Megan

Wirtz

Undergraduate School: University of Richmond

Doctoral Program: Health Psychology and Clinical Science PhD, The Graduate Center, City University of New York

Interests & Career Goals: My clinical and research interests are in psycho-oncology, particularly the long-term late effects of cancer that can impact sexual health, romantic relationships, and fertility. Clinically, I orient toward cognitive-behavioral and meaning-centered approaches, identifying ways in which patients and survivors can both cope with and live with the aftereffects of cancer. Additionally, I am interested in how cancer alters one's sense of self and how it influences future-oriented decision-making (e.g., family building). In the future, I plan to pursue a career as a clinician-scientist, where I hope to not only treat but also contribute research to the intersection between cancer, identity, and future decision-making.

Favorite Pastimes: I enjoy theater, running, trying new recipes, and exploring Durham!

Why Duke? I chose the Cancer/Psychosocial Oncology track because of its balance between breadth and depth of training. While much of my prior work has been in oncology, here at Duke I am not only able to expand on that training, but also engage in a new (and related!) health psychology area at the Duke Fertility Center. Because so much of my interest in oncological care is in relationships and family-building, I could not have asked for a more wonderful combination of sites at which to be placed.

Research Interests: My research interests are in the long-term social and psychological sequalae of childhood cancer in young adults. I am particularly interested in cancer’s effect on sexual self-esteem (how confident someone is in their sexual identity), and how sexual functioning impacts family building decision-making.