Charleston Oncology Welcomes New Social Worker Elizabeth Robinson

When you think of challenging, yet fulfilling job positions, does a career in Social Work come to mind? It takes a special kind of individual to be successful in such an emotionally complex role. In celebration of Social Work Month, Charleston Oncology recognizes the contributions of Oncology Social Worker Elizabeth (Liz) Robinson, LISW-CP, APHSW-C.

Possessing the values of acceptance, tolerance, and genuine care, Liz is an embodiment of the field of Social Work. “I could not imagine my life without Social Work in it. It’s part of who I am,” shared Liz.

Liz’s interest in Social Work was influenced by unique experiences in her adolescent years. Time spent connecting with other teens at a shelter taught her the importance of having a solid support system in life. Soon after, at the young age of fourteen years old, her career aspirations of becoming a Social Worker took off.

Choosing a specialty in a diverse field like Social Work can be a challenging feat. When asked what drew her to Palliative Care, Liz explained it was the concentration’s “person-centered orientation” that initially appealed to her.

“Over my twenty-seven years as a Social Worker, I’ve always valued where a person comes from and what makes the person who he or she is,” shared Liz.

As a Social Worker, the emotional impact of working with individuals and families in difficult life situations is great. That impact increases significantly if you chose to follow an Oncology Social Worker career path. Individuals possessing strengths of mental toughness and emotional intelligence excel in this role.

How is Liz able to succeed in her role? “I’m a human being first,” Liz explained. “Of course, my heart is going to break for people. I’m not going to lie I’ve shed a tear with patients many times. For me, the most important thing I can give a patient is to be present, I mean actively present.”

Liz remains present and engaged by practicing mindfulness, and finding quiet within herself when she is not at work. In doing so, she is more aware of her emotional responses to situations and how to cope with them appropriately. By practicing mindfulness, she has also learned to appreciate the little things in life. “I always make sure that I stop and smell the roses. I mean seriously, stop and smell the roses,” Liz shared.

Although Liz recently joined Charleston Oncology, it feels as though she has been a part of the team for years. “I’m so honored to work with such a confident and compassionate group of people. It’s pretty amazing actually,” said Liz.

“The Social Work role is new to Charleston Oncology and I find this as an opportunity to offer support and assistance to a large number of people and their families. Outpatient work differs from what you would receive in a hospital because it’s personable, impactful, consistent, and reliable. I’m so excited to bring Social Work to the outpatient clinics and the Charleston Oncology family.”

Oncology Social Work service is available to you and your family to provide support and assistance throughout all phases of the cancer journey. Through compassionate care, the Oncology Social Worker focuses on the physical, social, and emotional aspects of your diagnosis and its impact on your quality of life. Family members and other caregivers and support systems are also important, and the Oncology Social Work services are available to support them.

To contact the Social Worker, ask your Oncology physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. You can also let any Charleston Oncology staff in the clinic know or call or email Liz Robinson directly.

Elizabeth Robinson, LISW-CP, APHSW-C
Oncology Social Worker Charleston Oncology
843-577-6957 ext.216 elizabeth.robinson@charlestononcology.com