Advanced Pharmacology at the Edge of Care: Precision, Pragmatism, & Palliative Reality
September 15 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM CDT
Complex medication decisions are a daily reality in hospice and palliative care. Join AAHPM’s expert faculty for an advanced, 5.5-hour live virtual workshop designed specifically for clinicians with prescribing privileges and other advanced practitioners.
Advanced Pharmacology at the Edge of Care will provide practical, evidence-informed guidance on:
- Complementary and Alternative Pharmaceuticals (CAMP)
- End of life pharmacologic treatment
- Substance use disorders in serious illness care
- The evolving role of buprenorphine in hospice and palliative care
- Clinical application of advanced drug therapy principles
Exclusive Offer: Save 10%
For a limited time, use code PHARMA26 to receive 10% off your registration for Advanced Pharmacology at the Edge of Care.
Not yet a member? AAHPM members enjoy lower registration rates year round. Join today and combine member pricing with your 10%discount for maximum savings.
Don’t wait! Discount code expires on Tuesday, August 4.
Learn From Leading Faculty
Mary Lynn McPherson, Pharm.D., PhD, BCPS, FAAHPM is Professor and Executive Director, of Graduate Studies in Palliative Care (Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Science, and Graduate Certificates) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. In addition to a PharmD degree, Dr. McPherson has masters degrees in Instructional Systems Development, and Distance Education and e-Learning, as well as a PhD in Health Professions Education. McPherson has maintained a practice in both hospice (local and national) and palliative care her entire career. Dr. McPherson is particularly interested in opioid conversion calculations, and the safe and effective use of medications in patients with a life-limiting illness, ranging from drug selection, deprescribing, and risk mitigation.
Dr. McPherson developed the first palliative care pharmacy specialty residency in the U.S. Dr. McPherson has won numerous awards for teaching, and her innovative practice in end of life care. She has published numerous articles, chapters, and five books including the best-selling “Demystifying Opioid Conversion Calculations: A Guide for Effective Dosing.”
Julie Childers is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, and is board certified in hospice and palliative medicine and addiction medicine. In addition to serving as a palliative medicine consultant, she practices outpatient and inpatient addiction medicine. In 2020 she developed a new ACGME-accredited addiction medicine fellowship within the Division of General Internal Medicine, and currently serves as the fellowship director. She has written and taught nationally in the areas of teaching communication, motivational interviewing, medical ethics, and managing addiction in patients with serious illness. In 2020, she won the Hastings-Cunniff Dixon Award for mid-career physicians for her clinical, research, teaching and advocacy for individuals who suffer from both serious illness and substance use disorders.
Dr. Marcin Chwistek is Chief of Supportive Oncology & Palliative Care in the Department of Hematology & Oncology at the NCI-designated Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. Board-certified in internal medicine, pain medicine, and hospice & palliative medicine, he leads interdisciplinary inpatient and outpatient services while directing a program of research and quality improvement focused on cancer pain, goal-concordant care, and global palliative care access. A graduate of Harvard Medical School’s Safety, Quality, Informatics, and Leadership (SQIL) program, Dr. Chwistek’s capstone work advanced institution-wide approaches to documenting and delivering goal-concordant care for patients with advanced cancer.
Dr. Chwistek earned his M.D. from Jagiellonian University College of Medicine (Kraków, Poland), completed internal medicine training at Bridgeport Hospital (CT), and pursued pain and palliative medicine fellowships at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (NYC). He teaches medical students and trainees, drawing from insights across medicine, social science, and neuroscience to help the next generation understand how serious illness reshapes lives and relationships.
Active in advancing the field nationally and internationally, he serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, sits on ASCO’s Cancer Communication Committee, and contributes to the NCCN Adult Cancer Pain Guidelines panel. His international work includes supporting palliative care development in Ukraine.
Recognized by Castle Connolly as a Top Doctor in cancer pain management since 2012 and honored with the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Control Award (2019), Dr. Chwistek also writes the “Human Elements” newsletter on LinkedIn, where he explores data-informed approaches to patient-centered cancer care and the intersection of medical technology with human connection.
Dr. Mellar P. Davis, MD, FCCP, FAAHPM, is a distinguished physician specializing in palliative medicine, medical oncology, and symptom management in cancer care. With over four decades of clinical experience and academic leadership, Dr. Davis has served in faculty positions at leading institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic Lerner School of Medicine and the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. He currently practices at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute. A prolific researcher and thought leader, Dr. Davis has authored or co-authored hundreds of peer-reviewed articles and served on editorial boards of several prominent journals, including Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, where he was an Associate Editor-in-Chief.
Dr. Davis has held influential roles in national and international professional organizations, including the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), where he has chaired the Pain Subgroup and the Palliative Care Study Group. His contributions have earned numerous accolades, such as the Distinguished Service Award from MASCC and repeated recognition among “Best Doctors in America.” A frequent symposium organizer and grant recipient, Dr. Davis has significantly advanced the integration of palliative care within oncology, with a focus on clinical ethics, medical cannabis, and opioid safety. His expertise and mentorship continue to shape the future of palliative care worldwide.
Jeremy M. Hirst, MD is a Clinical Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry in the Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care at UC San Diego. He works as a clinican educator and member of the palliative care team seeing patients with serious and advanced illness in the inpatient setting. Focus of his specialty is on the psychiatric needs of patients being cared for by the palliative care team.
Become a Member
Advance your career in hospice and palliative care by becoming a member of AAHPM, which provides you with access to discounts, educational resources, publications, networking opportunities, and more.