Our History
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In 1997, a dozen oncology social workers from diverse areas of Georgia met at Peachtree Hospice to discuss the challenges and rewards of their chosen profession. They recognized the need for support, networking, continuing education, professional growth and mentoring, and the benefit of sharing expertise and resources. They also understood the complex and varied needs of their colleagues working in urban and rural settings across the state, and the challenges in accessing relevant educational programs with limited support for traveling to national conferences. In an effort to meet those needs, the Georgia Society for Clinical Oncology Social Work was launched. Although the organization's name has been modified, the spirit of our mission and the enthusiasm of our membership has remained constant.
Throughout the years, GA-SWOG has sponsored a wide variety of highly regarded continuing education programs and networking events. We've sought guidance from our members and have attempted to coordinate evening lectures and full day conferences inviting well-renowned speakers. Conferences and meetings have been held in a variety of Metro Atlanta locations; at hospices, hospitals and clinic settings, in church halls, at hotels and restaurants, and in early years at the Simpsonwood Retreat Center. |
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OUr Mission
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By providing continuing education opportunities for social workers and other health care professionals, GA-SWOG seeks to improve the quality of care for cancer patients and their family members, and to advance our vision of social work as a discipline that is vital to cancer care. We strive to improve advocacy efforts for our profession and our clients; offering mentoring and networking opportunities for both new and seasoned social workers; and providing updates on local, regional, and national resources of interest to our membership.
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