AAHPM Scholar Spotlight: Esther Nafula

Esther Nafula, MD, was first drawn to palliative care during her medical training in Kenya, where she witnessed the profound need for holistic patient care. Encountering a young boy whose emotional and psychological needs were overlooked solidified her commitment to this specialty. As an AAHPM International Scholar, Dr. Nafula has gained global insights and formed vital networks at the AAHPM Annual Assembly, which she now uses to improve palliative care in Kenya—a country still in need of more specialists in this critical field.

During my medical studies in Kenya, I was confronted with the stark reality of limited access to this essential service. At the time, there was only one palliative care physician in the entire country, and palliative care was often viewed as a last resort rather than an integral part of patient care. This perception changed for me when I encountered a young boy who had just come out of a coma. Despite the medical team’s efforts to manage his pain, the focus remained solely on treating his disease, neglecting the broader emotional and psychological support he needed. Witnessing this, I realized that there was a critical gap in care that needed to be addressed. It became clear to me that a more holistic approach—one that prioritized the patient’s overall well-being—was essential. This experience ignited my passion for palliative care and motivated me to pursue it as a specialty.

During my early exploration of palliative care, I learned about Dr. John Weru, one of Kenya’s few palliative care physicians. His involvement with the Academy opened my eyes to the global possibilities in this field and inspired me to seek out further education and connection. As I delved deeper into palliative care, I discovered the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) in 2017 while searching for resources to expand my knowledge. The Academy’s articles and educational materials became invaluable to my professional growth, and I quickly became a member.

When I learned about the AAHPM International Physician Scholarship, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. My primary motivation was to connect with other practitioners from around the world who faced similar challenges in their respective countries. I also wanted to attend the Annual Assembly to learn from others and bring that knowledge back to Kenya, where there are currently only five palliative care physicians. I recognized that attending the Assembly would be critical in helping me develop the skills needed to advance palliative care in my country. After several attempts, I was finally awarded the scholarship, driven by my desire to build a network that could support our work in Kenya and across the globe.

My experience at the AAHPM Annual Assembly was transformative. The venue and the environment were excellent, but what truly made the experience memorable was the opportunity to connect with so many passionate individuals. I met Academy officials and attended sessions on elder care, psychological care, and spiritual care—topics that are often neglected in Kenya. Some of the presenters were people I had interacted with online, making these connections even more meaningful. I was also impressed by the research, the exhibitions, and the discussions on new developments in palliative care. Additionally, I learned valuable strategies for mobilizing resources, a critical skill I plan to apply in Kenya to improve patient care.

Since returning home, I’ve already started implementing what I learned. For instance, one presentation focused on how to communicate with children when their parents are seriously ill. Inspired by this, I introduced an intervention where we encourage children to openly discuss their fears and anxieties. Recently, we applied this approach with a patient who was dying of breast cancer, inviting her children to share their concerns with our psychologist. This intervention has made a significant difference in how families cope with these challenging situations.

The AAHPM International Physician Scholarship Fund is crucial because palliative care is about more than just managing end-of-life care—it’s about enhancing the quality of life. Having highly skilled professionals in this field is vital for the future of healthcare worldwide. In today’s digital age, these connections are sustained and expanded through ongoing communication and collaboration. Without this scholarship, many of us would never have the chance to attend the Assembly and build these networks and make it possible for us to come together, learn from one another, and advance palliative care on a global scale.