Palliative Medicine

Catalog Description: This hospital-based elective offers the opportunity to learn the scope of practice of Internal Medicine's newest subspecialty - palliative medicine. The student will function as a sub-intern under the direct supervision of board-certified Hospice and Palliative Medicine physicians, caring for the broad range of problems managed by Palliative Medicine consultants.

The experience will involve the assessment of hospitalized patients with a broad mix of advanced medical illness, specifically focused on pain and non-pain symptom management and complex medical decision making. Patients will be seen both in the ICU, in the non-ICU setting, and in clinic. The faculty will present core topics in palliative medicine, with periodic topic presentations by the student.

This course is primarily designed for students considering internal medicine as a career, especially with an interest in palliative medicine.

Sites: 

View site addresses by clicking on the site name below or visiting the site codes table.

Required session attendance:

Typical weekly schedule/Delivery Mode: M-F, 8:30am-9:30am Team Rounds, 9:30am-12:00pm Consults, 12:00pm-1:00pm Internal Medicine Noon Conference, 1:00pm-4:30pm Consults

Direct patient care: Yes

Consent Requirement: Open to student scheduling

Course Objectives: It is expected that the student will gain proficiency and knowledge in:

• Assessment and management of patients with serious illness, with attention to coordination of care and communication with referring physicians, other consultants, ancillary providers and family
• Functioning daily as a member of an interdisciplinary team
• Recognizing the need for and benefits of palliative care
• To learn skills for effectively leading discussions with patients and families regarding difficult medical decisions and end of life care.
• To understand the assessment and management of symptoms common to patients with serious life-limiting illness, including pain, shortness of breath, and anxiety.
• To appreciate the importance of patient’s cultural and spiritual beliefs in their experience of serious life-limiting illnesses.

Graded Components: 

• Participation
• Student didactic presentations
• Required assigned readings
• Clinical assessment by faculty

Grading Scale: H/E/S/N