Hibba tul Rehman, MD, Medical Oncologist

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.

Conor O'Neill, MD is a surgical oncologist and physician at the University of Vermont Medical Center, and assistant professor of surgical oncology at the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. Among the top conditions he treats are liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, GI malignancy, cutaneous malignancy and peritoneal surface malignancy. He performs a variety of specialized procedures, including open and laparoscopic liver and pancreatic surgery; laparoscopic-assisted esophagectomy; and minimally invasive GI surgery. Dr. O'Neill's clinical interests include GI tract malignancies, esophagus cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatopancreaticobiliary cancer and melanoma. His research interests are focused on tumor microenvironments, tumor ablative therapies, and population health and screening; his publications in these areas can be found here. Dr. O'Neill chose a career in medicine in order to have the unbelievable privilege of caring for another person. As a surgical oncologist, he often sees patients with difficult diagnoses; his goal is to collaborate with them and, through shared decision making, come up with a plan that best fits their goals and values. He sees this opportunity to counsel patients and determine the best path forward as the most rewarding part of his job. He feels fortunate that, as a surgeon, he can continue to see his patients regularly, and values these long-term relationships. Learn more about University of Vermont Cancer Center.

Penelope Gibson is a hematology/oncology physician assistant at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, VT.