Pediatric Psycho-Oncology Research Lab
Lab Director and Clinical Supervisor: Lila Pereira, PhD
Description of Lab & Clinical Site:
Within the division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation at New York Medical College/Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, research is conducted focused on quality of life and issues of adjustment in Pediatric and Young Adult Hematology/Oncology patients. Research is often interdisciplinary and involves collaboration with other institutions both locally and across the country. Clinical activities are typically with patients ranging in age 3-39 in areas of trauma, depression, anxiety, and behavioral medicine. Trainees supporting the work of the lab range from undergraduate through fellowship level across multiple disciplines. The lab is located in Valhalla, NY on the NYMC campus. Additional lab and clinical activities take place at Westchester Medical Center/Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital inpatient and outpatient locations (on NYMC campus or within 5 minute walk). The campus is accessible via Bee Line bus system within Westchester County. The closest train station is Metro North Valhalla, White Plains, or Tarrytown.
Current research projects include but are not limited to:
- Pereira, PI:
- Can Making Video Narratives Benefit AYAs with a Cancer History
- Sibling Video Narratives of the Cancer Experience
- Video Narratives in Parents of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Patients
- Development and Increase of Service Utilization of a Pediatric Psychology Service in Hematology/Oncology
- Identifying Predictors of Poor Health-Related Quality-of-Life among Sibling Pediatric Stem Cell Donors
- Impact of Blogging on AYA Cancer Patients and Survivors
- Efficacy of Training Peer Mentors in a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Setting
- Oncology Faculty PI, Pereira Co-PI:
- Cancer and Bone Marrow Transplant Survivorship Registry
- AYA Cancer Registry
- Registry of COVID-19 in Pediatric Oncology Patients
The studies range from new with IRB paperwork pending to well-established and data collection complete. Several are multi-site with grant (or seeking) support. As such there is much that a student can learn about with respect to the research process. There is an expectation students will be active in disseminating research throughout their time in lab with presentation/publication requirements. Dissertation topics may also be discussed with the opportunity to utilize current data, take ownership of current studies, or create new research that is commiserate with the mission and focus of the lab.
Clinical Training:
Graduate level psychology trainees see Pediatric and AYA Hematology and Oncology patients for psychotherapy primarily in an outpatient setting through multiple tracks (see NYNJADOT for further information). The division is considered to be a fully integrated site with psychology playing a key role in care of all patients. Siblings are also seen. Students have the opportunity to participate in integrated clinics, seeing patient for consultation and brief treatment as well. Evidence based medicine is used with CBT (TF-CBT, CBT-CP, CBT-I), DBT, MI, PCIT/parent training, CPT, and ACT interventions being the primary modalities used. Opportunities to round in the hospital and participate in integrated team meetings are also available. This clinical site is appropriate for advanced level students (4th year and above) with exceptions made for students with previous appropriate experience. Note: Students must apply for these positions through the NYNJADOT system. A separate advanced track for Touro PsyD students may be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Pereira may be contacted via lpereira2@nymc.edu for further discussion and application.
Clinical and Research Supervisor: Suzanne Braniecki-Matteo, Phd
The pediatric neuropsychology service within Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital/Westchester Medical Center provides outpatient and inpatient evaluations to pediatric medical populations (i.e., pediatric hematology/oncology, neurology, epilepsy, neurosurgery, general pediatrics). Referrals typically come from the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, neurologists, pediatricians, and schools. Typical referrals include hematology/oncology, head injury, medical disorders (i.e., epilepsy, sickle cell disease), assessment of late treatment effects from radiation/chemotherapy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disability, developmental disability, and autism spectrum disorders. Clinical activities are typically with patients ranging in age 3-39. There are opportunities to attend weekly rounds (i.e., brain tumor, cancer survivorship, hematology/sickle cell), participate in research and attend case conferences. Another major part of our department is being a team member and collaboration with other medical professionals.
The trainee experience involves learning how to administer tests used in neuropsychological assessments, administration of outpatient (and inpatient at times) neuropsychological evaluations to children and adolescents (and occasionally adults), scoring and report writing. Overall, 3 evaluations are conducted per week in total, and trainees are typically involved with 1-2 of those evaluations. Trainees also learn about and assist with the clinical interviews and feedback sessions. Significant time is spent on report writing skills.
The neuropsychology service is located in Valhalla, NY on the NYMC campus. Additional clinical activities take place at Westchester Medical Center/Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital inpatient and outpatient locations (on NYMC campus or within 5 minute walk). The campus is accessible via Bee Line bus system within Westchester County. The closest train station is Metro North Valhalla, White Plains, or Tarrytown.
This site is appropriate for advanced level students (4th year and above) with exceptions made for students with previous appropriate experience. Note: Students must apply for these positions through the NYNJADOT system. A separate advanced track for Touro students may be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Research: Topics/projects include but are not limited to:
- Cognitive functioning in sickle cell patients who have undergone stem cell transplant
- Cancer Survivorship Registry (which includes data about cognitive functioning, quality of life)
- Pediatric epilepsy
Dissertation topics may also be discussed with the opportunity to utilize current data, take ownership of current studies, or create new research that is commiserate with the mission and focus of the lab.
Dr. Braniecki-Matteo may be contacted via suzanne_braniecki@bchphysicians.org or suzanne_matteo@nymc.edu for further discussion and application.
