Perspectives on Palliative Care: A Chair of Medicine Viewpoint

Palliative care should integrate well into academic medicine. The diversity of patients served and the attraction of the sickest of patients mandate palliative care as well as disease directed therapy. The themes of coping, caring and symptom management are daily needs at a university hospital. A chair of medicine with a background as a hospice medical director can provide valuable support to physicians as well as to the patients. Research and new models of palliative care can be developed, often in conjunction with the community. The provision of longitudinal care and symptom management are not incongruous with the mission of research. They are inseparable.