In this special podcast episode, we talk with oncology social worker and ACCC President Krista Nelson, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW, about the overwhelming grief of the pandemic and its toll on cancer care professionals.
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In this special podcast episode, we talk with oncology social worker and ACCC President Krista Nelson, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW, about the overwhelming grief of the pandemic and its toll on cancer care professionals.
She reflects on how healthcare professionals are coping with fear and processing grief, and the signs of grief that people should look for in themselves. Krista shares the importance of self-awareness and being vulnerable, and learning how to voice one’s needs during this stressful time to family and friends who are not in healthcare.
"Through COVID-19, the role of the social worker has shifted even more to supporting the care team, and addressing the distress, grief, and suffering they are experiencing."
Krista Nelson, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW
ACCC 2021-2022 President
Program Manager of Quality & Research, Cancer Support Services & Compassion
Providence Cancer Institute
Portland, OR
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s)/faculty member(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer(s) or the Association of Cancer Care Centers.
July 8, 2026
June 30, 2026
At the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, the Louisiana Oncology Society received the ASCO Jeffrey C Ward Affiliate Advocacy Award for advancing critical advocacy priorities that have translated into meaningful legislative victories. The Iowa Oncology Society and Washington State Medical Oncology Society were also recognized for their advocacy efforts in 2025 at the meeting, receiving second place awards.
