Employee Spotlight: Macy Reeves, LMSW – Social Worker
Q: How or why did you choose this career?
A: I always said I wanted to be a part of a helping profession. I enjoy the diversity and impact that a social work career holds, and I feel that it truly allows you to make a difference in peoples’ lives every day.
Q: What is the most challenging part of your job?
A: Social workers are often involved in circumstances or situations that can be difficult to navigate. It can be challenging when resources are hard to find, or when things outside of your control require you to deliver bad news. However, we learn to pivot quickly and do our best to meet each and every need to the best of our ability.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A: Working in Oncology, I am encouraged when a patient’s application for financial assistance for their chemo medication gets approved, or when I can arrange lodging at a discounted rate to offset costs for patients, or when I see two families that don’t know each other be connected and encouraged by each other through our support group, Brain Buddies. It is these day-to-day moments that are inspiring to me.
Q: Favorite quote to live by:
A: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Q: For someone seeking a career like yours, what would you tell them makes O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center special?
A: Being on the Oncology team is a unique and humbling experience. Unfortunately, it seems like nowadays, most all of us know someone who has been impacted by cancer in some way. I can speak for our entire team of social workers across Oncology when I say that we approach all patients with the intentionality they deserve and that you would want your family to have. The Cancer Center’s commitment to excellence means life-changing experiences and healing for patients, setting apart UAB from other institutions.
Q: How have you grown your career at O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center?
A: Through strong supervisors, mentorship, and unforgettable patient experiences, I have grown both personally and professionally in my role. As a lifelong learner, I look forward to the growth that will continue to take place in my heart in this work.
Q: What or who inspires you?
A: E.E. Cummings wrote about the battle of being yourself in a world that does its best to make you feel like everyone else. I am inspired by those who choose to live a life of authenticity and integrity. Our patients who battle brain cancer, one of the most unimaginable diagnoses, yet continue to show up as themselves – with faith and unimaginable strength – is the purest form of bravery and resilience. We can find inspiration all around us and even within ourselves, if we choose to step out with courage.
Q: What do you do on a typical day off?
A: You can frequently find me walking with my dog, Dawson, and spending time with my sweet husband, Harrison. I find so much joy working in my garden, baking, and growing in my relationship with Christ. Also, I recently started a podcast, so that has been a fun outlet for me.
Q: What is one accomplishment you are especially proud of?
A: This past year, I was tasked to help put on our first-ever patient and family event called FamilyStrong, which is an extension of a caregiver program that our clinic provides. Held both in person and virtually, it allowed patients and their families to receive the most up-to-date clinic trial and pharmaceutical education, financial and community resources, and support related to the brain tumor population. Observing patients connect with each other and having the opportunity to ask questions of their health care team members was encouraging and thought-provoking. These opportunities allow patients to feel heard and cared for, wherever they are on their healing journey. The event was a huge success, and we are excited to bring it back again this year in May for Brain Cancer Awareness Month.
Q: Is there any memorable experience at O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center you would like to share?
A: In addition to the FamilyStrong caregiver program, I facilitate a monthly support group called Brain Buddies for Neuro-Oncology patients and caregivers. The experience reminds me of the importance of connection and seeing through the lens of others. My role as a facilitator is to bring topics and questions that can enhance conversations, but more importantly, it’s about allowing patients and their families to engage amongst themselves and be reminded that they are not battling their disease alone. In fact, the Cancer Center recently integrated its support groups throughout Oncology, which will allow even more patients to connect with one another.
Q: Before working at O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
A: When I was 16, I worked at a local blueberry farm over the summer. I never looked at a blueberry container the same way again – a lot of hard work goes into those tiny containers!
Q: Are there any O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center members you would like to recognize?
A: Our clinical director in Neuro-Oncology, Burt Nabors, M.D., has been a strong advocate and a believer in the impact that social workers can have on patients and their families. By caring for the whole patient, he taps into areas that can sometimes be overlooked and unseen, and he strongly believes that barriers should not get in the way of treatment. This comfort and confidence helps patients feel at ease and supported to make the most informed decisions about their care. His intentional and earnest leadership contributes to the small role we get to play in the healing process.