Each November, we celebrate National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, recognizing the clinicians, interdisciplinary teams, and organizations who bring comfort, dignity, and compassion to people living with serious illness. This month is a time to slow down and think about what matters most in our work—the connections we make, the stories we’re part of, and the comfort we bring through care and understanding.
As Andrew Lawton, MD FACP FAAHPM, reflects, “This month is our chance to celebrate the critical work of our Hospice & Palliative Care community. We are reminded of what a deep privilege it is to partner with patients and families as they navigate serious illness, and to advance our field through innovative education and research.”
That spirit of empathy, growth, and connection truly defines hospice and palliative medicine. Our knowledge may guide the care we give, but it’s our humanity that keeps it meaningful.
Kristin Kirsch, MD shares, “To me, HPM is about acknowledging your authentic self, enabling you to meet others—staff, patients, families—exactly where they are. It’s taking your expertise and guiding while remaining a student of life.”
Let’s take time this month to reflect, honor, and celebrate the profound work being done in hospice and palliative care.