In this episode, we talk with Dr. William Breitbart, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and a pioneer in psycho-oncology. Dr. Breitbart sheds light on the critical yet often overlooked issue of meaning and purpose in cancer care. He delves into how patients may encounter a profound loss of meaning, which can lead to anxiety and depression, even if they are not clinically diagnosed with depression.

Drawing from his extensive experience, Dr. Breitbart shares insights from his pioneering work in the psychiatric and neuropsychiatric dimensions of cancer and palliative care. He discusses strategies to assist patients in rediscovering meaning and enhancing their quality of life during challenging times.
Join us for a conversation that underscores the vital intersection of mental health and cancer treatment, featuring Dr. Breitbart’s significant contributions to the field, including his groundbreaking work on Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy.

About Our Guest, William Breitbart, M.D.
Chairman, Jimmie C Holland Chair in Psychiatric Oncology; Chairman, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Dr. Breitbart is a pioneer and leader in the field of psycho-oncology. At Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, he led the way for innovative, award-winning initiatives that provided high-quality research focusing on psychiatric and neuropsychiatric aspects of cancer and palliative care. He is the Chairman, Jimmie C Holland Chair in Psychiatric Oncology, Chairman, Psychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York. Dr. Breitbart is also a Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

Dr. Breitbart is known for numerous influential leadership roles, and has been recognized in the field of psycho-oncology for his contributions, receiving top research awards and lifetime achievements since 2003. He has edited/written twelve textbooks, including Psychiatric Aspects of Symptom Management in the Cancer Patient, published by the American Psychiatric Press, Psycho-oncology – 1st, 2nd and 3rd Editions, and Handbook of Psychiatry in Palliative Medicine- 1st and 2nd Editions. Dr. Breitbart recently authored treatment manuals on Meaning-Centered Group and Individual Psychotherapy in Advanced Cancer Patients by Oxford University Press. He is currently editor-in-chief of the Cambridge University Press’ international palliative care journal, Palliative & Supportive Care. Dr. Breitbart also helped found IPOS Press and authored the IPOS Press/Oxford University Press Text Psychosocial Palliative Care.