In this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner in oncology. Vanessa Monique Yanez, MSOT, OTR/L is an occupational therapist with a specialization in oncology. She is a cancer survivor and an advocate for rehabilitative services across the continuum of cancer care, from prevention to survivorship. She holds a faculty position at the University of St. Augustine and runs a private practice in San Antonio, TX. Vanessa is a frequent presenter at state and national conferences and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. from Texas Woman’s University. She strongly believes that occupational therapy coalesces compassion, research, and a client-centered approach in a unique way that can help cancer survivors not only function but fully participate in a life they deserve. Her clinical and research interests include hematological cancers, stem cell transplants, psychosocial supportive care, sexual functioning, and theory-driven practice in cancer care.

Show Key Points:

·      Vanessa gives us a glimpse of her background and interests

·      Vanessa describes her Uncommon OT work, the setting, and population she serves

·      Vanessa describes what drew her to this type of work and her path there

·      Vanessa describes typical goals sessions

·      Vanessa dispels some myths about the profession

·      Vanessa provides other OTPs valuable advice

·      Vanessa provides her contact information  

RESOURCES:

a) Assessment tools at FACIT.org https://www.facit.org/facit-measures-searchable-library

b) Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F) https://www.facit.org/measures/FACIT-Fatigue

c) Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog): https://www.facit.org/measures/FACT-Cog

d) Psychosocial article by Sleight & Duker (2016):

 https://research.aota.org/ajot/article-abstract/70/4/7004360030p1/6182/Toward-a-Broader-Role-for-Occupational-Therapy-in?redirectedFrom=fulltext

e) Systematic Review of OT and Adult Cancer Rehab (Part I) by Hunter et al. (2017): 

https://research.aota.org/ajot/article-abstract/71/2/7102100030p1/6304/Systematic-Review-of-Occupational-Therapy-and?redirectedFrom=fulltext

f) Systematic Review of OT and Adult Cancer Rehab (Part II) by Hunter et al. (2017): 

https://research.aota.org/ajot/article-abstract/71/2/7102100040p1/6287/Systematic-Review-of-Occupational-Therapy-and?redirectedFrom=fulltext

g) Occupational Therapy Group Intervention in Oncology: A Scoping Review  by Udovicich (2020)

https://research.aota.org/ajot/article-abstract/74/4/7404205010p1/8439/Occupational-Therapy-Group-Interventions-in?redirectedFrom=fulltext

h) NCCN Guidelines: https://www.nccn.org 

As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at [email protected] or DM via Instagram @transitionsot

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