IPOS News

My name is Negin Dorri, and I am a health psychology researcher, a part-time lecturer, and a licensed health psychologist in Iran. Since 2016, I have dedicated myself to working with individuals diagnosed with cancer and cardiovascular diseases and their informal caregivers. My studies focus on chronic disease prevention and contributing to initiatives that enhance evidence-based behavioral interventions toward empowering patients and family members, emphasizing the science of diversity. I am a ‘keyword’ collector, and when it comes to teaching, I often only highlight the core concepts, especially within the context of Culture and Health, enabling students to formulate their understanding and find their unique meaning of how culture could potentially have an impact on one’s health and treatment outcomes. Outside the classroom and my research endeavors, I still find so much joy in watching cartoons, wearing a hoodie (playing no favorites), and enjoying chocolate chip mint ice cream. As I continue my learning journey, I’m pleased and thrilled to be a part of the International Psycho-Oncology Society and look forward to making meaningful contributions.

Interested in being profiled?

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

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The Department and the team

We are recruiting a Clinical Academic Psychiatry Fellow for the 2025-26 academic year. This opportunity is available through the research-intensive Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Rehabilitation within the future Arthur JE Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Cancer Care Alberta (CCA) and the Division of Psychosocial Oncology, Department of Oncology in the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. Psychosocial Oncology services in CCA are provided by a team of transdisciplinary professionals dedicated to enhancing quality of life and addressing culturally sensitive psychosocial and psychiatric issues of individuals affected by cancer and their family members The team provides expert mental health care across the trajectory of cancer care, from diagnosis, through oncologic treatment, throughout survivorship, and for individuals obtaining non-curative treatment. The Department of Psychosocial Oncology provides clinical assessment and intervention in individual, couples, family, and group modalities within a rich team environment and is a leader in world-class research. Please see the Cancer Care Alberta website for service-related information: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/cancer/cancer.aspx

Fellowship Description

We are offering the Psychiatric Psychosocial Oncology Fellowship at the Arthur JE Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre for a final year psychiatry resident or a licenced psychiatrist looking for specialization in Psychiatric Oncology. Our team of psychiatrists practice from a biopsychosocial perspective and have opportunities for specialized interventions including consultation, complex psychopharmacology practice, individual and group psychotherapies, research, and education. The Fellow will work closely with interdisciplinary teams, building professional networks in oncology, and potentially providing supervision and/or education for medical students, psychiatry residents, and interdisciplinary learners. We continue to work towards integrating a greater understanding of how best to enhance cultural humility and care for minoritized groups.

Educational Objectives:

At the end of training, the psychosocial oncology fellow will be able to:

• Provide in- and out-patient culturally sensitive psychiatry consultation and psychiatric care of patients with cancer and their primary caregivers.
• Demonstrate effective collaborative care with oncology and psychosocial clinicians for patients with cancer at all stages of their disease trajectory.
• Provide effective psychopharmacological treatments attentive to treatments for medical co-morbidities for patients with cancer
• Develop communication expertise in addressing the psychosocial concerns of advanced cancer patients obtaining non-curative treatments for cancer and their primary caregivers.
• Convey familiarity with the psychosocial oncology literature regarding models of psychosocial care. Identify and develop a research or curriculum project to address in a year.

Research or Education Project

The fellow will have 30% of their time protected for research and/or education. There are numerous opportunities to work in transdisciplinary research teams with supervision of an independent project. Potential areas of research related to cancer care may include mood disorders, cancer related fatigue, trauma presentations related to cancer experiences, consultation-liaison psychiatry with specific cancer-related considerations, psychiatric aspects of palliative care for individuals and their families with metastatic cancer and development or implementation of evidence-based therapeutic interventions.

Ongoing research includes interventions for individuals with cancer such as the Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM), Fear of cancer Recurrence Therapy (FORT), mindfulness-based interventions, and digital story telling group interventions, psychedelic treatments and/or psychedelic assisted therapies. Opportunities to develop innovative education curricula include seminars for psychiatry and palliative care residents and medical students in consultation- liaison psychiatry with a focus on cancer care and palliative care; psychotherapy interventions for individuals with cancer and their family members.

Research mentorship and guidance is provided within the research-intensive Division of Psychosocial Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Calgary and the Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary.

The primary supervisor will be Dr. Janet de Groot, MD, FRCPC, MSc. Additional supervisors will be available based on the fellow’s areas of interest. Remuneration is consistent with PARA rates for Oncology Fellows, currently at provincial rates for a PGY6 year.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. de Groot ([email protected]) and Dr. Andrea Feldstain, Psychosocial Oncology Education Lead ([email protected]). Please send a current curriculum vitae and a cover letter conveying your interests and career directions.

Deadline for submission: May 15, 2024.

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Registration is now open for our 25th Annual World Congress – Maastricht, The Netherlands, September 24-27.

Want to save on the registration fee?

1. FIRST - Activate your membership with IPOS for 2024 BEFORE registering for the Congress. Go to https://ipos-society.org/membership/apply
2. SECOND – register BEFORE June 30 to take advantage of the Early Bird Rate. Register by going to https://www.ipos2024.org/registration/

The registration fees include:

• Admission to the scientific sessions, from September 25 to September 27, 2024
• Coffee breaks
• Lunches
• Welcome reception on Tuesday 24 September 2024
• Certificate of attendance
• 21% VAT

Note, all available IPOS Bursaries to the Congress have already been awarded.

Questions about registering? [email protected]

Hope to see you there!

As a medical oncologist at the Municipal Hospital "St. Hierarch Dr. Luca" in Onești, Romania, I provide specialized medical care to cancer patients, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment and management of various types of cancer. I am also actively involved in research and academic work as a PhD student at the "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iasi, Romania. This dual role allows me to combine clinical expertise with scientific research, thus contributing to advances in cancer treatment and academic knowledge in the field of oncology.

In the field of psycho-oncology, I recognise the profound impact that emotional and psychological well-being has on the cancer patient's journey. My involvement in the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) reflects my commitment to advancing the field, keeping up to date with the latest research and implementing evidence-based strategies to improve the quality of life of the patients I care for. I actively collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and integrate psychological support into the broader spectrum of cancer care.

Outside of my professional life, I am an avid traveller and amateur photographer. Exploring different cultures and landscapes not only fuels my curiosity, but also enriches my perspective and reminds me of the resilience and beauty inherent in the human experience.

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.

The International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) is deeply committed to supporting our global community of psycho-oncology researchers and patients.

Reflecting this commitment, we are pleased to announce a special initiative to support the publication of psycho-oncology research from Low -to-Middle Income Countries (LMICs) through our official journal, the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology Research and Practice.

The Journal is inviting papers from researchers and practitioners in LMICs on topics and issues relating to psycho-oncology in low and middle income countries and regions.

The collection will be overseen by special guest editors from the IPOS LMIC Committee (Dr Chioma Asuzu and Dr Jayita Deodar) and the Journal’s editorial team, who can assist with guidance and advice as needed to support authors.

It is essential that the lead author(s) reside in an LMIC and the work described has been conducted within an LMIC as well. To determine your eligibility, visit the Research4Life criteria page at https://www.research4life.org/access/criteria/​

Manuscripts will undergo the journal’s usual peer review process, and if accepted a full waiver of publication costs will be provided (for up to 5 manuscripts).

Submitted manuscripts may be of any article type (e.g. review, original research, case report) and we are seeking breadth and diversity across LMICs and across themes relating to research and practice in these regions.

The Journal encourages all IPOS members in LMICs to consider submitting, and we particularly encourage manuscripts that address the following themes:

• Models of service delivery
• Indigenous psychosocial interventions
• Cultural influence - on communication, interventions
• Religious/spiritual well-being 
• Training needs
• Distress assessment and management 
• Quality of life of cancer patients 
• Adjustment and coping strategies of cancer patients 
• Preventive psycho-oncology 

The deadline for submission of manuscripts is October 15, 2024.

The manuscript submission process will be through the Journal website and Editorial Manager system.

IMPORTANT - Before submitting, please contact Jayita Deodhar with questions or to enquire about the suitability of your potential paper topic.

As a senior instructor and psycho-oncologist at Aga Khan University Hospital in Pakistan, I'm passionate about supporting patients and their families throughout their cancer journey. My role involves providing comprehensive support to patients across various oncology disciplines including medical oncology, radiation oncology, paediatric oncology, and hematologic oncology and Palliative Medicine Section. I am deeply committed to addressing the psychological and emotional needs of individuals facing cancer, helping them navigate the complexities of their diagnosis and treatment with compassion and expertise.

I have been actively involved with the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS), participating in conferences, workshops, and research collaborations aimed at advancing the field of psycho-oncology globally. My contributions to IPOS stem from a desire to enhance patient care, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocate for the integration of psychosocial support into oncology practice.

Away from the clinic and academic pursuits, my passion lies in the world of literature. I find solace and enrichment in the written word, both as a reader and a writer. Exploring the depths of human experience through literature not only broadens my understanding but also enriches my practice by fostering empathy and insight into the complexities of the human psyche.

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.

Hello everyone,

I'm Bincy Mathew, hailing from the vibrant city of Bangalore, India, and currently, working as a consultant psycho-oncologist at Manipal Hospitals. My work focused on addressing emotional issues, aiding in tobacco cessation, and navigating grief and bereavement management, primarily for adults and the geriatric community.

Apart from this, I'm deeply invested in initiatives within the realm of breast cancer, from offering pre and post-operative counseling to spearheading support groups and advocacy programs for patients, alongside survivorship initiatives.

My guiding principle is simple: no one should feel alone on their cancer journey—I'm here to lend an ear and support wherever I can.

Now, onto the fun side! When I'm not immersed in the world of psycho-oncology, you'll find me binge-watching series, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and of course, soaking up quality time with my furry friend, Skooot E Pie.

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 Anna Bagdasaryan, I am a member of the Armenian Association of Psycho-Oncology, also I am a clinical psychologist working at the Nairi Medical Center in Yerevan, Republic of Armenia. I am the head of psychological service of the center and work in the oncology department, dealing with patients receiving pre- and post-operative medical treatment.

I worked in the past in the National Center of Oncology named after Fanarjan of the Republic of Armenia, where I also mainly dealt with cancer patients receiving pre- and postoperative chemotherapy, as well as with surgical patients. While working at this center, I worked with children receiving chemotherapy treatment, as well as with their caregivers. During the last years of my work at the National Oncology Center, I also worked in the palliative care department. Now my practical work in the department includes working both with patients and their relativess.  Currently, in addition to practical work in the oncology department, I am engaged in scientific activities. My PhD work is devoted to studying the dynamics of the quality of life of breast and gynecological cancer patients receiving various types of antitumor drug therapy. I am also currently working on a book dedicated to the stories of overcoming cancer by cancer patients and cancer survivors.

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.

EXTRA EXTRA! #IPOS2024 now accepting POSTER abstract submissions until April 4!

That’s right – you can still submit POSTER abstract submissions for our 25th Annual World Congress happening in Maastricht, The Netherlands, September 24-27, 2024.

Be sure to submit by no later than April 4 by going to https://insight.klinkhamergroup.com/ipos2024/login

Submission Format Abstracts
In order to be considered, an abstract must follow the following guidelines:
•Abstract titles should be brief (maximum of 30 words) and should reflect the content of the abstract.
•Commercial names may not be used in the abstract title.
•No more than 10 authors can be listed.
•Professional title, institutional affiliations, cities, and countries for each author should follow.
•Abstract text is required for poster submissions.
•Abstract text should be submitted in structured paragraph format.
•Submissions must follow either the clinical or research format and either format can present patient-oriented content.

Clinical Abstracts:
The clinical stream refers to items such as development of innovative programs or interventions/service delivery/model of care.
Length limit: 1600 characters (including spaces)
Headings:
•Background/rationale
•Methodology (needs assessment, theoretical model, description of intervention, outcome measures)
•Impact on clinical practice
•Discussion (lessons learned, future direction)

Research Abstracts:
The research stream refers to work that is primarily based on the scientific method of discovery of hypothesis testing or theory development. This stream can include work from protocols to review and studies of various design.
Length limit: 1600 characters (including spaces)
Headings:
•Objectives/purpose
•Methods
•Results
•Conclusion and clinical implications

I am a Professor of Psychiatry & Addiction Medicine as well as a Consultant Consultation Liaison & Addiction Psychiatrist. I am also a Psycho-oncologist.

I have immensely contributed to science in the area of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry and recently published a 40-Chapter textbook of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry termed “Textbook of Professor of Psychiatry & Addiction Medicine/Consultant Consultation Liaison & Addiction Psychiatrist/Psychooncologist in Medicine”, a textbook with a section on psycho-oncology. He is also a leading Nigerian Member of the International Psycho-oncology Society and a member of Psycho-oncology Society of Nigeria (POSON).

I am known for my works in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry, specifically psycho-oncology, and psychiatric morbidity in chronic medical diseases. As an addiction expert, I have thoroughly explored the association between substance use disorders and cancer and have a number of publications on them.  I am also the founder of PAHMI foundation, a non-governmental initiative that focuses of the association between tobacco and alcohol use and cancer. I also established psychiatric services for patients with cancer with comorbid psychopathology at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.

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.