Dr. Scott Irwin, a nationally recognized expert in the fields of oncology supportive care, palliative care psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine, has been named medical director of Supportive Care Services at Cedars-Sinai’s Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute.

Irwin will oversee oncology Supportive Care Services at the Institute and throughout the Cedars-Sinai Health System. The services maximize the well-being of cancer patients and their loved ones through an interdisciplinary cancer care team that includes clinical social workers, nurses, palliative medicine physicians, psychiatrists, registered dieticians, rehabilitation specialists and spiritual care practitioners. Irwin’s role additionally will extend to serving as a member of the leadership team for psychosomatic medicine in the Department of Psychiatry.

“I’m excited to join Cedars-Sinai because the institution shares my belief that – in relation to cancer care and beyond – the dignity of the person comes first, whether you are a patient or a family member,” Irwin said. “I feel that Cedars-Sinai and the Cancer Institute are special places.”

Prior to joining Cedars-Sinai, Irwin served as director of Patient and Family Support Services at the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center.

“Dr. Irwin brings expertise in all aspects of supportive care services that help patients and families better cope with the stress of cancer treatment,” said Dr.  Steven Piantadosi, director of the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute. “His academic and research leadership will not only enhance our supportive care services but also will contribute to improvements in the field at a national level.”