Medical social work

As mentioned previously, medical social work is a distinct field of practice within the social work profession. It
encapsulates the values, ethics, principles, practice skills, and the person-in-environment perspective that are
the cornerstone of the medical social work profession. Medical social workers tend to specialize in specific
disciplines (e.g., oncology social worker, palliative social worker) to ensure a greater understanding of the
course of illness, treatment options, and issues that patients might encounter.
The services provided by medical social workers in different disciplines can vary greatly. For example, a public
health social worker might spend most of his or her time advocating in state and federal legislative forums for
increased access to care for low-income children, whereas a social worker in a community-based medical
clinic might be providing counseling and education to individual patients about diabetes or HIV/AIDS. It is
important to keep in mind that despite the health care setting, disease area, or population served, medical
social workers remain charged with identifying the patient and assessing his or her needs.
To prepare for this Discussion, think about the medical social work profession and consider a discipline (i.e.,
oncology social work, HIV/AIDS social work, psychiatric social work) of interest to you. Consider the distinct
scope of practice within the discipline.