Division of Supportive Oncology

The Division of Supportive Oncology at Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC), part of Jefferson Health, is a nationally recognized, integrated model of care that focuses on improving quality of life for patients and families affected by cancer. Led by Brooke Worster, MD, FACP, Enterprise Director of Supportive Oncology and Professor of Medicine, the program is deeply committed to treating the whole person, addressing not only the physical aspects of cancer but also the emotional, spiritual, and practical challenges that accompany it. Dr. Worster also serves as Medical Director of the Masters in Medical Cannabis Science and Business at Jefferson’s Institute for Emerging Health Professions (IEHP), reflecting her innovative approach to symptom management and patient-centered care. Trained at Massachusetts General Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in internal medicine, pain management, and palliative care, Dr. Worster has developed an interdisciplinary model that combines advanced medical science with compassion, communication, and education.

Supportive Oncology integrates palliative care, cancer rehab, symptom management, psychosocial oncology, psychotherapy and care coordination throughout all phases of the cancer field, from diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, and end of life. The team provides comprehensive management of pain, fatigue, nausea, depression, sleep disturbance, appetite loss, neuropathy, and anxiety while also helping patients and families navigate financial, logistical, and emotional concerns. This proactive, interdisciplinary approach ensures that each patient’s medical treatment aligns with their values, goals, and quality-of-life priorities.

The division’s work extends across Jefferson’s cancer care sites, each staffed by expert clinicians who bring unique expertise to their respective communities. At the Center City (CC) location, Erin Kelly, MD, a dual trained specialist in Palliative Medicine and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, offers comprehensive support for symptom control and functional restoration, while Ihuoma Njoku, MD, a Psychiatric Oncologist, focuses on the mental health and emotional wellbeing of patients and caregivers. Also at Center City, Rebecca Cammy, LCSW, serves as Program Director of Psychosocial Care and Oncology Social Work, overseeing a robust psychosocial care network that addresses emotional, social, and practical needs, and Angela Kuehn, DO, who is trained in both Emergency Medicine and Palliative Medicine, offers acute and longitudinal symptom management, ensuring seamless transitions between hospital and outpatient care. Gregory Garber, Administrative Director, plays an integral member of the Supportive Oncology team, provides leadership in patient-centered program development and coordination.

At the Asplundh Cancer Pavilion, Dr. Elham Siddiqui leads palliative medicine efforts, providing individualized care that emphasizes quality of life, communication, and continuity. She is joined by Dr. Max Geisinger and Dr. Thomas Patrick Lynch, both of whom bring deep expertise in Palliative Medicine and compassionate, patient-focused clinical leadership to the Northeast region. Together, these providers form an integrated, enterprise-wide network that delivers consistent, evidence-based, and compassionate care across all Jefferson oncology sites.

The Supportive Oncology Program is not limited to direct patient care; it also serves as a teaching and research hub, shaping the future of cancer and palliative medicine. Dr. Worster and her team are dedicated to training medical students, residents, and fellows in holistic cancer care through Jefferson’s clinical education programs. Learners participate in multidisciplinary rotations that expose them to complex symptom management, goals-of-care discussions, patient communication, and interdisciplinary teamwork. They work alongside physicians, nurses, social workers, and psychologists to develop empathy driven, patient focused clinical skills. Through hands on experiences and mentorship, trainees gain a deep understanding of how to integrate palliative principles into every stage of oncology practice.

Research and innovation are central to the division’s mission. Dr. Worster’s work explores novel approaches to symptom management, including the role of medical cannabis in cancer care, as well as health systems research that demonstrates the measurable benefits of early supportive care integration. Studies from Jefferson show that patients enrolled in the Supportive Oncology program experience significantly fewer hospitalizations and emergency department visits, shorter lengths of stay, and improved overall satisfaction, confirming the clinical and economic value of holistic, team-based care.

Ultimately, the vision of Supportive Oncology at SKCCC is to make comprehensive, quality-of-life care a standard part of every cancer journey. Whether through symptom management, psychological support, rehabilitative care, or palliative medicine, the division ensures that patients and their families receive the compassionate, individualized attention they deserve. Under Dr. Worster’s leadership, and with the expertise of Drs. Kelly, Siddiqui, Njoku, Kuehn, Geisinger, Lynch, and the dedicated social work and psychosocial teams led by Rebecca Cammy and Gregory Garber.  Jefferson Health’s Supportive Oncology program exemplifies the future of integrated cancer care: one that values not just longer life, but better living, through every step of the cancer experience.