The MSK Psycho-oncology Education and Training Institute (POETI):
The MSK Psycho-oncology Education and Training Institute (POETI) interdisciplinary training and education program was established in late 2015 by members of the leadership of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Psychiatry Service, Behavioral Sciences Service, Immigrant Health & Cancer Disparities Service, Comskil Research and Training Laboratory), Social Work, Nursing, Integrative Medicine, Survivorship and Palliative Care. Under the directorship of Drs. Katherine DuHamel, Ph.D. and William Breitbart, M.D., POETI seeks to provide evidence-based, interdisciplinary continuing education courses in the fields of Psycho-oncology, Supportive Oncology, and related areas, to train cancer care clinicians at MSKCC, the Regional sites and Affiliates, as well as in the New York tri-state community, nationally and internationally, in order to improve the care of cancer patients and their family members, at all phases of illness and survivorship. We will conduct 3-4 workshops a year to educate cancer care clinicians and enable patients and their families to receive the same evidence-based psycho-oncology care offered at MSK. To date, three courses have been held: “An Introduction to Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy In the Oncology and Palliative Care Setting” led by Dr. William Breitbart on October 17, 2015; “Assessment and Treatment of Tobacco Dependence in Cancer Care” led by Dr. Jamie Ostroff, Ph.D. on April 9, 2016; and “Communication Skills Training for Health Professionals” led by Dr. Patricia Parker, Ph.D. on May 7, 2016. We have one additional course planned for this year on “Psychopharmacology in Cancer Care: An Update for Clinicians of All Disciplines” led by Drs. Andrew Roth, M.D. and William Breitbart to be held on October 29, 2016.
Looking ahead to 2017, two workshops are currently in the planning phases: one on Geriatric Psycho-oncology led by Dr. Christian Nelson, Ph.D. and one on the treatment of cancer-related fatigue led by Dr. Jun Mao, M.D. We also have a growing list of potential workshops. POETI is a work in progress and we welcome conversations with you about our exciting, new training initiative.