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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. |
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Laura Charlesworth I am a registered Therapeutic Radiographer with a background in clinical practice, education, public health and research. I am currently working as a professional officer at the UK professional body for Radiography. My most recent research is my PhD study, this focused on the impact of a pre-existing severe mental illness on cancer outcomes and the lived experience of those experiencing comorbidity. I am passionate about understanding the impact of health inequalities and driving change to close the inequalities gap. When I am not working, you will find me outdoors - preferably in the peak district which is a lovely green area of England close to my home. |
Shweta Chawak I am an Assistant Professor with a passion for research, particularly in the field of Psycho-oncology. My primary focus revolves around understanding cancer communication in an Indian medical setting. Apart from that, I have also worked in areas of health communication, diabetes management, and women’s health. I strive to develop culturally tailored interventions with the intent to empower patients and foster open dialogue between patients, physicians, and family caregivers. When not immersed in academia, you'll often find me lost in the pages of a book, particularly indulging my inner Potterhead with discussions about the wizarding world. |
I am a psychologist, psychotherapist (psycho-dynamic approach) and psycho-oncologist and worked with cancer patients and their close ones in different settings (inpatient/ outpatient/ hospice) for several years. I am currently a postdoctoral research fellow and my research focuses mainly on communication, distress screening, patient safety, participation and marginalised patient groups in cancer care. I enjoy connecting with colleagues, developing projects together with patients, making psycho-oncology more inclusive and finding spaces for early career practitioners/ researchers to support each other. My favourite way to practise self care is to go on long walks in nature with my dog. |
Dr Darren Haywood (PhD, BPsych(Hons), Dip. Fit) is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Cancer Survivorship) at the INSIGHT Research Institute, Human Performance Research Centre and School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation within the Faculty of Health at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). His research is within cancer survivorship broadly (from diagnosis to end-of-life), across domains. His primary focuses are; mental health, cognitive functioning, and models of care. His research also includes the mechanisms driving psychopathology across populations. Dr Darren Haywood is a MASCC Cognition Fellowship Recipient and has received multiple research grants as CI-A, CI-B and co-investigator across both oncology and psychopathology. He is the Principle Scientific Advisor for the Think Pink Foundation (honorary) and holds adjunct/honorary positions at the University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, and Curtin University. Darren’s favourite self-care activity is weight training! |
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Rika Rijal My name is Dr Rika Rijal and I am a psychiatrist practising in Kathmandu, Nepal. I am especially interested in women’s mental health and geriatrics psychiatry. I have been working in the field of psychooncology since past few years. Since Nepal lacks psychiatrists and experienced psychoonchologists, I aim to contribute to this important branch of psychiatry through my clinical practice and research activities. I intend to work especially in spreading awareness and reducing stigma regarding psychiatric illnesses in cancer patients, caregivers, cancer survivors and other medical professionals directly or indirectly involved in the care of such patients. In 2018, I selflessly donated 12 inches of my hair to create wigs for cancer patients, aiming to walk in their shoes and truly understand the challenges they face, even before embarking on my journey in this field of medicine. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy traveling. My favorite form of self care is painting and exercising. To reconnect with yourself, remember to be gentle with yourself. Because only when you love yourself, you can love and uplift others. |
Dr Foluke Sarimiye is a clinical lecturer of Radiation/Clinical oncology, a Community Oncologist and Psycho-Oncologist at the University of Ibadan and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. She is an ardent practitioner and researcher with experience and keen interest in cancer control, prevention, cancer health disparities and psychosocial issues associated with cancer, from diagnosis to survivorship or end of life.Her research highlights the importance of reducing cancer health disparities,community cancer control programs, incorporating psychosocial care in the holistic management of cancer patients, their family caregivers as well as the oncology team.She co-coordinates undergraduate medical students training, post graduate training in psycho oncology and radiation oncology residency training at the Department of Radiation Oncology University of Ibadan/University College Hospital Ibadan She is the Executive Director and Co-founder of Patela Care Foundation (PCF). PCF is established to provide psychosocial support for two vulnerable yet resilient populations; individuals and families dealing with cancer diagnosis, and Persons of Concern particularly, Internally Displaced Persons. She serves as an executive council member of some associations such the Psycho Oncology Society of Nigeria, (POSON). She is recipient of several awards such as the 2024 Prestigious OncoDaily Yvonne Award in Community Oncology; Research grant award winner for Pilot Project on Implementation and Dissemination Science, African Behavioral Research Center, and National Cancer Institute (NCI); ERASMUS+ Education and Training Grant for Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa. Her passion and pursuit are to serve and positively impact humanity, acquire knowledge, add to existing knowledge through research and pass on the baton of knowledge, skills and values she has acquired to younger colleagues.Her favourite self-care activities are reading, listening to music, humanitarian services,learning about ‘art/culture/poetry/maxims/history’,travelling, tourism and interior designing. |
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