Christian T. Sinclair, MD FAAHPM
Outpatient Palliative Oncology Lead, Division of Palliative Medicine, The University of Kansas Health System, KS
Who has most influenced your work and what impact has he or she had?
There have been a lot of key figures who have given me personal advice, and wonderful mentorship, but if I think about who has influenced my work the most, it would have to be my social media family. Through the feedback, conversations and friendships that have developed on Twitter, Facebook and the Pallimed website, I have become a much more thoughtful, and humble clinician. Writing down my opinion on Pallimed or sharing an insight during a tweetchat will often result in more information coming back to me than I could have ever found on my own. Oftentimes it is supportive and additive, but sometimes it is a strong critique and I am really appreciative of the individuals that make up this wonderful support structure.
What does it mean to you to be named a Visionary in Hospice and Palliative Medicine?
I am humbled when I look at the names of the previous visionaries and this current class of honorees. The last 8 years of leadership opportunities within the Academy have been so enlightening and it gives me such hope for the future of our field. I am glad to be a part of this wonderful field of hospice and palliative medicine, and all that I have done for outreach in social media, is because I really love this work. It thrills me to see more people understand the good works possible in palliative care, and to see more people come to our specialty as a career.
What is your vision for the future of Hospice and Palliative Medicine?
I really see us as the specialty that puts patients and families first, and I believe we are already leading the way into a health care evolution that emphasizes all aspects of care being person-centered and family-oriented. While our specialty focuses on people with life-threatening illness, the principles we practice must be spread widely through all of medicine. I dream of a day when palliative care clinicians are in leadership positions within health care organizations across the world where we can make good on the promise of placing patients first in all that we do, in sickness and in health.
Christian T. Sinclair, MD FAAHPM is one of 30 individuals who have been named a Visionary in Hospice and Palliative Medicine by AAHPM for their 30th Anniversary in 2018. Learn more about the Visionary recognition and view a list of all current and past Visionaries.