Navigating the complexities of oncology care often means addressing more than just the clinical aspects of cancer. Conventional healthcare models, with their focus on symptom management and disease treatment, sometimes miss the holistic needs of cancer patients. Recognizing this gap, Alyssa McManamon, MD, and I joined forces to bridge this divide by writing Healing and Cancer: A Guide to Whole Person Care.
Dr. McManamon, with her extensive background as a hematologist-oncologist and dedication to integrating whole person care practices with conventional treatments, brings invaluable insights to this collaborative effort. Our book is a testament to our shared belief in the power of whole person care — an approach that considers the emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of healing alongside physical health.
Healing and Cancer is crafted to provide health care and oncology professionals like you with actionable insights and strategies for incorporating comprehensive care into your practice. It challenges the current paradigm by advocating for a healthcare model that equally prioritizes the patient’s overall wellbeing alongside traditional cancer treatment.
We invite you to join this movement by pre-ordering your copy of Healing and Cancer. This is not just about accessing a valuable resource but becoming part of a community committed to transforming oncology care into a more empathetic and effective practice.
Your involvement is crucial in shaping the future of oncology. By embracing and promoting whole person care, we can ensure a more supportive and healing journey for every person touched by cancer. Spread the word within your professional circles, and let’s collectively advance towards a more holistic approach to cancer care.
More on Alyssa McManamon, MD
Alyssa McManamon, MD, is a practicing hematologist-oncologist and retired US Air Force colonel. She is an associate professor of medicine at Boonshoft School of Medicine-Wright State University and clinical faculty at the Dayton VA Medical Center. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in sociology before attending medical school at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland.
Alyssa trained in cancer medicine at the National Capital Consortium, completing a research year at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). In 2021, she was one of 100 practitioners selected to complete the NCI-funded University of Michigan Integrative Oncology Scholars Program and founded a first-of-its-kind VA Whole Health Oncology clinic. She resides in Dayton, Ohio.