Social work professionals supporting cancer patients and families
Est. 1981 · Raleigh, NC · 501(c)(3)

Welcome to the Social Work Oncology Group

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting social workers who serve patients and families affected by cancer across North Carolina.

Our Values — P·E·A·C·E
Passion
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Empowerment
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Advocacy
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Connection
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Education
Become a Member Serve on the Board ❤️ Donate

About NC SWOG

NC SWOG History & Mission

The North Carolina Social Work Oncology Group (SWOG-NC) was started in the Fall of 1981. Our mission is to maintain an organization of professional social workers in North Carolina interested in the care and treatment of cancer patients and their families.

Our purpose is to provide membership with opportunities for education, skill building, and peer support. By providing a network where community and hospital social workers can exchange ideas and develop new resources and programs, the social and emotional challenges of cancer patients and their families will be better served.

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"Regardless of setting — inpatient oncology, outpatient cancer center, community-based palliative care or hospice — we all share the rich experience of caring for people as they navigate the complexities of cancer."

Join NC SWOG

Membership is open to social workers in all stages of their careers, as well as other professionals who align with social work values in oncology.

A
Associate/Community Membership
$50/year

For non-social work healthcare professionals and community members. Full website access.

S
Student Membership
$25/year

For BSW/MSW/DSW students. Website access, not eligible for board positions.

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🎉 Online membership is now live!

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Submit your interest and we'll be in touch when the next membership window opens.

Have questions about membership? Email us at

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Events & CEU Opportunities

📅 Annual Conference

The NC SWOG Annual Conference is held each fall, giving participants the opportunity to expand their knowledge about social work practice in oncology, develop leadership skills, and find community with peers.

Next conference date: TBA — for announcements, email info@ncswog.org

Past Conference Topics

  • Self-Care and Resilience
  • Communication at End of Life
  • Ethical Issues in Life Support
  • Talking to Children When a Parent Has Cancer

🎓 CEU Opportunities

Our annual conference CEU, including ethics credits. Additional CEU opportunities will be announced throughout the year.

Meet the Board

Leah Salvy
President
Leah Salvy
DSW

Dr. Selvy is a dedicated social worker and community leader with over 25 years of experience in case management, strategic planning, and community outreach. Driven by a mission to empower and uplift others, she connects individuals to vital programs and resources. Her extensive academic foundation includes a Doctor of Social Work from the University of Kentucky, master's degrees from Norfolk State University and Capella University, and a bachelor's degree from North Carolina Central University.

A passionate leader, Dr. Selvy serves as the President of SWOG-NC and the local Morrisville chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She is also a charter member of the National Association of Parliamentarians' Greater Parliamentary Triangle Unit and is deeply involved in her church. Above all, Dr. Selvy guides her life and service by Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Courtney Buggs
Vice President
Courtney Buggs
MSW

Courtney is a passionate social worker keen on making a difference in the lives she comes across. Her social work journey has involved stops in Family and Children's Services of DeKalb and Fulton County in Georgia, Abuse Investigation of Mecklenburg County, and she currently serves as a medical social work supervisor at Atrium Health. The fruit of Courtney's hard work has resulted in numerous awards and recognitions, including the Atrium Social Worker of the Year in 2023. Courtney holds an MSW from the University of South Carolina and a BSW from Winthrop University.

EC
Secretary
Elizabeth Coleman
MSW, LCSW

Elizabeth Coleman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been a medical social worker in the healthcare setting for several years. She enjoys traveling, spending time with family & friends, and being a dog & cat mom.

Sydney Hart
Treasurer
Sydney Hart
MSW, LCSWA

Sydney is a Mental Health Counselor and Medical Social Worker in Home Health with over ten years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Her experience spans from the school setting, non-profit sector, domestic violence shelters, community mental health, the Department of Social Services, home health, and recreational sectors.

She earned a BSW from Campbell University and an MSW from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Sydney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA), Certified Professional Coach, Author, Field Instructor for Social Work Students, and a Doctoral Social Work Candidate at the University of Kentucky. In her free time she enjoys shopping, spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, all things aromatherapy, and eating strawberry cupcakes. 🍓

Interested in serving on the board?

Apply to Become a Board Member →

Member Resources

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Resources for oncology social workers — toolkits, guides, research, and professional development links.

Click Here for Resources

Get Involved

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Sub-committee Work

Serve on a sub-committee and contribute your expertise to specific areas — education, conference planning, membership outreach, and more.

Apply Now →
🎓
Student Internships

NC SWOG internship placements are available to BSW and MSW students enrolled in North Carolina programs. Placements are virtual or hybrid and provide hands-on experience in oncology social work advocacy and education.

Apply Now →

Get in Touch

We'd love to hear from you — questions, membership inquiries, conference info, or just to connect.

  • ✉️ info@ncswog.org
  • 📍 Raleigh, North Carolina
  • 🏛️ Nonprofit 501(c)(3) · Founded 1981

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