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Elissa Kolva
(She/Her)
Psychologist, Assistant Professor, Division of Medical Oncology, General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine
- Medical Oncology (SOM)
Background
Elissa Kolva, PhD, received her PhD from Fordham University, Bronx NY. During her clinical work, she worked extensively with young women with breast cancer experiencing high levels of psychological distress across the cancer care continuum. It is documented that young women with cancer often experience higher levels of distress, particularly related to fertility concerns, than male patients. In addition, distress often persists for years into survivorship and is often related to changes in identity stemming from the cancer diagnosis. Yet, there are few interventions that specifically consider the experience of young women with cancer thus motivating her to address this gender gap and inform the adaptation of interventions in the hopes to improve the quality of life for these women.
Dr. Kolva currently sees patients at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center.
Research + Funding
In 2019, she began her Ludeman Center-funded research project titled, “Fertility Changes Due to Cancer: An Investigation of Meaning, Psychological Distress, and Psychological Support Needs of Young Women with Breast Cancer.” This study stemmed from Dr. Kolva’s clinical work with young women with breast cancer and a desire to treat psychological distress related to reproductive concerns related to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. They utilized a longitudinal survey format to assess the impact of reproductive concerns on meaning and purpose in life in the context of breast cancer as well as a mixed method format to understand the impact of cancer on meaning and purpose and to critically examine the relationship between reproductive concerns and psychological distress.
Dr. Kolva is proud to be connected to the Ludeman Center because of their values that stem across all parts of women’s health while shining a light on things that have been historically ignored or understudied. “This connection has inspired me to ask more questions and think more critically as a researcher and clinician. They have been so supportive in my career development and provided a safe and authentic place to discuss career development,” she said.
Transforming Women’s Health
Her current research focuses on improving our understanding of the experience of adults with cancer, including transdiagnostic constructs, like hopelessness, desire for hastened death, suicidality and decision-making capacity. Dr. Kolva is dedicated to advancing the measurement of psychological distress as this can then inform the development and adaptation of interventions to improve the lives of patients.
