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Connecting Patients Through Projects and Purpose

Read Time: 2 minutes

Emily Olsen

As senior manager of Huntsman Cancer Institute’s , Emily Olsen embraces her role as a connector, working collaboratively to bring projects and ideas to life, all while retaining her focus on patient-centered care.

Her interest in Huntsman Cancer Institute started while studying for a master’s degree in public administration at the 㽶Ƶ of Utah, with an emphasis on health policy and leadership. After transitioning out of marketing and public relations, she made a move that aligned with her passion for making a difference in cancer care.

“What’s special about this place is how mission-driven everyone is. From the shuttle drivers to the lab technicians, everyone is working together, laser-focused on advancing cancer care and improving patients’ lives.”

—Emily Olsen

For Emily, the job is not just about facilitating projects, it’s about making a difference. “I get excited when we can have a direct, positive impact on patients. Whether it’s giving them access to new advancements or creating a connection event where they can find support, seeing that effect is incredibly satisfying.”

Those connection events, which range from survivorship support to discussions around side effects, provide patients and their families with valuable information and a sense of community. “It’s inspiring to show patients they aren’t alone. There’s strength in those connections.”

Emily Olsen participating in Huntsman SportsFest
Emily participating in Huntsman SportsFest

Emily’s passion for patient advocacy is deeply personal. When she was 19, a college student far from home, she faced her own health crisis—a tumor that left her isolated and overwhelmed. “I realized no one should have to go through that alone,” she recalls. The experience ignited a drive to help others, to be an advocate she wishes she’d had. Now, Emily is determined to support patients and their families, easing the burden of their cancer journeys any way possible.

Emily Olsen in a hospital bed holding a photo of the tumor she had removed
Emily Olsen holding a photo of the tumor she had removed when she was 19
Emily Olsen with her family playing on a sculpture of giant shoes
Emily and her family in 2024

Emily holds the researchers, nurses, and staff at Huntsman Cancer Institute in high regard, and is inspired by the dedication that surrounds her. “Our researchers are tackling some of the most difficult challenges, and while there are no easy answers, their perseverance gives me hope for the future.”

But it’s not just the groundbreaking research that makes Huntsman Cancer Institute exceptional—it’s a holistic approach to care.

“Anyone who walks through our doors will feel that they are top priority. The nurses here are phenomenal, consistently navigating demanding situations with knowledge and compassion. The care teams go above and beyond, not only for the patients but for their families, too.”

—Emily Olsen

At Huntsman Cancer Institute, Emily has found not only a career, but a calling—a place where she can contribute to meaningful work, build connections, and ensure no one feels alone.

Cancer touches all of us.