Definition: Jimmie C. Holland was an American psychiatrist known for her pioneering work in the field of psycho-oncology, the study of the psychological, behavioral, and social aspects of cancer.
Overview: Jimmie C. Holland played a foundational role in establishing psycho-oncology as a recognized medical discipline. She emphasized the importance of addressing the emotional and mental health needs of cancer patients, advocating for integrated care that includes psychological support alongside medical treatment. Her work significantly influenced oncology practices worldwide, leading to improved patient care models that consider the whole person, not only the disease.
Etymology/Origin: The name "Jimmie C. Holland" is a personal name, with "Jimmie" being a variant spelling of "Jimmy," often used as a given name, and "Holland" serving as the surname. The middle initial "C" stands for "Catherine," as her full name was Jimmie Catherine Holland.
Characteristics: Jimmie C. Holland was born on August 4, 1928, and passed away on December 25, 2017. She was a professor of psychiatry at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, where she became the first psychiatrist to specialize in oncology. In 1977, she founded one of the first psychiatric services dedicated to cancer patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering. She was a founding member and past president of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS) and contributed extensively to research on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in cancer patients. Dr. Holland authored or co-authored hundreds of scientific articles and several authoritative textbooks, including The Psycho-Oncology Handbook.
Related Topics:
- Psycho-oncology
- Cancer care
- Palliative care
- Mental health in chronic illness
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS)
- Psychosocial support in medicine