Diane Blum, MSW

Former Executive Director, CancerCare, NY

“My job satisfaction comes from providing services that have a tangible impact.”

I became interested in health care because I wanted to work in a multidisciplinary setting. My particular field of oncology also allows me to work with a diverse group of individuals – since cancer affects people of every age and ethnicity.

Each day, my organization provides help to hundreds of people with cancer. Counseling, education, and financial assistance are our core programs.

My best moments are when a client tells me that our help has made a difference. Another rewarding time was when I was the only social worker among the 15 committee members on an Institute of Medicine Committee. I was proud to represent the discipline.

If you’re considering social work, I encourage a broad-based perspective beyond clinical work. Program planning and management are crucial in providing effective social work services and it is important to develop skills in these areas.