Dr. Jordan Marchak provides clinical mental health care to patients and families, but she also conducts behavioral science research to guide best clinical practices to help patients. On this podcast, she shares with Chris and Christy how the care that survivors are receiving today is all based on research—evidence-based guidelines exist because researchers partner with childhood cancer survivors and their families. Dr. Marchak's research specifically focuses on mental health, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and healthcare transitions (moving survivors from pediatric to adult care). She is currently co-leading a mental health working group that is compiling all the available evidence on mental health incomes for survivors of childhood cancer and making informed recommendations for survivors and their survivor care providers. Dr. Marchak shares some of the results of their research, and about a new program they are developing specific to the cancer survivorship experience, addressing ways to overcome barriers to healthy habits for survivors. She also describes the process of transitioning out of pediatric care to adult care, both from the change in doctors and the change in responsibility from parent to child, and shares the primary goals for the transition, specifically the continuation of care.
