Center for Interdisciplinary Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care Research and Practice
Ensuring supportive care for all facing cancer and life-limiting illness
Mission Statement
The Center for Interdisciplinary Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care Research and Practice (IPOPC) at the University of Washington School of Social Work is dedicated to ensuring that high-quality supportive and palliative care is accessible to all individuals affected by cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. We pursue this mission through cutting-edge, transdisciplinary research, world-class education, and meaningful community engagement at the local, national, and global levels. United in purpose, we are committed to transforming the experience of serious illness through supportive care that is equitable, person-centered, and rooted in the dignity and worth of the individual.
Center Leadership
PhD, LICSW, ACSW, OSW-C, ACBT
Director and Behar Endowed Associate Professor in Psychosocial Oncology
Dr. Anao Zhang, the Behar Endowed Associate Professor in Psychosocial Oncology, serves as Director of the Center, providing strategic vision, leadership, and administrative oversight. A nationally recognized scholar and federally funded researcher in psychosocial oncology, Dr. Zhang is dedicated to advancing the Center as a leading national hub for transdisciplinary science and collaborative research that supports all individuals affected by cancer and life-limiting illnesses. In addition, Dr. Zhang collaborates closely with Assistant Teaching Professor Alice Cagampang Ryan, Director of the Carol LaMare Scholars Program, to offer world-class education to MSW students who are devoted to serving people impacted by cancer and life-limiting illnesses.
Research at the Center
Highlights of the Center’s research portfolio include an R34 grant (R34CA297498-01) funded by the National Cancer Institute entitled “Tailoring a fun and engaging tech-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy program for adolescents and young adults with hematological malignancies: A planning grant,” the Cambia Health Foundation’s Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program Research Grant (Project Phase I Findings), and an active book contract with the publisher Wiley, entitled “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Individuals Living with a Cancer Diagnosis,” among other research projects. Building on this strong foundation, the Center will continue its commitment to clinically relevant and theoretically innovative intervention research, while also harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to explore paradigm-shifting approaches to scientific inquiry in the broader fields of psychosocial oncology and palliative care.
Thanks to the generous support from Dr. Lynn Behar (MSW ’86, PhD ’99) and her husband, Howard, the Center also oversees the Behar Endowed Research Acceleration Fund, which provides pilot funding for doctoral students and junior faculty members to engage in research efforts in psychosocial oncology and palliative care.
Carol LaMare Scholars Program
As the Center’s flagship educational program, the Carol LaMare Scholars Program reflects our enduring commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders in psychosocial oncology and palliative care. Since the first Scholar graduated in 2006, 175 Carol LaMare Scholars have received specialized training in psychosocial oncology and palliative care during their MSW studies at the University of Washington School of Social Work. The program is directed by Assistant Teaching Professor Alice Ryan, who took on the full reigns of the program in 2025 – 2026 academic year. The program was originally developed and established by Professor Emerita Dr. Taryn Lindhorst — former/inaugural Center Director and Behar Professor— and Associate Teaching Professor Emerita J’May Rivara, former Co-Director of the Carol LaMare Program. Today, LaMare Scholars form a vibrant network of leaders and change makers, advancing care and improving the lives of individuals and families affected by cancer and other serious illnesses.
Behar Professorship
The Behar Endowed Professorship in Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care is one of only two endowed professorships in the nation focused on this field within a School of Social Work—and the only one housed in a top-ten program. Lynn and Howard Behar’s long-standing commitment reflects a shared vision to position the University of Washington School of Social Work and its Center for Interdisciplinary Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care Research and Practice as national leaders in advancing compassionate, evidence-informed care for individuals and families affected by serious illness. Their support ensures that the Center can attract and sustain exceptional scholars engaged in innovative research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and transformative education. Guided by this vision, the Center is cultivating the next generation of oncology and palliative care providers—social workers, psychologists, nurses, physicians, and others—dedicated to shaping the future of whole-person, team-based care through excellence in research, teaching, and practice.
External Advisory Board
The Center is guided by an exceptional group of experts from across the field of psychosocial oncology and palliative care to advance its mission. Lynn Behar, PhD, FAOSW, serves as the chair of the external advisory board. Assistant Teaching Professor Alice Cagampang Ryan is an Ex Officio member in her role as the Director of the Carol LaMare Scholars Program Associate Teaching Professor Emerita J’May Rivara is an Ex Officio member in her role as a senior advisor to the director.
Connect With Us
A center-specific website is in progress. Please come back later for more information.
General inquiries of the center can be sent to: ipopc@uw.edu.
Inquiries pertaining to the Carol LaMare Scholars Program, please contact the program director, Alice Cagampang Ryan at alicer2@uw.edu.
Inquiries pertaining to IPOPC research and operations, please contact the Center Director and Behar Associate Professor, Anao Zhang at anaoz@uw.edu.