The Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program reflects the belief that the creative spirit can be found in all of us and can be especially helpful when the human spirit is in need. AIR trains and supervises local visual, literary and performing artists who work directly with patients, caregivers and clinicians to create opportunities for stress reduction, self-awareness and self-expression in Inova Schar’s outpatient infusion, radiation and waiting areas.

Patients and caregivers who participate often express great relief from pain and anxiety associated with their illnesses and are grateful for an opportunity to discover and explore what they can do.

The Arts and Healing Program is integral to Inova Schar’s mission to promote healing and wellness with a focus on:

  • Creating and maintaining a patient-first experience
  • Providing a beautiful and therapeutic environment
  • Integrating the arts throughout the patient experience
  • Enriching the conditions for healing
  • Energizing, inspiring and enlivening patients, visitors, staff and community

Inova Schar is a state-of-the-art cancer center designed to bring healing and hope to every patient and provide unmatched logistical, clinical and emotional support. Smith Center is a leading nonprofit provider of arts and health services and has focused on cancer in the Washington, DC region for the past 23 years.

Inova offers a wide range of free support services for cancer patients and their families through its Life with Cancer® program. This comprehensive, one-stop premier service offers you and your loved ones education, information and support – all at no charge. We can help you meet the challenges of living with cancer no matter where you live or receive treatment.

  • Get help and support for you and your family every step of the way through your journey.
  • Offering a variety of classes and treatments relating to movement, mind/body, nutrition, and more both in-person and virtual. ​
  • Acupuncture, massage and other complementary services available for a fee. 
  • Cancer education and counseling. 

Call 703-698-2526 for more information.

Visit the Life with Cancer® website 

The Inova Schar Gift Shop is located on the 2nd floor of the Schar Cancer Institute building on Innovation Park Drive. The shop features an ever-changing collection of items and offers something for everyone and every occasion.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 571-472-1105

gift shop items   gift shop items

 

Every purchase counts at the Inova gift shops. Proceeds from our shops support grants and scholarships on the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus.

Inova has negotiated special room rates for patients and family members at nearby hotels and motels. Rates are based on availability and apply only to patients or family members unless otherwise noted. Rates are subject to change, so please call ahead to verify the current room rate.

LEARN MORE

Inova Well is takes a holistic approach to health and wellness that supports your personal journey to wellness. We offer a wide variety of health, wellness and fitness classes centered around 7 key dimensions of health: awareness, coaching, activity, nutrition, mind/body, community and environmental sustainability. We offer classes in the following categories:

  • Family-centered care 
  • Screenings and education
  • Life support
  • Fitness
  • Immunizations
  • Health coaching

Search online for classes, lectures and events that interest you. 

VISIT INOVA WELL

Cancer patients and those helping to care for them can receive nutrition services from an Inova registered dietitian at any Inova hospital. Nutrition counseling helps patients make good food choices during cancer treatment to help maintain strength and energy and to better tolerate potential side effects.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ONCOLOGY NUTRITION SERVICES 

Inova offers oncology nurse navigators to support you and your family through every step of your diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Each navigator is an experienced, highly trained nurse who serves as your personal resource to explain and expedite medical tests and answer the many questions you will have. Inova nurse navigators are available at each of our hospitals.

The path our patients experience once diagnosed with cancer is incredibly important, yet complex. The Inova Schar Cancer PFAC aims to bring forth the voice of our patients and family members experiencing life with cancer. The council has and continues to contribute significantly to improvements made across Inova’s oncology services.

Learn more and apply to join

Our specialty pharmacy program works directly with Inova clinical teams to help manage complex, rare and chronic medical conditions that require specialized medication therapy.

Inova Pharmacy Plus at Inova Schar Cancer Institute
A department of Inova Fairfax Hospital
8081 Innovation Park Drive
Fairfax, VA 22031
571-472-1100
Toll Free: 1-833-491-2812

Inova Pharmacy Plus at Schar Cancer Institute is accredited by the ACHC (Accreditation Commission for Health Care), and is also accredited by URAC for Specialty Pharmacy. Accreditations validate our commitment to quality, accountability and patient care.

 

URAC accreditation seal ACHC gold seal

Throughout the year, Inova offers free or modestly-priced health screenings to help detect cancer at its very earliest stage, when it is most effectively treated. Screenings currently available include:

My Cancer Journal

This helpful resource for cancer patients is designed especially for you, with sections on treatment, managing side effects, financial information and much more. You can also personalize with your own information and notes. 

DOWNLOAD MY CANCER JOURNAL

Complementary Therapies

In addition to traditional medical care, Inova offers complementary therapies at most facilities through Inova's Life with Cancer® program. These include massage, tai chi, stress management, pet therapy and biofeedback and image guided therapy. For more information, call 703-776-2841.

Pastoral Care

Multidenominational pastoral care services provide spiritual support and emotional comfort to patients and their families. The pastoral care staff also helps caregivers address the theological, bioethical, philosophical and cultural issues that often arise in the course of cancer treatment. Available at all hospitals – please ask for pastoral care.

Medical Libraries

Each Inova hospital offers a library or education resource center for cancer patients and their families.