The Department of Mission and Pastoral Care provides spiritual and emotional support to patients, families and staff through sacramental and liturgical ministries as well as spiritual presence and conversation. An interfaith team of chaplains and volunteers serves people of every religious affiliation who are receiving inpatient or outpatient care at MedStar Georgetown.
Mission and Pastoral care provides:
For more information please call: 202-444-3030
Genetic counseling is an important part of managing cancer risk. A genetic counselor can offer information, review testing options, interpret test results, recommend appropriate screening and risk reduction strategies, and provide support resources to individuals and their families.
Certified genetics counselors:
For more information click here or call 202-444-2223.
Balanced nutrition is an important part of cancer treatment and survivorship. A healthful diet can improve treatment outcomes as well as help to rebuild your body’s cells and improve energy levels. Our registered dietitian, who has special training in oncology nutrition, will work with you and other members of your health care team to customize a nutrition plan that fits with your diagnosis and treatment plan. Our dietitian can help you learn more about foods, vitamins, herbs, and supplements as well as address changes in appetite or weight, and help manage the side effects of cancer treatment. Speak with a member of your healthcare team to arrange a meeting with our registered dietitian.
Certified Nutrition Counseling
For more information call 202-444-7423.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is specialty of medicine focused on treating the symptoms, pain and stress of a serious illness for patients and their families. It provides an added layer of support for patients and at all stages of any serious illness, whatever the prognosis. Central to this care is the communication and coordination of treatment options to maximize quality of life for patients, according to the individual patient’s goals and aspirations.
Services
MedSstar Georgetown University Hospital focuses on palliative medicine in an effort to care for the whole person. An inpatient consult service provides care to hospitalized patients with serious illness. An outpatient palliative medicine clinic provides excellent continuity of care outside of the hospital. At this time, our outpatient services are able to accommodate Lombardi Cancer Center patients receiving active cancer treatment.
What We Do
Palliative care is a team approach to care. The core team includes doctors, nurses and social workers; all palliative care specialists. Pharmacists, nutritionists, artists, musicians, chaplains and others may also be part of the team.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a palliative care specialist, call 202-444-1845.
If you have a question or concern, the first place to turn is to your physician, nurse coordinator or another member of your healthcare team. In the event the staff is unable to assist you to your satisfaction, or you have a special concern or need, please contact one of our Patient Advocates. The Patient Advocate provides advocacy and assistance to patients/ families and physicians in all care settings and act as liaisons between patients, physicians, hospital staff and departments to recognize or remove obstacles to providing high quality care.
Advocates can be contacted Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:30 pm at 202-444-3040 or by pager through the Patient Care Line at: 202-444-CARE ( 2273).
On weekends or after hours please contact the Patient Care Line or Clinical Administrator through the hospital page operator at: 202-444-PAGE ( 7243).
MedStar Georgetown's International Services department provides support to embassies and international organizations headquartered in Washington, D.C. and the many patients and their families traveling from overseas for medical care or physician consultation. For all international patients, we are here to ensure smooth navigation of our hospital and that all medical needs are met. Through the International Services Department, international patients have full access to all of MedStar Georgetown's expert physicians, cutting edge treatments and technologies and advanced clinical programs. So, no matter what the medical need, international patients can rest assured that they will receive the very best in care.
International services can be contacted Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 202-444-1588 or emailing [email protected]
Here at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, we recognize that a diagnosis of cancer affects many aspects of life. Emotional distress, practical concerns, lack of energy, communication with family members- any or all of these may become an issue when someone is receiving treatment for cancer. To address these needs, Lombardi has a team of oncology certified social workers who help navigate the many unexpected needs that may arise due to cancer and its treatment. Our social workers are available, free of charge, to assist our patients and their families with a range of services that can reduce stress during any phase of care.
Examples:
New patients are encouraged to complete a Distress Screening Questionnaire (iPad) upon their first visit to the Lombardi Clinic. This screening assists our social workers in providing support that is tailored to each individual patient’s needs.
All of our social workers have received special certification by the Association of Oncocology Social Work (AOSW)
Please feel free to contact one of our Social Workers:
Cancer is a complex disease that affects many different parts of a patient’s life. The stress that may develop may be difficult to recognize and manage. For this reason the National Comprehensive Cancer Network requires that every NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center assess patients for cancer related distress. We at the Lombardi Cancer Center believe that addressing the social and emotional concerns associated with cancer can improve the quality of life of patients and their family members. iPad stands are available near the registration desk for you to complete a private electronic questionnaire. The information will assist the social worker and your health care teams formulate a treatment plan that is tailored to meet your specific needs.
The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center offers a number of free, professionally facilitated support groups for individuals struggling with cancer. Groups can help you gain confidence in your ability to manage the many emotional and physical challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis in a safe and supportive environment. Come learn from others who have “walked in your shoes” and share what works well for you while learning how others may have addressed a similar situation. Please consider joining one of the groups listed below.
Current Support Groups – Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer
**Groups are based on need, and may be added or closed periodically. Please contact the individual group facilitator to confirm the group’s availability.
Additional support groups co-facilitated by Lombardi Oncology Social Workers but located off site are detailed below.
Cancer survivorship focuses on the health and life of a person with cancer post treatment until the end of life. It covers the physical, psychosocial, and economic issues of cancer, beyond the diagnosis and treatment phases. Survivorship includes issues related to the ability to get health care and follow-up treatment, late effects of treatment, second cancers, and quality of life. Family members, friends, and caregivers are also considered part of the survivorship experience.