This integrated approach to care is the basis for the new Psychosocial Oncology Clinic available at Penn Medicine Cancer Center at Princeton Health, with care coordinated by postdoctoral fellow Kara Buda, PhD. Dr. Buda’s position was funded through two grants received by oncologist Ramy Sedhom, MD, and Rebecca Boswell, PhD, Administrative Director of Psychiatric Services at Princeton Medical Center and Director of Princeton Center for Eating Disorders.
“Their shared vision has created an opportunity to help patients navigate the emotional experience of their diagnosis and treatment, build resilience, and improve overall well-being,” says Dr. Buda, who holds a doctorate in health psychology and clinical science and has served in research roles at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “This clinic truly embraces the integrated care model, showing how collaboration among mental health and medical professionals can benefit patients.”
Clinic team members also include a social worker, counselor, and doctoral psychology externs who work closely with members of the oncology team. Every day is different at the clinic, as every patient’s cancer experience is unique. Depending on need, Dr. Buda may meet with patients before, during, or after treatments – including during infusion therapy – and accompany them to provider appointments to help them process complex conversations.
Having the clinic in the same space that patients receive treatment promotes the collaborative aspect of care and enables a warm handoff among providers. The clinic also offers individual therapy, group therapy, and caregiver resources.
“Our goal is for every patient to have access to the integrated psychosocial support they need,” adds Dr. Buda. “In creating a safe space for this type of care, we also may be opening the door for patients to be more likely to seek behavioral health services when needed in the future.”
