The practicum at the Simms Mann –UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology is an opportunity for students in the fields of psychology and clinical social work to obtain interdisciplinary training in the clinical care of patients with cancer and their family members. Students will learn about the biological aspects of cancer, develop an understanding of the psychosocial impact on adult patients and family members throughout development, and appropriately learn to function in the role of mental health professionals in a medical setting. Specific skills learned include consultation in multidisciplinary medical clinics, patient advocacy and access to tangible resources, individual and group therapy, and exposure to interventions in multiple modalities such as psychology, social work, psychiatry, spiritual care and integrative medicine. Training consists of weekly didactic teachings, bimonthly case conferences, lectures, attendance in medical clinics and individual and group supervision. Practicum students will receive this training in an outpatient facility, the Simms/Mann -- UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology in the 200 Medical Plaza Bldg Suite 502, and also in various oncology clinics within the Medical Center in Westwood and in Santa Monica.
Current Position Openings: The Center offers 1-2 practica to advanced clinical students per year. Practicum students are required to spend 12-24 hours per week for a minimum of nine months or as prescribed by their program. The Center prefers students who will make a one year commitment to training. The Center will also consider other opportunities for students with a serious interest in psycho oncology training on a case by case basis.
Resource Allocation: Interns have a designated intern office at the Center with multiple computer and phone stations. Students also have access to clinician’s offices and the Center conference room for therapy sessions. Additional laptop computers designated for intern use are also available.
Supervision: All psychology doctoral practicum students receive weekly individual supervision from Dr Kauser Ahmed, who is a licensed clinical psychologist, and social work practicum students receive supervision from Tom Pier, LCSW, an oncology social worker. In addition, practicum students receive direct observation and informal supervision from Dr Coscarelli, clinical psychologist and director of the Center, as well as other licensed oncology social workers who are on the staff. All practicum students are required to attend weekly training meetings, and clinic case conferences on Monday mornings from 9:00-11:00 am. Practicum students are also required to attend and assist at 3 Insights Into Cancer Lectures , which are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:00-9:00pm at the Ronald Reagan Hospital.
Director/Instructors: Anne Coscarelli PhD
Kauser Ahmed PhD
Tom Pier LCSW
Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior
