This article originally appeared in ehospice
20 doctors from all over India and Oman successfully finished the first 10 days core lectures and orientation of the National Fellowship Programme (NFPM) at the Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM), Kerala, India.
This one-year distance learning programme, supported by IPM, and the Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI), aims to:
- train candidates in the knowledge and professional skills related to palliative care services; and
- give new insights and perspectives toward medical practice, in terms of patient-centred care.
The first 10 days were comprised of core lectures and workshops regarding the concept and principles of palliative care, symptom control in palliative care, communication skills, ethical issues and also some clinical exposure of care at IPM.
Afterwards, candidates will move on for their clinical placement at affiliated hospitals, completing assignments, medical audit, and a research proposal.
The final evaluation of this cohort will take place in August next year.
Personally, what I enjoyed most about my time at IPM was the social engagement at the Institute. There is a very thorough and extensive volunteer network from all walks of life: doctors, teachers, students, police officers, etc. The list could go on forever. You will also be amazed by the sheer number of active volunteers they currently have and the number of new volunteers they could recruit each year…read more