Alumni Update - Ali Fitzsimmons, MSW, MPH (Dec '15)

Ali Fitzsimmons, MSW, MPH (Dec '15) has accepted a position as Oncology Social Worker at University Cancer and Blood Center in Athens, Georgia, in the radiation clinic.  Ms. Fitzsimmons provides case management and clinical intervention with patients who have cancer diagnoses.  She conducts biopsychosocial assessments, performs brief clinical interventions that address illness adjustment, and performs case management tasks.  Case management includes assisting patients with accessing financial assistance, transportation, nutritional assistance, and referrals to other cancer support programs, such as those offered through the Loran Smith Center (i.e. individual and family counseling, yoga for cancer survivors, guided relaxation classes, etc.).

Ali Fitzsimmons (Dec '15) presenting at MPH Poster Day, December 2015.

Ms. Fitzsimmons notes that her dual degree is helpful in this role because "it provides me with appropriate lenses to meet patients where they are to understand the importance of the whole person during illness adjustment- ie. cancer impacts more than simply the physical dimension of a person."  She also reports, "I am enjoying my experience here very much.  The richest part is meeting face-to-face with patients and listening to their concerns and validating their feelings."

Congratulations Ms. Fitzsimmons on this great accomplishment!