Meet Emily Drake, a PhD candidate at Dalhousie University.
Emily’s research focuses on young adults (18 – 39) living with cancer, an often-ignored age group that falls between pediatric and adult healthcare.
A diagnosis for a person in this age group may mean unique challenges, as their needs are influenced by educational, work, lifestyle and psychosocial (psychological and social) factors. While there is limited research among this population, there is even less regarding how young adults experience palliative care. This research is necessary to deliver age-appropriate, person-centered, specialist care to young people. The purpose of Emily’s study is to explore how young adults living with metastatic/advanced cancer experience the transition to palliative care. This phenomenology of practice study will develop a profound understanding of the transition to palliative care experience of young adults living with metastatic/advanced cancer and will enhance healthcare professionals’ understanding of the transition to palliative care experiences of this population.
Emily’s work now and after completing her PhD, will have an enormous impact on research focused on this age group, who face unique health, economic and social needs.
“The support you give us trainees is invaluable. It allows us to focus on our studies and sends a message that people believe in us and the work we are doing.” Emily