COMBINED CALL FOR ABSRACTS: APOSW 50th Annual Conference and Fall Mini Conference

Ringing the Bell – Celebrating Our Past and Fostering Growth for the Future

Fall Mini Conference: November 2026

Annual Conference: 4/12/27 – 4/14/27 · Philadelphia, PA

 

Abstract submissions will be open from June 15, 2026 to August 15, 2026

 

Call for Abstracts –

APOSW 50th Annual Conference

📅 April 12 - 14, 2027

Theme: Ringing the Bell – Celebrating Our Past and Fostering Growth for the Future

 

APOSW Fall Mini Conference

📅 November 2026

Theme: Answering the Bell: Embracing the Present in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Social Work

 

The Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers (APOSW) invites abstracts for breakout sessions, skill-building workshops, panel discussions, or posters at our annual conference and virtual mini-conference. One to three submitted abstracts may be selected for the Fall mini conference (authors will have the chance to give their approval for Fall mini conference consideration during the abstract submission process).

 

🕒 Deadline: August 15th, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT

 

🔹 Priority given to: Abstracts that align with the conference theme and teach clinical interventions or skills.

🔹 Additional topics: Research, EDI, Ethics, Supervision, Program Development, Hematology, AYA Care, Clinical Interventions, Sickle Cell Disease, Collaboration, Leadership, Career Growth, and Grief & Bereavement.

🔹 Please note: This year, we are offering two new session formats to increase sessions focused on clinical issues and interventions. Please consider submitting an abstract for a 30-minute, clinical-focused presentation on commonly occurring clinical topics or frequently-used interventions (see “Presentation Format” below for additional information).

 

 

 

 

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

 

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 or through a lifelong chronic illness.

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

 

·        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

 

Abstracts must be submitted through the following link: APOSW 2027 Conference Abstract Submission – Fill out form

 

What is needed for your abstract submission:

·        Abstract (500-word limit)

·        Abstract Summary for Conference Brochure (75-word limit, excluding title and authors’ names)

·        Learning Objectives (at least 3)

 

📧 Confirmation will be sent upon receipt of your completed submission. If you don’t receive confirmation, contact Laura Moynihan at president.elect@aposw.org.

 

§ If approved, primary author will be contacted to verify audio-visual needs and complete speaker agreement.

 

·        Note: All conference communication will be through the primary author, who is responsible for communicating all conference information to all co-presenters.

 

 

 

A structured presentation that describes a particular program, practice, or model that has potential applicability to other settings. 

 

Length: 60 minutes (45-minute presentation, 15 minutes for Q&A)

 

 

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. 

 

Length: 90 minutes (75-minute presentation, 15 minutes for Q&A)

 

 

Submissions should focus on clinical issues that are commonly encountered in areas of pediatric hematology and oncology practice. Suggestions include: Interventions for parents of children on steroids; increasing oral anticoagulant adherence; supporting families who have more than one child with Sickle Cell Disease; preparing young children for amputation; approaching hair loss across the children, teen, and young adult spectrum; working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in hematology/oncology.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A moderated discussion with various panelists to discuss a specific topic, intervention, or area of practice. Author is responsible for finding panelists for this discussion. 

 

Length: 60-minute discussion

 

Posters submissions will be accepted this year, although there will be a limited number of spots available. Poster dimension details will be sent out after poster abstracts are accepted.