Who We are

Our clinical and community partnership

Patient and nurse holding hands

Making cancer pain management safer for patients, providers, and their communities.   

The Opioids and Cancer resource database equips patients and providers with the tools they need to navigate cancer pain with confidence and insight. Compiled by the team at Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center with support from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, these resources are designed to close gaps in knowledge, support informed decision-making, and promote safer use of opioids during and after cancer treatment.

Community Advisory Board

Our Community Advisory Board is composed of current and former patients, family members, and community health educators, each with personal experience with cancer and prescription opioids for pain management.

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    Jessica Arnold

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    Cheryl Barnes

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    Robin Burrow

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    Mary Simmons

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    Ed Blease

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    Robert Scott

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    Kathy Thomas

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Team

Our team includes doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals who care for patients with cancer and pain in the Supportive Care Clinic. Through Massey, patients also have access to physical and occupational therapy, mental health referrals, spiritual care, and social work support.

Reach Out

  • Susan Hong, MD, MPH

    RGC Professor in Cancer Research; Director of Cancer Survivorship and Interim Section Chief of Palliative Medicine; Virginia Commonwealth University and Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

  • F. Gerard Moeller, MD

    Professor and Addictions Division Chief, Department of Psychiatry; Director, C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research and Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies; Virginia Commonwealth University

  • Renato Martins, MD, MPH

    Professor of Medicine; Chief, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care; Virginia Commonwealth University and Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

  • Anita Kuzhiyil, MD

    Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care; Virginia Commonwealth University and Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

  • Brenna McCarty, RN, MSN, AGACNP-BC

    Nurse Practitioner, Palliative Care; VCU Health and Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

  • Theresa Davis, RN, MSN, FNP-BC

    Nurse Practitioner, Departments of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine; VCU Health

  • Hope Coley, RN, BSN

    Palliative Care Nurse Navigator, VCU Health and Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

  • Jason Callahan, BS, M.Div., MS, BCC

    Palliative Care Chaplain; Instructor, Department of Patient Counseling; VCU College of Health Professions

  • Teri Dulong-Rae, MSHA

    Palliative Care Program Manager; Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care; Virginia Commonwealth University

  • Amy Doermann

    Content Strategist, Creative Director, and Design Manager for Opioids and Cancer

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In Memoriam

Danielle M. Noreika, MD, MSHA

This work is dedicated to the memory of our dear friend, colleague, and mentor, Danielle Noreika, MD, MSHA, whose unwavering commitment to advancing health equity and increasing access to palliative care transformed the lives of countless patients. A nationally recognized leader in education and palliative care, she championed patient-centered, evidence-based care with compassion and dignity for patients with serious illnesses. Her passion, wisdom, and tireless advocacy continue to inspire us, and we are honored to carry forward the work she so deeply believed in.