Penn Medicine is expanding its approach to cancer care by focusing on the holistic needs of patients through the Whole Person Care Collaborative. This initiative builds on the vision established in 1997 when Leonard and the late Madlyn Abramson donated $100 million to create the Abramson Cancer Center. Their goal was to bring together not only leading scientists and clinicians, but also professionals such as social workers, psychiatrists, and nutritionists.
The center continues to emphasize comprehensive care that goes beyond treating cancer itself. The program now includes a range of supportive services for both patients and their families. These services address mental health, spiritual needs, fertility preservation, social work support, and palliative care. The aim is to help patients manage challenges like emotional distress and financial concerns that often accompany a cancer diagnosis.
A team of faculty leaders at Penn Medicine is working to unify these efforts across its cancer system. They are increasing staff such as nurse navigators and social workers to provide personalized guidance, expanding counseling programs, creating support groups, enhancing specialized care for different age groups, leveraging early palliative care interventions, and advancing research into quality of life improvements.
Penn Medicine Princeton Health’s Psychosocial Oncology Program further supports this approach with funding from an anonymous donor. All these initiatives are designed to make sure each patient receives individualized attention during treatment.
Philanthropy remains a key part of Penn Medicine’s strategy for advancing whole person care. Donor contributions help develop digital infrastructure—including artificial intelligence—to personalize treatment pathways. Funds also support hiring compassionate experts and expanding resources available for research studies and clinical trials focused on holistic patient care.
Additional philanthropic support allows Penn Medicine to continue developing new ways to help patients and their families cope during difficult times. Those interested in contributing can contact chief development officer Kathleen Hertkorn at khertkor@upenn.edu.
For updates on Penn Medicine’s latest developments, readers can subscribe to its newsletters and publications.
