SCI Spotlight: Health Education

September 16, 2021 Mikaela Anderson, Health Education Specialist

The Swedish Cancer Institute is excited to welcome Mikaela Anderson to our Health Education department. Mikaela graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Oregon State University and has worked in a variety of healthcare settings such as nonprofit, post-acute rehab, and health insurance. She recently moved from Oregon and is very grateful to call Washington her new home.  Mikaela is located at the First Hill Cancer Education Center.

Please join us in getting to know more about Mikaela and the Cancer Education Center.

 

Q: Why is cancer education important?

A: Cancer care is complex and constantly changing. Connecting patients with cancer and their loved ones to educational resources can help ease the way of their journey. Creating awareness around screenings and preventive measures are also vital to the health and well-being of our community.

 

Q: What are you most passion about in the field of cancer education?

A:  I am passionate about helping educate and support patients with cancer in whatever walk of life they are in. Interacting with those that may be going through the hardest time of their life, but still have a positive and grateful spirit is something I will never take for granted.

 

Q: What types of resources can I find in the Cancer Education Center?

A: The Cancer Education Center is a unique resource that provides patient education to the public free of charge. The center offers a wide variety of brochures, books, and videos about cancer, and an expansive computer database that can be used to search for and print information about specific types of cancer. In addition to educational materials, the center sells retail items such as hats, scarves, post-surgical bras and camisoles, lotions and soaps. Wig fit consultations and wigs are also offered as a free resource for patients. The center is staffed with health educators and offers a safe environment for patients and their caregivers to learn about their specific cancer and available support resources.

 

Q: What are your interests outside of work?

A: In my free time I enjoy spending time with family, friends and my energetic Labrador.  I enjoy long distance running - on my bucket list is running a half marathon at 13 of the national parks, also know as the “vacation races”.   As much as I love running, I love pasta more.  Making homemade pasta has become one of my favorite hobbies.

For more questions about Cancer Education Center, please call 206-386-3200 or email us at SCI.Education@Swedish.org

 

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