The Role of Language in Self Advocacy and Support

In this episode, we sit down with Noa Curtis, LCSW, APHSW-C, an outpatient oncology social worker at the Providence Cancer Institute in Portland, Oregon. Noa specializes in palliative care and provides holistic support to cancer patients and their families from diagnosis through survivorship or end of life. They discuss their approach to palliative care, focusing on self-advocacy, meaning-making, and self-compassion as vital components of the healing journey. With a deep commitment to supporting patients emotionally and psychologically, Noa also shares insights into their role in enhancing quality of life, managing difficult transitions, and advocating for patient-centered care. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the critical role of social work in oncology and palliative care.About Our HostSamantha Siegel, MDDr. Samantha Siegel is an internist at Kaiser Permanente and the current Direct of Cancer Survivorship at Kaiser San Francisco. She has survived relapsed/refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, including an autologous bone marrow transplant in June 2022. This has made her passionate about cancer survivorship, integrative medicine and personal narrative impacting the illness experience. She is a public speaker advocating strongly for cancer care.Dr. Siegel is pioneering a longitudinal cancer survivorship care model, beginning at diagnosis, that can be replicated in other healthcare systems. She is focused on elevating cancer survivorship to a distinct, multidisciplinary board certification status.Dr. Siegel lives in Davis with her husband, three kids and energetic dog. She enjoys outdoor activities, plant-based living and any occasion to dance.If you have questions, feedback, or topic ideas for upcoming episodes, please e-mail us at: [email protected].