Welcome to the Rebecca and John Moores UCSD Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology.   As the clinician providing social work services to the patients undergoing radiation treatment, I look forward to meeting you.

Undergoing cancer treatment can be complicated and may require emotional support, practical, and financial resources.  I can help you navigate the medical system, as well as provide you with practical resource information for local and national programs for which you may be eligible.  Additionally, as part of your care I can offer stress management techniques and supportive counseling to you and your family if desired. 

Usually I will be scheduled to meet you during your consultation or simulation.  If we don’t meet then, please call me at 858.822.5406. 

You may also contact the Moores Cancer Center Social Work department via two additional avenues: Phone (858/822-2168).

There are a host of resources available to you while you are a patient at Moores Cancer Center.  At the Center, we can provide individual counseling or offer groups that provide support regarding coping with a specific type of cancer or just to enhance your well-being.  Additionally you may want to know about community wide resources or even national resources that may provide financial or other assistance.  I hope the listings below help you learn about the assistance that is available to you here at Moores Cancer Center, in your community or on a national level. 

Sincerely,
Carmen Ayala, L.C.S.W.
Department of Radiation Oncology