Spirituality and Cancer Care

When faced with a cancer diagnosis, some patients rely on their spirituality to cope and find meaning behind the experience. For some, spirituality is a belief in a higher power. For others, it’s simply a recognition that there is something greater than oneself. In this conversation, Michael Eselun discusses how patients, caregivers, and others facing challenges, rely on or call into question their own spirituality. Guest: Michael Eselun, BCC Michael Eselun, (he/him) BCC, a Board Certified Chaplain, has been named the Dr. John Glaspy Chaplain in Oncology Care for the Simms/Mann‐UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology-- a role he has filled for thirteen years. In addition to oncology work, he has worked extensively in palliative care, hospice care, and acute psychiatric care. Two-time TED-X speaker, Michael speaks extensively to healthcare professionals, patient populations and faith communities across the country. He weaves stories with vulnerability, insight, and humor-- stories to wrap around the deeper questions of life, mortality and meaning. He’s been widely published in journals, including two articles in the Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling.  He has also worked as an activist/educator addressing anti-LGBTQ bias in the larger community for well over 30 years.  Michael was recently inducted into the UCLA-Semel Institute Eudaimonia Society, in recognition of having lived a meaning-driven life. You can find out more at www.michaeleselun.com.