NCI's Ann O'Mara Receives American Pain Society Award :: NCI Cancer Bulletin for May 15, 2012 - National Cancer Institute

NCI Cancer Bulletin for May 15, 2012 - National Cancer Institute

NCI's Ann O'Mara Receives American Pain Society Award

Dr. Ann O'Mara

The American Pain Society recently awarded the John and Emma Bonica Public Service Award to Dr. Ann O'Mara, head of palliative research in NCI's Division of Cancer Prevention.

The award is named for John Bonica, a leader in the pain treatment movement, and his wife, Emma. The award honors outstanding contributions by an individual or organization to further knowledge about pain through public education, dissemination of information, public service, or other efforts.

Dr. O'Mara has conducted research on end-of-life care and on the education of nurses and physicians about palliative care. Her publications have focused primarily on quality-of-life issues facing patients with cancer and their families through all stages of the disease. She manages a portfolio of symptom management, palliative care, and end-of-life care research projects. Most of these projects cover adverse effects associated with cancer and its treatment, including pain, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and psychosocial issues such as distress, anxiety, and depression.