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APOSW 49th Annual Conference 

Gaining Altitude: Raising the Level of Psychosocial Care for Pediatric 

Hematology and Oncology Patients and their Families

April 13-15, 2026  at The Curtis Hotel, Denver, Colorado

Abstract submissions will be open from August 18, 2025 to September 26, 2025.

 

The Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers requests abstracts for breakout sessions, skill-building workshops, and poster presentations at the 49th Annual Conference. The conference theme is Gaining Altitude: Raising the Level of Psychosocial Care for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Patients and their Families. Priority will be given to abstracts that reflect the conference theme. Other areas of interest include:   

  • Research 
  • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • Ethics
  • Supervision in pediatric oncology/hematology social work 
  • Program Development
  • Social work in Hematology and Sickle Cell Disease
  • Adolescent and Young Adults
  • Clinical interventions (ACT, CBT, Narrative therapy, mindfulness, etc.) 
  • Multi-disciplinary collaboration
  • Leadership and career development in pediatric oncology/hematology social work
  • Grief, loss, and bereavement 

 

CONFERENCE GOAL: 

To provide a collaborative and interactive learning opportunity for pediatric oncology & hematology social workers to address the needs of families impacted by childhood cancer and blood disorders.  

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

At the conclusion of this conference, participants will be able to:

  • Explain social work theory, evidence-based practice, and interventions to address psychosocial care, barriers to care, and programmatic needs of pediatric patients and family members from diagnosis through survivorship. 

  • Describe at least one new evidence-based technique to support pediatric cancer & hematology patients and their families through discussions of research studies, outcomes, and recommendations in the field of pediatric oncology & hematology social work. 

  • Identify the psychosocial needs of children diagnosed with cancer or blood disorders and their families at end-of-life care and after the child’s death.

  • Evaluate methods for professional development through leadership in the field of pediatric hematology/oncology and blood/marrow transplantation. 

 

ABSTRACTS ARE EVALUATED FOR: 

  • Unique, creative, and/or innovative topic 

  • Evidence of literature review 

  • Background or rationale given for topic area, program or research study 

  • Clearly stated goals/objectives given for issue, program, or research study 

  • Conclusions or implications given for oncology/hematology social work 

  • Timeliness and importance of topic to field of oncology/hematology social work 

  • Writing quality and clarity 

  • Interactive instructional methods

  • Contribution to the understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in oncology/hematology social work practice and research 

     

Submit Your Abstract Now!

Submission deadline for all abstracts is October 17th, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (PT).

 

You will receive e-mail confirmation upon receipt of completed abstract submission packet. If you have not received confirmation, contact Wade Iwata at president.elect@aposw.org.

  • Notification of acceptance or rejection of abstracts will be sent via e-mail on or about November 21st , 2025.
  • If approved, the primary author will be contacted for audio-visual needs and speaker agreement.   
  • Presenter agreements are due December 19, 2025 along with a Continuing Education Short Resume for each author
  • Note: All conference communication will be through the primary author/presenter, who is responsible for communicating all conference information to all co-presenters.

 

Presentation Format:

Type

Session Type

Length

Breakout WorkshopA structured presentation that describes a particular program, practice, or model that has potential applicability to other settings.60 minutes (50 minute presentation, 10 minutes for Q&A)

Skill-Building 

Workshop

A highly interactive session provided by a clinical expert in the field focused on gaining knowledge and competence around a specific intervention or area of practice.120 minutes (two 60-minute sessions separated by a 15-minute break)
Panel DiscussionA moderated discussion with various panelists to discuss a specific topic, intervention, or area of practice.  Author is responsible for finding panelists for this discussion.60 minute discussion