Nursing and Allied Health Professionals Committee

The Nursing & Allied Health Professionals Committee (NAHP) within IASLC is composed of multidisciplinary clinicians and researchers, each with a unique perspective and a shared commitment to advancing the education of both practitioners and patients in thoracic oncology. The committee's primary goal is to improve and optimize outcomes for oncology patients and their families throughout the cancer trajectory, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care. The NAHP Committee recognizes the vital role of nursing and allied health professionals in providing comprehensive care and support for individuals affected by lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. 
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Overview

Committee Responsibilities:

  1. Develop Educational Programs: The NAHP Committee shall collaboratively plan, develop, and implement educational programs tailored to the specific needs of nursing and allied health professionals working in thoracic oncology. These programs will encompass cutting-edge research, evidence-based practices, and advancements in patient care. 
  2. Enhance Patient Education: The committee will design educational initiatives to empower patients and their families with comprehensive information about thoracic oncology, treatment options, survivorship, and supportive care resources. 
  3. Facilitate Professional Development: The NAHP Committee will promote opportunities for continuous professional development among nursing and allied health professionals, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and excellence in thoracic oncology care. 
  4. Foster Multidisciplinary Collaboration: The committee shall encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing among different healthcare disciplines to improve patient care outcomes, stimulate research, and enhance interdisciplinary communication. 
  5. Review and Disseminate Best Practices: The NAHP Committee will evaluate and disseminate best practices, evidence-based guidelines, and emerging research relevant to nursing and allied health professionals in the field of thoracic oncology. 
  6. Support Research Initiatives: The committee will support and collaborate with researchers in conducting studies that explore innovative approaches to patient care, symptom management, and psychosocial support. 
  7. Advocate for Patient-Centered Care: The NAHP Committee will advocate for patient-centered care models that prioritize the physical, emotional, and psychosocial well-being of patients and their families. 
  8. Collaborate with Other Committees: The committee will collaborate with other IASLC committees to ensure a multidisciplinary approach to education, research, and advocacy efforts. 

Committee projects

Global NAHP Healthcare Awareness Toolkit

The NAHP Committee is working on establishing a centralized repository that connects national membership societies to help identify and address global gaps in healthcare. The committee leading this initiative aims to develop care standards that guide countries in enhancing their health systems. This includes offering insights on how to get started, establishing essential care resources, and identifying key organizations for collaboration. In 2024/2025, the committee plans to conduct a needs assessment to pinpoint global gaps, using the findings to prioritize its efforts effectively.

Qualitative Research Webinar

The Nursing and Allied Health Professionals educational webinar will focus on the role of qualitative research studies within the thoracic oncology patient population. The session will provide a general overview of qualitative research, covering key aspects such as methods, design, and the formulation of research questions. Attendees will also be presented with examples of qualitative research studies, followed by an opportunity for questions and discussion.

Developing Educational Materials

Developing educational materials such as webinars and resource guides to support nurses and allied health professionals in their delivery of multidisciplinary lung cancer care

Guidance for management of side effects during immunotherapy

Committee members participate in educational events and contribute ILCN articles regarding identification and management of immunotherapy side effects.

Educational programs and mentorships for career development NAHP Committee Activities

The Nursing and Allied Health Professionals Committee works to create early-career opportunities and close educational gaps in thoracic oncology.

The School of Thoracic Oncology Nursing and Allied Health Professionals

The School of Thoracic Oncology Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, held at the IASLC Latin America Conference to train local nurses on better outcomes for patients with lung cancer.

Scholarships to fund International Mentorship Program for Nurses and Allied Health Professionals

This committee recognizes the value of mentorship and works to provide these relationships, even across oceans.

Lectureship Awards for Nurses and Allied Health Professionals for the WCLC

The IASLC Lectureship Award for Nursing and Allied Health is awarded each year for excellence in one of many related fields. The 2019 recipient was Kahren White for occupational therapy.

Videos and tip sheets

Videos and tip sheets to demonstrate the value of Allied Health Professionals as an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team

Support for clinicians in managing fear of progression and survivorship in lung cancer

Psychosocial concerns can be more present than biological side effects during therapy and survivorship. This committee strives to provide guidance for physicians in dealing effectively and empathetically with these issues.

Chair of Committee

Michelle Turner
Michelle Turner
2023 to present

2023-2025 Roster

Michelle Turner
United States
University of Maryland Medical Center
Committee Chair
Maria Ftanou
Australia
Peter MacCallum Cancer Center
Past Chair
Nicole Kiss
Australia
Deakin University
Deputy Chair
Morten Quist
Denmark
University hospital Copenhagen
Board Liaison
Katie Maher
United States
International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
Staff Liaison
Caitlin Broderick
Australia
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
Committee Member
Andreas Charalambous
Cyprus
Cyprus University of Technology
Committee Member
Melissa Culligan
United States
University of Maryland Medical Center
Committee Member
Mary Duffy
Australia
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Committee Member
Gisele Fraga
Brazil
Grupo Oncoclinicas
Committee Member
Jacqui Frowen
Australia
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Committee Member
Kaitlyn Gregory
United States
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Committee Member
Yeur-Hur Lai
Taiwan
National Taiwan University
Committee Member
Whitney Lewis
United States
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Committee Member
Melissa Mayer
United States
UT Southwestern
Committee Member
Malene Missel
Denmark
Copenhagen University Hospital , Roskilde University
Committee Member
Carolyn Zawislak
United States
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Committee Member

Committee Nominations for the 2025-2027 term are now closed.

New Committee Nominations will take place again in 2027.

Let us know if you're interested in applying in 2027 here

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