In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Dr. Wendy G. Lichtenthal, a leading expert in grief and bereavement care. Dr. Lichtenthal is the Founding Director of the Center for the Advancement of Bereavement Care at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. A licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience, she brings deep compassion and groundbreaking research to the field of psychosocial oncology.

We discuss the complexities of grief after cancer loss, the evolving nature of bereavement care, and how clinicians and caregivers can better support those navigating life after loss. Dr. Lichtenthal also shares insights from her work developing Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy and the EMPOWER intervention — both designed to help individuals find meaning and resilience in the face of profound sorrow.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, a grieving loved one, or someone seeking to better understand bereavement, this conversation offers validation, hope, and expert guidance.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Wendy G. Lichtenthal, PhD

Wendy G. Lichtenthal, PhD, FT, FAPOS is founding director of the Center for the Advancement of Bereavement Care at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Prevention Science and Community Health at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, which she joined in 2023. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and has worked as a grief specialist for over 20 years.

In 2005, she began her career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in New York City, where she was Founding Director of the Bereavement Clinic and Associate Attending Psychologist, and where she now serves as Consultant Faculty. She was a recipient of the 2012 International Psycho-Oncology Society Kawano New Investigator Award, the 2019 Association for Death Education and Counseling Research Recognition Award, and the 2023 American Psychosocial Oncology Society Outstanding Clinical Care Award.

She is a Fellow in Thanatology and was elected a Fellow of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society in 2024. Her federally funded research has been supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Nursing Research, American Cancer Society, T.J. Martell Foundation, and MSK’s Cycle for Survival and has focused on grief and bereavement, cancer survivorship, intervention development and evaluation, and finding meaning in the face of adversity. She is an inventor of the Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy and EMPOWER intervention manuals that are used in her research.

In this episode, we sit down with Abby Singh, a melanoma survivor diagnosed as an Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA). Abby is now the Director of Patient Content and Nutrition Education Services at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), where she creates critical resources for patients and caregivers, including the Survivorship Workbooks.

She shares her journey through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, and how her experience drives her work supporting nutrition programs for all cancer types. Abby also opens up about life beyond cancer—from her Tennessee roots in Sevierville (Dolly Parton’s hometown) to her passions for fiction writing, bar trivia, and family life.

Join us for an honest, inspiring conversation about resilience, healing, and the importance of community in the AYA cancer experience.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Abby Singh, a melanoma survivor and passionate advocate for cancer patients, serves as the Director of Patient Content at the Nutrition Education Services Center and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). In this role, she has dedicated over a decade to creating impactful resources like the Survivorship Workbooks and supporting LLS’s comprehensive nutrition program, which benefits individuals with all types of cancer.

A proud graduate of Belmont University in Nashville, TN, Abby holds a bachelor’s degree in English and history. She is also a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. Outside of her professional work, Abby enjoys reading, writing fiction, and testing her knowledge at bar trivia. She lives in Sevierville, TN—Dolly Parton’s hometown—with her husband, young son, and two beloved cats.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rena Szabo, PsyD, a passionate advocate for integrating psychology and medicine, to discuss her unique approach to holistic, person-centered care in the field of psycho-oncology. Dr. Szabo, who works at Banner Health, specializes in understanding the complex biological, psychological, cultural, and environmental factors that influence health and quality of life. With her expertise in behavioral medicine, she helps to foster resilience and well-being among both healthcare professionals and patients, ensuring a comprehensive approach to healing in the oncology setting.

As Co-Chair of the Cultivating Happiness in Medicine Steering Committee, Dr. Szabo leads initiatives that focus on enhancing the quality of life within the healthcare community. She also shares her passion for Special Olympics, where she has made significant contributions through the development of the Strong Minds program and her role as Clinical Director for Arizona. Dr. Szabo’s work with the Special Olympics and her dedication to improving the mental and emotional well-being of athletes exemplifies her commitment to holistic care across all areas of life.

Join us as Dr. Szabo talks about her work, her philosophy on health and resilience, and the importance of integrating behavioral health practices into the medical field.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Rena Szabo, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist specializing in psycho-oncology and integrated behavioral health. With a deep commitment to the well-being of both patients and healthcare providers, Dr. Szabo works at the intersection of psychology and medicine to enhance overall health and quality of life. She is also deeply involved in Special Olympics Arizona, where she has contributed significantly to developing programs like Strong Minds, which focuses on the mental and emotional health of athletes. Dr. Szabo is also a mother of three and enjoys running, reading, and being part of her faith community.