Dr. Lauren Walker is a registered psychologist in Alberta and holds an academic appointment as an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Departments of Oncology, Psychology and Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Calgary. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology in 2013 and completed a Clinical Fellowship specializing in Oncology and Sexuality in 2015. Dr. Walker established the University of Calgary’s Oncology Sexual Health Lab in 2015 and maintains an active research program. As a researcher she has contributed over 60 publications to the scientific peer reviewed literature about psychosocial and sexual adaption to cancer treatments. She was recognized in 2019, with Calgary’s Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 for her innovative work in supporting cancer patients with sexual side effects of cancer treatment. Dr. Walker’s passion lies in clinical resource development, evaluation and dissemination and in mentorship of research and clinical trainees. She splits her time between a private clinical practice treating people with sexual concerns and her academic appointment where she conducts her research.
Walker, Lauren
Psychosocial Oncology
Adjunct Associate Professor
PhD, R.Psych
Web Presence:
Biography
Area of Focus
- Psychosocial Oncology – subspecialty sexual medicine
- Gynecology – women’s pelvic health
Summary of Research
Dr. Walker’s research has focused on identifying sexual health needs in cancer patients and survivors. Her work generates awareness of the importance of sexual health needs of cancer patients, including developing educational opportunities for health care providers, and also creating various sexual health resources for patients. Much of her PhD and post-doctoral work focused on prostate cancer specifically, and she is the co-author of a book: Androgen Deprivation Therapy: An Essential Guide for Prostate Cancer Patients and their Loved Ones. In the past 5 years, her interests have expanded to underserved populations. She has a particular interest in improving sexuality research and resources for 2SLGBTQ+ populations. Her work in women’s health focuses on conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse, endometriosis, and menopause and she is leading a multidisciplinary effort to develop and standardize trauma informed care practices in pelvic health.
Area Of Focus
- Psychosocial Oncology – subspecialty sexual medicine
- Gynecology – women’s pelvic health
Summary Of Research
Dr. Walker’s research has focused on identifying sexual health needs in cancer patients and survivors. Her work generates awareness of the importance of sexual health needs of cancer patients, including developing educational opportunities for health care providers, and also creating various sexual health resources for patients. Much of her PhD and post-doctoral work focused on prostate cancer specifically, and she is the co-author of a book: Androgen Deprivation Therapy: An Essential Guide for Prostate Cancer Patients and their Loved Ones. In the past 5 years, her interests have expanded to underserved populations. She has a particular interest in improving sexuality research and resources for 2SLGBTQ+ populations. Her work in women’s health focuses on conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse, endometriosis, and menopause and she is leading a multidisciplinary effort to develop and standardize trauma informed care practices in pelvic health.