Clinicians have numerous tools at their disposal to help adult cancer patients dealing with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other cancer sequelae. Psychiatric medications are most frequently prescribed to cancer patients by oncologists and general practitioners, however psychiatric syndromes are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Few oncology practices have dedicated psychiatric consultants familiar with the nuances of Psycho-Oncology. Even when patients receive psychotropic medications appropriately, they may have problems that arise before their next oncology visit or before they see the person who prescribed their psychiatric medications. Psychologists, nurses and social workers play an essential role in identifying psychological and physical symptoms as well as both beneficial and problematic medication effects as they provide frontline psychosocial interventions and support for cancer patients.

This course is designed for the non-prescribing psycho-oncology clinician as well as the psychiatrist who is new to the world of Psycho-pharmaco-oncology. Oncologists, palliative care clinicians, advanced practice nurses and oncology nurses will find this course useful as well. The course will focus on key target disorders and symptoms amenable to psychopharmacological intervention, including anxiety, depression, delirium, insomnia, pain, fatigue and cachexia. Participants will learn to identify psychological reactions to medical conditions or treatments; psychiatric presentations of medical conditions or treatments; medical presentations of psychiatric conditions and common medical complications of psychiatric conditions or treatments. Basic information will be presented about medications used to alleviate Quality of Life symptoms that arise in the cancer setting from diagnosis to survivorship or end of life care, and the interface of psychotherapy and medication management. 

We will review why certain medications are used and why some are avoided, looking at potential benefits, unwanted side effects, and drug-drug interactions, since you may be the first person to identify a serious adverse event. The course will also enhance your ability to provide psychoeducation to patients regarding psychiatric medications.

Target Audience

The target audience includes Psychiatrists, Psycho-oncologists, Oncologists, Palliative Care Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Psychologists, Social Workers and Counselors.

Co-sponsored by the MSK Psycho-Oncology Education & Training Institute (POETI)

1. Participants will learn basic psycho-pharmaco-oncology and how to hone essential clinical and observation skills to improve the quality of life, mental health and safety of their patients by understanding the basics of the psychophysiology of cancer.

*Industry Professionals may attend CME activities for their own education. Marketing, sales, and promotion of products and services is strictly prohibited at MSK CME activities.

Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, and refreshment breaks. Please contact cme@mskcc.org at least one week prior to the course if you have  any special dietary needs.

• 30% Discounted Rate for MSK Alumni and MSK Alliance Members - MSK offers a discounted rate to all MSK Alumni and MSK Alliance members to attend a CME course. Please contact cme@mskcc.org for more information or a promotion code.
• MSK Staff Registration - Registration is complimentary for MSK staff. However, you must complete course registration to attend this course. 

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your participation in this course, your registration fee, less a $75 administrative fee, will be refunded when email notification is received by the MSK Office of Continuing Medical Education (MSK CME) at least 7 days prior to the first day of the course (cme@mskcc.org).Cancellations or no-shows after this date are not eligible for a refund. MSK CME reserves the right to cancel or postpone any course due to unforeseen circumstances. In the unlikely event we must cancel or postpone this course, we will refund the registration fee in full, but are not responsible for any related costs, charges, or expenses to participants, including fees incurred by airline/travel/lodging agencies. At any time, you may substitute another registrant in your place after contacting MSK CME with the relevant information.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA Credit Designation Statement

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Social Work Accreditation Statement

This presentation is approved for a maximum of 6.50 Continuing Education Contact Hours of Live Training. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0228.

ANCC CNE statement

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - Nursing Professional Development/Continuing Education is accredited with distinction as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
 
6.50 contact hours will be awarded to participants who attend the program in its entirety and complete a program evaluation. Partial credit not awarded.

MSK Faculty

William Breitbart, MD
Attending Psychiatrist, Chair,
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences;
Attending Psychiatrist, Supportive Care Service,
Division of Survivorship & Supportive Care,
Department of Medicine

Andrew Roth, MD
Attending Psychiatrist, Psychiatry Service;
Training Program Director,
Psychosomatic Medicine Fellowship,
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

Penelope Damaskos, PhD, LCSW, OSW-C
Director, Social Work
Department of Social Work

Yesne Alici, MD
Clinical Director, Assistant Attending Psychiatrist, Psychiatry Service;
Medical Director, Biobehavioral Brain Health Clinic;
Assistant Training Program Director,
Psychosomatic Medicine Fellowship;
Site Director, MSK Psychiatry Clerkship for Medical Students,
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

Special Guest

Nessa Coyle, PhD, RN, FAAN
Consultant, Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics 

Disclosures (All Faculty)