Meet Cancer Center Staff Member Gail Russell

My name is Gail Russell and I am one of the medical social workers at Carteret Health Care Cancer Center. I retired from Cherry Hospital (a state psychiatric hospital) in Goldsboro, NC in May 2004 where I had worked as a social worker, social work supervisor and mental health unit director. My husband and I moved to Carteret County as we love the beach and fishing. I joined the RAAB Clinic in September 2004 and I work part-time.

I have a master’s degree in social work from UNC-Chapel Hill and am a NC Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Over the past seventeen years I have had the pleasure of working with exceptional and caring staff. I have fond memories of patients who have touched my life in so many ways. I have learned to value and cherish my family and make more time to be with them.

Oncology social workers are members of the health care team who focus on your emotional and social well-being and can point patients, caregivers and families to important resources. I am an oncology financial navigator and I assist patients with identifying and accessing resources to reduce cancer-related financial distress. For some people, this may be assistance with their hospital bill, applying for medication assistance programs, providing instructions for applying for Social Security disability, referrals to community, state or national resources, or learning about support groups.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy boating and fishing with my husband and playing with our dog, Gus. I enjoy reading mysteries and watching old black and white movies.

I am grateful for the work I do and am privileged to be a part of the oncology team at Carteret Health Care.