In my first year as attending physician in a large homecare-based hospice, I have encountered many personal and professional struggles. The biggest of these for me has been that of accountability. Having trained in a tertiary care center where most everyone comes through the emergency department, there is information galore on each palliative care and … Read morePuzzles with Missing Pieces

Sharon Tapper, MD About 5 years ago, it became clear to me that patients seen by our Palliative Care Service in the acute hospital (1) needed follow-up when they were discharged, (2) many would not have wanted to be there in the first place, and (3) most did not have their wishes documented in an … Read moreHow to Start an Outpatient Palliative Care Program

Conrad Williams IV, MD Conrad Williams IV, MD, serves as fellow section editor on the Quarterly Editorial Board. In the Q&A below, Williams reflects on the path that led him to hospice and palliative medicine and what, as a fellow, he can expect for his future. What compelled you to choose to specialize in this … Read moreThe Learning Curve of Fellowship

Nicky Quinlan, MBBChBAO MRCPI, and Conrad Williams IV, MD Hospice and palliative medicine (HPM) is growing as an accredited specialty, in keeping with the growing need for timely palliative care for the seriously ill population of all ages. Currently, the only route to HPM board certification is through an accredited fellowship. HPM has not yet … Read moreThe Pros and Cons of a Fellow Match

Larry Beresford The opportunities—and the imperatives—for the palliative care field to collaborate with other physicians, and with oncologists in particular, are detailed in an article I wrote for the latest issue of AAHPM’s Quarterly newsletter. The Academy is partnering with oncology groups on a number of fronts, including a joint project with the American Society … Read moreCollaboration Between Palliative Medicine and Oncology