Psychosocial Oncology

As a psychology intern on this rotation, you will have the opportunity to work with adult patients, caregivers, families, and healthcare providers affected by blood disorders and cancers from diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, or end-of-life care. The psychosocial care of oncology and bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients occurs across several interconnected settings, including our outpatient Cancer Center clinics, the Cancer Center Infusion Center, the specialized BMT Infusion Center, and the University of Colorado inpatient oncology unit.

Interns may engage in a range of clinical experiences, including individual, family, couples, and group therapy, as well as health psychology and behavioral medicine assessments. The rotation emphasizes integrated care within multidisciplinary teams, which include psychologists, social workers, nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, chaplains, nutritionists, physical and occupational therapists, and other consulting specialists. Psychosocial oncology is considered an essential component of comprehensive cancer care across the University of Colorado Cancer Center and the BMT program.

Given the clinical environment, interns must have prior experience and demonstrated comfort working within inpatient medical settings and/or with individuals facing serious and life-limiting illnesses. Interns should also possess the emotional readiness to engage with themes of grief, loss, and end-of-life care, as working with patients navigating death and dying is an integral and routine aspect of this rotation. This rotation can be emotionally challenging, and strong self-awareness, resilience, and the ability to communicate needs effectively are important for success. Interns will receive support through regular supervision focused on clinical skill-building, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of professional self-care strategies necessary for sustaining work in medically intensive environments.

Family Medicine (SOM)

CU Anschutz

Academic Office One

12631 East 17th Avenue

Box F496

Aurora, CO 80045


303-724-9700

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