Winter 2020
Featured
Feature
The Role of Telemedicine in the Future of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
by Larry Beresford The expanded use of telemedicine to connect hospice and palliative care teams virtually with their patients during the COVID-19 pandemic has been well-documented. Many services quickly converted most or all of their patient encounters from home or...
In this Issue
A Message from the President
Now Is the Time, More Than Ever
It is almost impossible to believe that as I share this message, we are looking to close out 2020, reflecting on how our previous normal became our now normal and still feeling uncertainty about our next normal in 2021! I...
Annual Assembly
Experience the Annual Assembly of Hospice & Palliative Care February 17–19, 2021, from Anywhere!
Block your calendar. Grab a comfortable spot. And join us for a reimagined conference. Make this the year to experience and enjoy the Annual Assembly. Save money by participating virtually and not traveling beyond your home or office. Network with...
Clinical Pearls
Fluid Management for Malignant Ascites and Pleural Effusions
Mark V. Blum, MD FAAHPM Patients suffer from ascites and pleural effusions resulting from life-limiting conditions and the associated symptom burden. Hospice and palliative care clinicians often are called upon to assist in symptom management for these conditions. Symptoms of...
Let's Think About It Again
Chemotherapy for a Patient with SUD
Case Study Mr. Y. is a 45-year-old male who recently was diagnosed with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and struggles with severe and ongoing substance use disorder (SUD) and regularly takes heroin. He presented to his oncologist, who offered...
Art of Caring
Watermelon
Elizabeth Persad, MBBS FAAP I was the clinical lead for a small pediatric intensive care unit. One of my administrative responsibilities was attendance at a monthly meeting with various heads of departments of all clinical services where management issues were...
Advocacy Update
AAHPM Advocacy Year in Review: Pandemic Reshapes 2020 Policy Agenda
Jacqueline M. Kocinski, MPP At the start of 2020, few could have envisioned how the year would play out. But, as the effects of the coronavirus pandemic—and the health, economic, and societal challenges it would pose worldwide—took hold, AAHPM members...
Pathways to Palliative Care
Dr. Muhammad Atif Waqar- From Buffalo, NY, To Karachi, Pakistan
Marcin Chwistek, MD FAAHPM In June 2010, Muhammad Atif Waqar, MD, received a phone call from his sister. He smiled, recognizing her number on his phone. He was in Brooklyn, NY, in the last year of his internal medicine residency...
Diversity Equity & Inclusion
Microaggressions and Their Macro Impact on Health Care
Sonia Malhotra, MD MS FAAP, and Aziz Ansari, DO SFHM FACP FAAHPM You are not like others…." "You are so articulate…." Statements like these are spoken at school, in the workplace, and in healthcare settings. As recent events in the...
HMDCB Update
Exam Updates and New Board Announcements
2021 HMDCB Initial Examination Opening Soon Mark your calendars for the opening of the 2021 Initial Examination Application. Ready to highlight your skills and knowledge as a hospice physician? Earn your Hospice Medical Director Certified® (HMDC®) credential in the new...
PCQC Update
PCQC Registry Will Open Soon for Data Collection
The Palliative Care Quality Collaborative's (PCQC's) registry is launching soon. Robust palliative care data provide insights and support advancements in care for those with serious illness. The PCQC registry collects and collates your data, generates comparative reports, and provides opportunities...
AAHPM News
AAHPM Receives Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives
In recognition of its efforts to create an inclusive and educational environment that recognizes and thrives on the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and convictions of members and the patients and families they serve, AAHPM received the coveted Power of A Gold...
Quarterly Progress Report
AAHPM Points of Progress
More than 30 committees and task forces representing the efforts and expertise of hundreds of Academy members have made significant progress toward implementing AAHPM's goals. This progress report highlights accomplishments within each goal area of the Strategic Plan during the...