Annual Assembly
What a wonderful way to celebrate and remember all of us who care for our patients. The theme brought us back to Mother Earth as we are in the beautiful setting of Vancouver where we all are here to support each other. The symbol of the tree was used in several ways from the tree … Read moreGratitude: Service of Rememberance and Celebration
Diane Meier’s talk this morning was less a presentation than a call for action to the palliative care field. Dr. Meier spent a year working on capital hill and has continued to advocate for palliative care on a local and national level. She began with a review of the Affordable Care Act and the challenges … Read morePalliative Care in the Age of Healthcare Reform: The Impact on Your Practice (403)
Although I was faculty rather than participant, this workshop about horizontal and vertical violence (“Bullying”) was a learning experience for me. As the only physician on the panel I expected to be isolated, to feel like a concentration-camp guard at the Holocaust Museum; instead I was surprised at the number of physicians in the room, … Read moreBuilding Bridges, Breaking Barriers…February 16 preconference
The PalliMed/ GeriPal co-sponsored reception last night was a success. As repeatedly and succinctly put by social networking guru Christian Sinclair, the purpose of this event was to meet those with whom we’ve been communicating for the past 12 months, whether by Twitter, List-serve, blog or Facebook. Plus it’s fun! Present were PalliMed contributors and … Read morePalliMed reception
Earthy, dynamic, funny, rich in the wisdom of connection, reflection, and rejuvination…This describes this morning’s plenary by Dr. Sherry Showalter. Her words and movements celebrated this work we do. She reminded us that that which is to provide light, must endure burning, and that we who strive to heal, must, each day, heal ourselves. Her … Read moreFeeling Our Fire
How many times have you begun a conversation with a patient or family, only to discover their understanding of the situation is far different from what the referring physician has shared with you? All too often, it seems, judging from the large attendance at this informative, lively session that led attendees through the labyrinth of … Read moreAfter the Bad News… When Patients Hear Something Different than What Was Said
This lecture was very informative and was well attended. To summarize the meeting and the clinical pearls: Definition: Pharmaceutical neurotoxicant drug or drug-like entities due to its own properties or in combination with other drug or drug-like entities illicit an untoward response to its host’s nervous system Many drugs used in hospice/palliative care have potential … Read moreNEUROTOXICANTS: Unmasking Uncommon Syndromes (333)
Today at the AAHPM Assembly, I had the opportunity to attend a much-needed session on pharmacology for symptom management in pediatric patients. Sponsored by the Pediatric Special Interest Group, this “whirlwind tour” covered pharmacologic approaches to depression, anxiety, delirium and insomnia in children. The three presenters from San Diego Hospice – a palliative care physician, … Read moreA Whirlwind Tour of Pharmacology for Symptom Mangement in Pediatric Patients
AAHPM and HPNA members and staff are getting excited for the 2011 Annual Assembly in beautiful Vancouver. As you may remember, last year, we posted our favorite dining out spots in Boston. Now we would like to know, those of you from or who have visited Vancouver, what do you recommend? Leave a comment and … Read moreEating Out and Activities in Vancouver
For the past 6 years, AAHPM and HPNA have collaborated to provide an annual conference for members of the interdisciplinary team. As we would expect, the outcomes have improved annually. Last year’s conference in Boston, recorded the highest attendance, the most satisfied attendees and highest rating for presenters. Is it possible to improve? With any … Read moreHPNA/AAHPM Collaboration for Annual Assembly