Education and Training
Applications invited for the ‘IAPC’s Foundation Course in Palliative Care for Volunteers’
Applications are invited for the sixth online batch of the IAPC’s ‘Foundation Course in Palliative Care for Volunteers’.
Individuals who can commit, who have the time, and are willing to offer their services in palliative care facilities are invited to register for the course which aims to equip and empower ‘compassionate volunteers’ with relevant knowledge and interpersonal skills needed to volunteer in palliative care settings. The course will therefore place strong emphasis on communication skills, counselling skills, and the various psycho-social issues and its management, which a volunteer might potentially be faced with.
The course will be delivered in two components: a 16-hour virtual and theoretical ‘Part A’ component, and a 16 hour in-person practical ‘Part B’ component. Only those candidates successfully completing both components of the program will be eligible to receive the course completion certificate.
The 16-hour ‘Part A’ component of the course will be delivered over 6 days (2 hours each during the weekdays and 4 hours over the weekend) in May 2025. The course dates for this component of the course are 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, and 17th May, 2025.
Please click here for further details and to register for the course.
The ‘IAPC’s Foundation Course in the Physiotherapy – Palliative Care interface’ is now inviting applications
The IAPC is inviting registrations for the ‘IAPC’s Foundation Course in the Physiotherapy – Palliative Care interface’, slated for Saturday, 14th June, 2025.
The one-day course aims to not only enhance a physiotherapists’ understanding of how they can contribute towards the rendering of holistic palliative care, but also strives to educate the palliative care community on how physiotherapy can augment their patient care and symptom management.
Physiotherapists (BPT and MPT), Doctors practising Palliative Medicine (MBBS / BDS), and Nurses practising Palliative Care (BSc Nursing, Diploma in Nursing, or GNM) are invited to register for the course.
The course will be conducted between 8:45 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, 14th June, 2025, and will be delivered by expert faculty from across the country.
Please click here for further information and to register for the same.
36 individuals participate in the ‘Part A’ component of the IAPC’s ‘Foundation Course in Palliative Care Pharmacy’ on 29th March, 2025
36 enthusiastic individuals from all over India participated in the seventh online batch of the ‘IAPC’s Foundation Course in Palliative Care Pharmacy’ on Saturday, 29th March, 2025.
The 29 Pharmacists and the 7 Doctors are now empowered with adequate knowledge of commonly used drugs in Palliative Care for pain management and other symptoms. Additionally, they were also equipped with relevant knowledge regarding Essential Narcotic Drugs and Narcotic Drugs, and also gained insights into the technical legalities and the documentation involved in procuring, storing, dispensing and documenting the same.
Course participants will now proceed towards the 3-hour in-person ‘Part B’ training component of the course.
The IAPC thanks Dr Lulu Mathews (Academic Chairperson, IAPC), Ms Saroja Gangaiah and Dr Brajesh Kumar Ratre (Course Chairs) and each of our Faculty for their support towards this program. We also thank the course participants for their active participation during the course.
Over 130 healthcare professionals participated in BIACH & RI’s symposium ‘Beyond What the Eye Can See’ on 2nd March, 2025
The Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine at Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute (BIACH & RI), Hyderabad, Telangana, had organised a symposium ‘Beyond What the Eye Can See’, on Sunday, 2nd March, 2025 at their hospital.
Over 130 participants (Doctors, Nurses, Social Workers, Psychologists and Other allied professionals) participated in the event organised to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Advance Cancer Care and Academic Excellence of the institution. The one-day program aimed to highlight the importance of psycho-social and spiritual care in Palliative Care, and the important role of Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in guiding clinical decisions and improving patient outcomes.
Helmed by Dr Praneeth Suvvari and Dr Praveen Kumar, Consultants, Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine, BIACH & RI, the event included insightful sessions on ‘Embracing spirituality as palliative care professionals’ presented by Dr Vidya Vishwanath, ‘Addressing and managing psycho-social and spiritual issues in Palliative Care’ by Dr Seema Rao and Ms Shubha Pai, and ‘Integration of mental health professionals in Palliative Care’ by Dr Sravannthi Maya and Mr Dean George.
The hands on workshop on POCUS included five different stations such as USG Abdomen facilitated by Dr Raghu Thota and Dr Aakash Hinduja, DVT Screening facilitated by Dr Praveen Kumar and Dr Rudranil Nandi, USG Chest facilitated by Dr Praneeth Suvvari and Dr Divya Sai, USG Head and Neck facilitated by Dr Raghavendra Ramanujulu and Dr Suparna Mitra and Long term venous access by Dr Sushma and Dr Poorna Chandra.
A very interesting panel discussion on ‘Compassion Fatigue in Palliative Care Professionals’ was moderated by Dr Maya and presented by a panel represented by Dr Gayatri Palat, Dr Vidya Vishwanath, Dr Seema Rao, Dr Praneeth Suvvari and Dr Praveen Kumar.
Dr Krishnaiah K (CEO, BIACH & RI) graced the occasion as Chief Guest and inaugurated the newly renovated Palliative Care Ward. He then addressed the gathering to emphasise that palliative care was the heart of the institute and also congratulated the commendable growth of the department.
Over 165 individuals participated in CanSupport’s and Dr BRAIRCH AIIMS Delhi’s 22nd Annual Palliative Care CME/CNE on 5th and 6th March, 2025
Over 165 healthcare professionals and students (Doctors and Nurses) participated in the ‘22nd Annual Palliative Care CME/CNE’ held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Auditorium, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi, on Wednesday, 5th March, 2025, and Thursday, 6th March, 2025. The two-day CME/CNE was organised jointly by CanSupport and Dr BRAIRCH AIIMS Delhi.
The two-day course was well-received, and included interactive sessions on key topics such as principles and practise of palliative care, role of Multidisciplinary Teams in palliative care, lymphoedema management, wound care, ostomy care, palliative care emergencies, and communication skills. Interactive sessions and role plays, particularly on sensitive topics such as end-of-life care, were highly appreciated.
Participants also had the opportunity to have their queries addressed with rich inputs from expert faculty from both AIIMS New Delhi and CanSupport.
Amrit Dhara Palliative Care Trust hosts a three-day workshop on ‘Effective Communication in Palliative Care’ between 6th and 8th March, 2025
Amrit Dhara Palliative Care Center (ADPCT) successfully hosted a three-day workshop on ‘Effective Communication in Palliative Care’ between Thursday, 6th March, 2025, and Saturday, 8th March, 2025, at it’s center in Kalinga Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Led by Dr. K.V. Ganpathy (CEO, JASCAP; Volunteer Psychologist, TMH Mumbai), 16 counsellors from across Bhubaneswar participated in the hands-on program focused on enhancing communication skills for managing difficult conversations in the cancer care continuum. The training also provided valuable insights into key aspects of palliative care communication, including anticipatory grief, patient-centered history-taking, navigating collusion, denial, and anger, and delivering compassionate care at home.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions, case discussions, and reflective learning, covering crucial topics like pediatric palliative care communication, caregiver burnout, and bereavement support. The concluding session encouraged participants to share their reflections and key takeaways, emphasizing the importance of empathy, active listening, and psychological support in palliative care.
With an enriching mix of theoretical knowledge and practical discussions, the program was highly appreciated by all attendees. The commitment to sustainability was reinforced by encouraging participants to bring reusable water bottles, reflecting Amrit Dhara’s dedication to environmental consciousness.
The program concluded with a valedictory session by Dr. B.N. Mohanty and a group photo marking the end of a deeply insightful and transformative learning experience.
IHBAS successfully conducted a CME on ‘Basic Skills in Neuropalliative Care’ on 12th March, 2025
The Department of Neuropalliative Care, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) conducted a one-day CME on the ‘Basic Skills in Neuropalliative Care’ on Wednesday, 12th March, 2025, at the Mini Auditorium, IHBAS, Delhi, under the able guidance and presence of Dr Rajinder K Dhamija (Director, IHBAS).
Dr Roop Gursahani (Consultant Neurologist, PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai) graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Through his inaugural speech he sensitised the gathering towards the need and importance of palliative care and its role particularly in neuropalliative care.
90 healthcare professionals (25 Medical Officers from various District Hospitals, and 65 Nursing officers from IHBAS and other hospitals) participated in the free-to-attend CME which aimed to highlight the multidisciplinary approach in care of patients and the caregivers in debilitating and life limiting neurological diseases. Expert faculty from the Department of Neurology, Psychiatry and Psychology presenting in depth sessions on the introduction to the concept of Neuropalliative Care, Neuropalliative care in conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Acute Brain Injury, Head Injury, Dementia; Spiritual aspects, Communication skills, Symptoms and Management in Neuropalliative care, Psychosocial aspects, Distress Screening and Bereavement services, caregiver support etc.
The CME concluded with with participation certificates being presented to all the participants.
BHT-KIPCER’s workshop on ‘Spirituality in Palliative Care’ conducted on 15th and 16th March, 2025
Bangalore Hospice Trust- Karunashraya Institute for Palliative Care Education and Research (BHT-KIPCER) conducted their second workshop on Spirituality in Palliative Care at Karunashraya, Bengaluru, on Saturday, 15th March, 2025, and Sunday, 16th March, 2025.
19 healthcare professionals (Doctors, Psychologists, Social Workers and Nurses) participated in the two-day interactive workshop, which was led by Dr. Santosh Chaturvedi along with Dr Srinagesh Simha, Dr Seema R Rao and Ms Michelle Normen.
The training included cultural and philosophical viewpoints on end-of-life care, communication techniques, and spiritual evaluation. Additionally, the session spotlighted the need to effectively identify and appropriately address spiritual issues in delivering comprehensive palliative care.
The session also provided participants with an opportunity to share clinical experiences and understand how faith may help patients and their families during one’s challenging times.
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, and the Delhi Chapter of IAPC, jointly organised a workshop on ‘Neuropalliative Care’ on 23rd March, 2025
The Department of Palliative Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH), New Delhi, under the aegis of Delhi State Chapter organised a workshop on ‘Neuropalliative Care’ on Sunday, 23rd March, 2025, at SGRH’s Auditorium.
Over 90 Doctors and Nurses from various disciplines (Neurology, Neurosurgery, Anaesthesia, Pediatrics and Psychiatry) of medicine across Delhi participated in the insightful workshop led by Dr Roop Gursahani (Consultant Neurologist, PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai).
While Dr Jayashree Sood (Vice Chairperson, Board of Members, SGRH) graced the occasion as Chief Guest; Dr M Gourie Devi graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. Post Dr Devi’s inspiring address to emphasise the importance of neuropalliative care in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and other progressive neurological diseases, she was felicitated in recognition of her invaluable work, dedication, and for her outstanding contributions to the field of ALS research in neuroepidemiology.
The academic feast included thought-provoking discussions on the Basics of Neuropalliative Care and Advanced Medical Directives by Dr Roop Gursahani, an insightful panel discussion on Multidisciplinary Management of Stroke by Dr Seema Mishra, an interactive communication workshop by Dr Sachidanand Jee Bharti and an in-depth case discussions on MND, foregoing life sustaining treatments in intracerebral haemorrhage by prominent neurology faculties of SGRH.
The engaging workshop concluded with participants feeling a renewed sense of purpose, and with opportunities for further collaboration and innovation in the field of neuropalliative care.
Over 1500 individuals sensitised in the basics of palliative care at Dimapur on 23rd March, 2025
As a community engagement initiative, Dr Obangjungla (IAPC’s Executive Committee Member, North East Region) sensitised over 1,500 individuals in the basics of palliative care on Sunday, 23rd March, 2025.
The sensitisation activity was held at the Sumedem Church, just before the Sunday prayer services. Dr Obangjungla shared that the church played a major role to support the session by providing her with the opportunity to address the gathering and in helping identify patients who might need such services.
Dr Obangjungla sensitised the captive audience regarding the basic concept and principles of palliative care, the importance and benefits of utilizing palliative care services, how to identify those who need palliative care services, addressing common myths about palliative care and concluded with sharing details of who can be approached in case someone wanted to refer a patient in need of such services.
The session was attended by members from various tribes of the region who were now aware of the concept of palliative care and will now have the opportunity to access such services. The session concluded with several individuals pledging to help identify and connect such patients to Dr Obangjungla for further care.
3 ELNEC trainings were conducted by ELNEC India and HPCNAI between 15th January and 2nd March, 2025
Three End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) trainings have been conducted by ELNEC India and Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses Association India (HPCNAI), between Wednesday, 15th January, 2025, and Sunday, 2nd March, 2025.
On Wednesday, 15th January, 2025, and Thursday, 16th January, 2025, a geriatric ELNEC was conducted for a very committed group of 32 Nurses. The training was conducted in collaboration with the Geriatric Nurses Association (GNAI), and the Department of Nursing at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. This training was a stepping stone for great beginnings to come to explore further collaborations with GNAI.
On Friday, 7th February, 2025, and Saturday, 8th February, 2025, training was offered at Barmer Medical College, Barmer, Rajasthan. Nurses from various colleges and departments participated in this program. 14 Community Health Officers were also trained in this initiative.
On Saturday, 1st March, 2025, and Sunday, 2nd March, 2025, 42 nurses were trained at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, to equip them with essential knowledge and skills in palliative care nursing.
The sessions were conducted by Srs Sangeetha N, Nileema Sharad Shingade, Mamta Parihar and Hanife MacGamwell, Brs Jagdish Prajapathi, Arvind Sharma and Ramswaroop Garwa and Dr Rashi, in collaboration with HPCNAI and support from sponsors.
Each of the programs witnessed active participation from all attendees, who found the sessions highly informative and impactful. These initiatives not only enhanced professional competencies but also raised awareness about compassionate care practices. The session in Rajasthan also provided an opportunity to integrate ELNEC training into the Government’s community palliative care training program.
Update from the APM’s lecture series
Report on activities in March 2025
The palliative care community in March 2025, were treated to four lectures as a part of the ‘Academy of Palliative Medicine’s online Lecture Series 3’. The series has been designed to present a total of 52 lectures focussing on ‘Recent Advances in Palliative Care’, with sessions from the series being delivered by Students of MD and DNB in Palliative Medicine from across the country and moderated by expert Faculty from across the country.
The first session for the month was an excellent session on ‘Clinical practice guidelines and evidence for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and treatment in a palliative care setting’ presented by Dr Aysha Pathari and moderated by Dr Shamali Poojary. This was followed by a comprehensive presentation on ‘Evidence-based strategies to reduce caregiver burnout’ presented by Dr Malini Maya Thampi and moderated by Dr Rajashree K C. The third session for March 2025 was an insightful session on ‘Evidence on role of narrative medicine in palliative care’ presented by Dr Shaheer Abdulla and moderated by Dr Deepak Kumar Garg. The sessions for the month concluded with a fantastic session on ‘Evidence supporting the use of music therapy for symptom management in a palliative care setting’ presented by Dr Kunal Das and moderated by Dr Krithika Rao.
There was no session on Monday, 31st March, 2025 due to festivities.
The IAPC thanks all our speakers and the moderators for sharing their time and expertise to enrich the knowledge of the palliative care’s community.
Sessions planned for April 2025
We invite you to join us for the lectures scheduled for April, 2025, from the APM’s online Lecture Series 3. Details as follows:
