Dana-Farber’s first Young Adult patient navigator, Meghan Donovan
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Behind the resource desk in the new HomeGoods Young Adult Lounge, Meghan Donovan is equal parts anchor and compass. As Dana-Farber’s first Young Adult patient navigator, she helps adolescent and young adult patients – defined as people ages 18 to early 40s – find resources and support services at and outside the Institute.
‘Young adults have unique needs because this time in their lives is often marked by rapid change,’ explains Donovan. ‘Many are in school or working. We also see patients who have active social lives and act as caregivers. A cancer diagnosis can be a significant disruptor.’
No matter what a person’s cancer diagnosis, Donovan says there is a resource, group, or program just for them. ‘I’m honored to be in the lounge,’ says Donovan. ‘What I do as a patient navigator is one of multiple ways that the YAP aims to meet the needs of young adult patients.’
While her current role is a first for the Young Adult Program (YAP), Donovan has been at Dana-Farber for almost three years. Before joining the YAP in February 2024, she was a clinical research coordinator in Breast Oncology.
‘I interacted with patients in my previous role to an extent, which was my favourite part,’ shares Donovan. ‘Now I have the opportunity to build closer relationships and share information to make their experiences just a bit better.”