IPOS Early Career Professionals in Psycho-Oncology (ECPP) Committee

This special interest group brings together and represents the interests of IPOS members who are early in their career and want to provide a platform through which they can find and support each other.

If you are interested in becoming involved with this special interest group, please email [email protected] with your name. Please note, only current IPOS members are able to join this special interest group.

Below is a list of the volunteers sitting on the committee:


Dr. Amanda Balakirsky, PsyD (Co- Chair), Clinical Psychologist, New York.

Amanda is a clinical psychologist and the co-director of the Bereavement Clinic at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. She provides care to individuals across the spectrum of cancer-care (surveillance through end-of-life) as well as their partners, families, and caregivers. Amanda also works with individuals who are bereft after losing loved ones to cancer.  She is passionate about managing the psychological sequalae that can develop following a diagnosis, helping patients find meaning and purpose, and assisting patients in developing a sense of peace and acceptance towards end-of-life. Amanda’s work is heavily influenced by meaning-centered, existential approaches to care. She has developed an expertise in psycho-oncology over the last decade, through both research she contributed to and conducted at the University of Michigan and Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology and specialized training completed while on internship and fellowship at the Veterans Affairs (VA) New Jersey Healthcare System.





Tihana Gašpert, RN, BSc, MSc, PhD (c) (Co-Chair), PhD student and nurse, Croatia.

Research interests: Adults, mental health, interventions, end-of-life communication, leadership, training and wellbeing.

Tihana is a dedicated and highly skilled healthcare professional with a specialization in oncology nursing. With a profound interest in oncology nursing, Tihana took on roles that allowed her to make a significant impact in this specialized field. Subsequently, she expanded her horizons by undertaking a specialization in Oncology Nursing at the European College of Cancer Nursing, further enhancing her knowledge and skills in the intricate field of cancer care. 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 psychooncology nursing reflects a keen understanding of the holistic care needed for cancer patients. Tihana's dedication to the field of oncology nursing, coupled with her academic prowess and leadership qualities, positions her as a dynamic and influential figure in the healthcare community. Her journey exemplifies a commitment to excellence, compassionate patient care, and a profound impact on the future of oncology nursing.

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