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Mission Statement | Types of Services | Current Clinical Programs | Faculty and Staff | How the Center is Funded | Location and Contact Information | Lung Cancer Support Group Helps Calm the Storm | < Return to Our Services
Simms/Mann – UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology
The UCLA Thoracic Oncology Program is committed to providing comprehensive care to our patients with lung cancer. We recognize that getting the best medical treatment from specialists in the thoracic oncology program is the first step, however, most patients and family members need access to other types of care that address the needs of the whole patient and family.
We partner with the Simms/Mann – UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology because they offer comprehensive resources to our patients and their families. We encourage all patients to visit the Simms/Mann Center (200 UCLA Medical Plaza, Suite 502) or call for an appointment (310 794-6644) to see how they may be able to help. Below you will find information about the services that they offer to our patients.
Mission Statement
A center of integrative oncology . . .
maintaining wellness, maximizing health, and complementing the best oncologic practices and scientific research through individualized care offered by a multidisciplinary team committed to enhancing the physical, psychological and spiritual well-being of people touched by cancer.
Types of Services
The Simms/Mann – UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology is primarily oriented toward the practice of integrative medicine through a wide variety of clinical services and programs. We have a range of services oriented toward care of the whole person diagnosed with lung cancer and their families.
Current Clinical Programs
Individual Integrative Oncology Counseling by Integrative Medicine Physician
Individual educational sessions (1.25 to 1.5 hours) for patients with cancer or individuals at risk for cancer. These sessions provide an opportunity to ask questions on nutrition, dietary supplements, strategies to decrease the likelihood of recurrence and enhance well-being. The goal is to individually assess each person, taking into consideration your own health issues and goals, and tailor a wellness plan that you can implement. Selection of appropriate nutritional and dietary supplements or herbs as well as the development of strategies to manage specific symptoms are addressed along with educated advice on utilizing therapy offered by other CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) providers. Patients complete a comprehensive multi-dimensional assessment prior to evaluation incorporating information from medical history, nutrition, complementary medicine practices, mind/body strategies, spiritual practices and goals. (Fee for Service) Nutrition, Supplements & Complementary Care
Comprehensive psychosocial assessment by health psychologists and clinical social workers
For UCLA patients and their family members, we provide interventions that are oriented toward reducing the psychological impact of cancer as well as teaching mind-body techniques to facilitate coping and wellness. Psychologists and oncology social workers work with patients who have lung cancer and family members both in the Center and in other UCLA oncology clinic environments to help assess needs, identify resources and provide concrete and psychological interventions. Referrals are often made to many of the support groups and workshops that are offered in the Center. We have psychologists and oncology social workers who have extensive experience working with patients with lung cancer and can help both patients and family members identify help that may facilitate emotional well-being.
Support Groups and Workshops
We offer on-going groups and workshops on weekly, monthly and quarterly basis. Contact the Center for a current schedule. Here is a listing of frequently held groups.
“Insights Into Cancer”
Monthly Lecture Series on mainstream medical and integrative medicine topics as well as concrete issues affecting patients with cancer. This lecture series features high level faculty members and is open to the public at no charge. Lectures are offered on one Tuesday evening per month from 7:00-9:00 pm in the UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, B130 Auditorium. Each year there is a presentation on lung cancer. Insights Public Lecture Series
Access to Educational Materials
Reflections Boutique
A boutique to assist patients with the physical appearance changes brought about by cancer including items such as hats, wigs, scarves and lymphedema garments. Reflections also carries a wide range of high-quality physician-selected nutraceuticals of particular interest to people with cancer. Reflections Boutique
Faculty and Staff
The Center is staffed by a range of caring individuals who understand the importance of a patient-centered approach to care. Some of the disciplines represented in the center include clinical and health psychology, internal medicine, preventive medicine, oncology social work, mind/body medicine, art therapy, holistic healing, QiGong, child/adolescent therapy, individual, couples and family therapy, bereavement, complementary medicine and the psychology of women.
Directors
Staff Clinicians
Physicians
Clinical Consultants
Administration
Reflections Staff
How the Center is Funded
The Simms/Mann Family Foundation has a long history of substantial philanthropic support to the Center. They continue to be committed to providing significant operating support for many of our programs and services. While we greatly appreciate the funding that we receive from the Simms/Mann Family Foundation, due to the high volume of patients and family members touched by cancer and the extraordinary demand for our services, we need additional private donations of all kinds to continue our wide range of programs.
Voluntary donations are essential for our day-to-day operations. Almost all of our programs are offered to individuals without fees with the exception of the Reflections Boutique and the educational programs offered by Dr. Mary Hardy which are fee for service.
We depend on the generosity of others and we encourage individuals to make a financial contribution that is tax deductible to the maximum extent allowable by law. For information on how to support the Center please contact the administrator, Marcia Britvan at 310 794-6644 or by writing to simmsmanncenter@mednet.ucla.edu.
Location and Contact Information
The Simms/Mann – UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology has a primary location on the Westwood campus at UCLA. However, in addition, many of our programs are offered in satellite community oncology offices in Los Angeles County including the Santa Monica office and soon to be Pasadena. Please contact our main center for information about specific programs offered in different locations.
200 UCLA Medical Plaza, Suite 502
Los Angeles, CA 90095-6934
310 794-6644
310 794-9615 fax
The Simms/Mann-UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology
email: simmsmanncenter@mednet.ucla.edu
Open Monday – Friday 9:00 – 5:00 closed all University Holidays
Lung Cancer Support Group Helps Calm the Storm
“When I was diagnosed with lung cancer, it felt like being overcome by a very dark storm. The support group, and the people in it, were integral to my coping. I knew I wasn’t alone, that someone understood me, and that there was hope for calm ahead.”
Helen, a participant in the lung cancer support group, wrote in a recent thank you letter what the group has meant to her and what it offers others.
The lung cancer support group meets in weekly and provides the opportunity for participants to get to know others in similar situations. Participants share stories, give and receive practical suggestions, and support each other. An oncology social worker provides information and skills for relaxation, navigating the healthcare system, finding needed resources, and coping with day-to-day challenges. The group provides a safe forum to discuss issues such as the stigma of lung cancer, fear and anxiety, keeping a positive outlook and nourishing hope.
With membership ranging from five to ten people, the intimate setting provides a protected place to talk and to listen. Partners and family caregivers are welcome to participate if they have a family member in the group.
Helen closed her letter simply yet profoundly by saying “Thank you for being my very own lighthouse.” If you are unsure and would like to discuss the possibility of joining, for more information or to register for the group, please call the Center.
