8 APRIL - MAY 2026IN MY OPINIONHOLISTIC PSYCHO-ONCOLOGICAL CARE ROOTED IN COMPASSIONMy work extended far beyond therapy sessions, including collaboration with oncologists, psychiatrists, and surgeons to develop holistic care plans that addressed not only physical symptoms but also the emotional and existential dimensions of cancer diagnoses. My focus was also on delivering family and caregiver support, bereavement counseling, and end-of-life care, which demonstrated my ability to provide comfort where medicine alone could not. It is important to say that in Mexico we do not have as many resources as we do in the US, which led me to seek services that could better benefit and support patients during their journey.I would describe these experiences as a daily lesson in human resilience. With each patient encounter, I reaffirmed my belief that the best care arises from listening deeply, validating courage and empowering individuals to regain dignity in the face of suffering with every patient I treat and walk alongside. By Cristina Aguilar, LCPC, Patient Care Manager, Esperanza Health CentersTransforming Healthcare Through Compassionate, Trauma-Informed CounselingCristina AguilarCristina Aguilar `s journey began in Mexico City, where she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in clinical psychology from Universidad de las América's. Early in her career, she demonstrated an enduring dedication to the emotional and psychological well-being of vulnerable populations through diverse internships that exposed her to psychiatric hospitals, community rehabilitation centers and juvenile care settings. Her specialization in Psycho-Oncology, completed at the National Cancer Institute (INCAN), marked a pivotal point in her trajectory. At INCAN and later at FUCAM A.C., she became instrumental in supporting patients facing one of life's most profound challenges, cancer. Her goals have always centered on building a career rooted in empathy and excellence. With over a decade of clinical and psycho-oncological experience, she consistently reflects her core values and knowledge through a blend of scientific rigor, emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity that sets her apart as a leader redefining patient-centered mental health care.
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