Our History

The Connecticut Social Work Oncology Group (CT SWOG) was created in the 1970s by a group of social workers working in oncology with the purpose of education, support and case presentations.  The goal was and remains to support the field of oncology social work, as well as oncology patients and families throughout Connecticut.  The American Cancer Society and Yale Cancer Center co-sponsored CT SWOG in the early years by offering space for meetings/conferences and administrative support.   

In the early 2000s CT SWOG became independent and formalized its own non-profit status.  The executive committee was formed along with CT SWOG polices and bylaws.  The executive committee continues to meet monthly with the goal of providing two half day conferences (spring and fall) each year for CT social workers.  Gaylord Hospital has graciously offered space for the conference on their centrally located campus which has allowed CT SWOG to keep a low overhead and the ability to offer affordable social work continuing education for CT Oncology Social Workers.   

Conferences have covered a wide range of topics including:  Treating Cancer-Related Distress; Substance Use Disorders in Patients with Cancer; Guided Visualizations & Hypnotherapy for Cancer Patients: A Guide for Clinicians; Everything you Always Wanted to know about Sex (but were afraid to ask….); and many more. 

CT SWOG postponed conferences in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic but started up again with a hybrid model in fall of 2021 with a presentation from board members Lee Tremback, Amy DePaolo, Christie Fiori, and Mary Strauss. Current conference continue to be offered as a hybrid model to allow for a larger audience and flexibility.   

CT SWOG continues to grow and evolve, while remaining committed to fostering education, peer support and networking opportunities to oncology social workers and other healthcare professionals who provide various services to oncology patients and their families.