FEATURE
Prospective attendees interested in participating in the ExCEL program complete a competitive application process, which includes a personal statement detailing their willingness, interest and commitment to implementing systems change within their institutional environment. The curriculum is offered during preconference institutes that occur prior to the annual meetings for the Association of Oncology Social Work and the Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers. “The national leaders who make up the ExCEL faculty help the attendees develop goals and strategies for change,” Zebrack said. “We want every attendee to be successful with the implementation of a new approach to the delivery of psychosocial care.”
The curriculum provides ongoing follow-up and guidance for ExCEL participants through blogs, newsletters, websites and one-on-one consultation with ExCEL faculty. “I am so appreciative of having had the opportunity to develop and deliver the ExCEL program alongside outstanding oncology social work leaders, and it’s very gratifying to be acknowledged for exemplary service to psychosocial oncology,” Zebrack said. “The education and training of new investigators and clinicians is incredibly important to treating the whole patient.” Additional information may be found at cityofhope.org/excel.
Ongoing · Winter 2014 · 11