August 12, 2025
Team

Meet the Team: Julia Palko, MSN, AGNP

What brought you to the field of survivorship?

Over the past 13 years as a nurse and nurse practitioner, I have had the privilege of walking alongside oncology patients throughout their entire journey. My clinical experience in medical oncology and palliative care has given me a deep understanding of the complex medical and emotional needs patients face both during and after treatment. But this also revealed a hard truth: survivorship is a critical, yet too often neglected and difficult phase of the cancer journey. While it can be a time of hope, it is also filled with uncertainty—patients are navigating physical recovery, emotional healing, and redefining what life looks like after cancer. I’m drawn to survivorship care because I want to be a consistent presence in this next chapter. I want to help patients feel seen, supported, and empowered as they rebuild their lives beyond cancer.

What excites you most about the future of survivorship?

What really excites me is the increasing focus on survivorship throughout the entire cancer journey. Survivorship is becoming a key part of the treatment plan right from diagnosis, with a focus on supporting the whole person - not just the cancer. Survivorship care now aims not only to manage medical issues but also to help people reclaim their lives, build resilience, and thrive in every aspect—physically, mentally, and socially. This broader, more personalized approach means survivors can receive the support and resources they need to truly move forward with confidence and hope.

What’s the best part of being part of the Oncovery team?

The best part about being part of the Oncovery team is seeing how everyone genuinely puts the survivor first. Every day, it’s clear that the survivor is the top priority—from the behind-the-scenes staff to the clinicians and behavioral health specialists. Everyone is dedicated to supporting our patients’ success and helping them thrive in survivorship. Each member brings deep expertise in their area, but at the same time, is committed to continuous learning, allowing the team to always evolve and improve how we support survivors.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a professional basketball player . Pretty quickly into my “career” as an athlete, I realized that although I am athletic, that does not mean I can dunk, let alone shoot the basketball with much accuracy. My thoughts on a career shifted quickly!

What’s your favorite way to spend a Sunday morning?

My favorite Sunday morning is spent with my wife and children making an absolute mess in our kitchen cooking breakfast together (our motto - any mess can be cleaned up, even if it ends up on the ceiling). We then head outdoors for a walk to the park or enjoying time at the local life and science museum.

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