Brandes Melissa, MD

Kathleen McBeth is a clinical psychologist at the University of Vermont Medical Center specializing in psychology/oncology. Her research interests include health psychology, stress management and resilience, caregiver support, and grief.As a cancer survivor, she brings a unique perspective to the work of psycho/oncology. Going back to school after her first cancer diagnosis allowed her to utilize what she learned from her own experience and to build a program of support for cancer patients in her community. She feels deeply that sharing her experience is beneficial to other individuals.Kathleen loves her job helping people during this time of distress and providing them with support. She has been honored to speak at a number of patient education and medical forums and feels that sharing the understanding that psychological distress, during a cancer diagnosis can be helped, is essential. She also is proud of her work on the board of a number of cancer organizations as she uses her voice to build support for cancer patients.Her goal is to help people feel less alone with the cancer diagnosis and to help them utilize the coping strategies that are best for them during this difficult process. The effects of this diagnosis can be felt by the entire family therefore she also focuses on the needs of the caregivers and family members. She believes communication is key and works to help the individual find their voice in the medical setting as well as in their personal environment, work, home and community.Learn more about psychological services at the UVM Medical Center.