Profile of Caring Joan Levenson By Diane Mulkhey, RTT Manager, Radiation Oncology & Cancer Registry Joan Levenson began volunteering in March, 1991 as a Patient Representative in radiation oncology. She interviews patients who are undergoing radiation therapy treatments. She asks them a variety of questions intent on trying to help make a difficult time in their lives a bit more manageable. Joan’s gentle demeanor helps patients relax. She puts them at ease, assuring them that input is confidential but so important in helping us improve our services. Joan is part of the radiation oncology family. Staff look forward to her presence every Thursday as she waters our plants, restocks our patient refrigerator, blanket warmer, and linen cart. Most importantly we look forward to addressing any detail that she uncovers when she interviews the patients, trying to make their treatments a little more comfortable. Joan is knowledgeable of the struggles that the cancer patient experiences. She is compassionate, resourceful and always considerate. She promptly addresses every concern and/or question that a patient has, making sure that the right staff person is in immediate contact with the patient. No patient leaves the department without their need being met, many times thanks to Joan’s quick follow up. Joan attends all of our social events because without her, our staff would just not be complete. We applaud Joan and recognize how important she is to the staff and how vital she is to helping us deliver exceptional patient care!