Neshama Marcus named director of social work at Astera Cancer Care, an independent and physician-owned multi-specialty community oncology practice serving 12,000 new patients annually in Central New Jersey.
Marcus will build social work services which will be available in all of Astera’s offices.
“I am honored and excited to join the Astera team,” she said. “I am eager to provide support for mental and emotional health, coordinate services, and offer community-based resources to enhance the quality of life of our patients.”
Health equity and social justice are critical drivers of quality cancer care, and practice-based solutions reduce barriers and improve health outcomes. Astera Cancer Care has identified the need to enhance accessibility, specifically addressing social determinants of health such as transportation, socioeconomic status, mental health, and family care and support.
Astera is committed to a holistic approach to patient care, and social work will complement the interdisciplinary team.
Marcus will host individual meetings and focus groups with patients and providers to identify and prioritize unmet needs. She has diverse experience treating populations that need additional resources.
“My goal is to help patients identify unmet needs and provide necessary community-based support,” she said.
Marcus received her Bachelor’s Degree from Rutgers University and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University School of Social Work, with a Non-Profit and Public Management concentration. She also has her post-graduate Certificate in Gerontology from Rutgers University and a post-graduate certificate in grief counseling.
