentorship Program! This is a new and FREE member benefit with IPOS!

ALL participants must maintain a current membership with IPOS in order to apply and participate. 

To qualify as a mentee, you must be an active early-career IPOS member, that is no more than seven years post-final degree. 

Mentors must have 10+ years of experience (mid-career) in psycho-oncology research or clinical practice.

All prospective mentors and mentees are asked to complete a brief survey – by August 15, 2025 – with questions about applicants and the type of mentoring they wish to provide or receive. Responses will help us match mentors and mentees based on interest and availability. All responses will be shared with a committee of volunteers for review and matching.

Mentorship pairings are to last 9-months from introduction.

For more information on how to apply to be a mentor or mentee, please go to https://ipos-society.org/Mentorship/

We will aim to confirm pairings by September 15, 2025, and will do an e-introduction by email. 

I am highly motivated proficient Medical Laboratory Scientist (area of specialty is Haematology and Blood Group Serology) with an unwavering determination to pursue professional excellence, to assist people meet their healthcare needs in the atmosphere of a strong cordial working relationship with other health professionals. Highly determined to engage in ethical and beneficent research for the advancement of medical practice and comprehensive healthcare.

Enjoy working in mission-driven organizations, with a strong commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals, including those with chronic illnesses such as cancer.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Chairperson/ Founder, Caregiver, Patient Advocate SaliHoe Foundation Abuja Nigeria.
• Volunteering as a patient advocate and caregiver at Bethesda Medical, Dunamis International Gospel Centre Headquarters, May 2017 still present Abuja, Nigeria.
• Led a team of healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality services for over 1000 Gynecologic Cancer Patients.
• Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to improve patient care and operational efficiency.
• Supervised staff, including managers, and provided mentorship to enhance team performance.
• Collaborated with organizations to address challenges in the area of cancer and other terminal diseases.
• Advocated for patient-centered care, ensuring dignity and respect for all cancer patients.
• Research best practices and innovative approaches in cancer prevention and treatment.
• Fundraising activities, building and fostering partnerships in Nigeria and worldwide, sourcing for sustainable funding.

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.

LIVE WEBINAR!

Wednesday, July 23, 2025 from 12 to 1 p.m. EDT

This webinar will present a background on the concept of scanxiety and will delve into new developments in the field being spearheaded by our presenters and their teams. Topics include evidence-based ways to assess and treat scanxiety. 

Speakers: 

• Nian Kemme, PhD Candidate, Radboudumc (Netherlands)
• Heather Derry-Vick, PhD, Hackensack Meridian Health (USA)
• Lauren Heathcote, PhD, King's College London (UK)

Moderator: 

• Lauren Rudy, PhD Candidate, University of New Brunswick (Canada)

Registration is FREE for all. This session will also be recorded and may be available to purchase at a later date.

Register online by going to https://form.jotform.com/251874388018264

THANK YOU!

IPOS and its Fundraising and Marketing Committee are pleased to report that FIVE scholarships were extended this year to help support members from low-to-middle income countries attend the 2025 World Congress happening this November in Adelaide Australia. Due to these efforts, we are able to support members from India, Jamaica, Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia/South Africa in attending the Congress. We can't wait to see them all there!

Special thanks to:

1. The family of Andrea Patenaude
2. Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA)
3. Carolyn Messner
4. Matthew Loscalzo
5. Members of the IPOS Fundraising and Marketing committee

For information on how you can donate to help support members from low-to-middle income countries, please go to https://ipos-society.org/Donate

For more information on the 2025 World Congress, please go to https://ipos-society.org/professionals/congress

Helsa is a qualified psycho-oncologist currently working in the Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Department at St. John’s Hospital, Bangalore, as part of an NGO-led psychosocial care team. She holds an MSc in Clinical Psycho-Oncology from Christ University and has trained under experienced psycho-oncologists, supporting paediatric, adult, geriatric, and palliative care populations.

Deeply committed to child mental health, Helsa believes in creating therapeutic spaces that honor each child’s individuality. She works to enhance their quality of life by understanding their interests and incorporating those into therapy—be it through stories, play, or creative expression. Her approach blends compassion with evidence-based care, helping children and families navigate the emotional challenges of cancer with resilience and hope.

As a member of IPOS, she actively advocates for psychosocial support as an integral part of paediatric oncology care.
Outside of work, Helsa enjoys reading with a warm cup of coffee or tea, playing instruments, singing, and expressing herself through painting and doodling. She finds joy in life’s little moments and brings that same spirit into her work—believing that even the smallest spark of connection or creativity can make a meaningful difference in a child’s healing journey.

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.

Thank you to all that submitted a board nomination by the June 2, 2025 deadline. Nominations are now closed.

As for next steps:

1. Ballots to be issued to all voting members on June 19, 2025. Only individuals with a current Active or ECP membership by June 17, 2025 will be issued a ballet by email (to the email address in individual member record files)
2. Voting will close end of day July 7, 2025

We encourage all to click here and read about your 2025-2027 Board Candidates. Details on all have been provided below.

• The following positions were open for nomination followed by nominations received for each:

  1. One Vice President position
     • Tania Estapé, Ph.D., FEFOC Fundació (Spain)
     • Melissa Henry, Ph.D, Gerald Bronfman Oncology Department, McGill University (Canada)
  2. One Secretary position
     • Cristiane Bergerot, Ph.D., Oncoclinicas&Co (Brazil)
     • Patricia A. Parker, Ph.D., Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (USA)
  3. One Treasurer position
     • Jayita Deodhar, MD, MRCPsych, Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Cardiff University), Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre (India)
  4. REGION 1: One Director from the targeted regions of Africa, Middle East, India or Russia.
     • Gil Goldzweig, The Academic College of Tel Aviv Yaffo (Israel)
     • Zahra Riaz Haji, The Aga Khan University (Kenya)
     • Edgar Laleti Simiyu, KITALE county referral hospital (Kenya)
     • Margaret Mogaka, Ministry of Health Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (Kenya)
     • Surendran Veeraiah, M.Phil., Ph.D., Cancer Institute (WIA) (India)

5.     REGION 2: One Director from Asia/Pacific. 6.     REGION 3: One Director from Canada and one Director from the USA. 7.     REGION 4: One Director from Europe/UK. 8.     REGION 5: One Director from Latin and Central America.
9.     One Early Career Director