Education and Training

262 clinicians participate in the ‘Part A’ component of the IAPC’s ‘Foundation Course in Essentials of Palliative Care’ in July, 2025

262 clinicians (211 Doctors and 51 Nurses) from across India participated in the ‘Part A’ theoretical component of the IAPC’s ‘Foundation Course in Essentials of Palliative Care’ held in July, 2025. The online classes were conducted from 14th July to 1st August, 2025, as two-hour sessions on alternate weekdays, and on Saturdays and Sundays. Select clinical sessions were held separately for Doctors and Nurses.

The participants are now equipped with the foundational knowledge required to incorporate palliative care principles into their routine clinical practice. This will enable them to enhance the quality of patient care through effective communication and the holistic management of distressing symptoms.

Participants who successfully complete the examination and submit their case reflection will become eligible to proceed to the practical, hands-on ‘Part B’ component of the course, which is recommended though optional.

The IAPC expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Dr Lulu Mathews, Chairperson, Board of Examiners, for her efficient leadership and guidance towards this program. The IAPC also thanks all the course coordinators and the faculty for their consistent support towards the successful conduct of the program. Additionally, the IAPC thanks the course participants for their enthusiastic participation and for sharing constructive feedback, which will help us to further evolve the program.

Below are a few excerpts from the feedback received:

"The faculty were top notch; their experience shined in every statement they taught us."
"Very informative, clear concepts. Had very practical points that are useful."
"Appreciate Commitment of the organisers, Dedicated teaching"
"Real life experiences and scenarios - made it more applicable to daily practice."

The APM launches the 2nd cohort of the ‘IAPC’s Certificate Course in Basics of Palliative Care: A Blended Learning Approach’ in July 2025

Following the resounding success of its inaugural cohort, the Academy of Palliative Medicine (APM) has launched the second cohort of the ‘IAPC’s Certificate Course in Basics of Palliative Care: A Blended Learning Approach’ on 12th July, 2025. Fourteen committed healthcare professionals from diverse clinical settings across India have enrolled in this cohort, reaffirming the growing demand for structured, practice-oriented palliative care education.

The course, first launched on 10th January, 2025, aims to strengthen the capacity of medical professionals in delivering compassionate, person-centered care for patients with life-limiting illnesses. Designed as a 600-hour, six-month blended learning program, the course integrates theoretical learning with clinical exposure to ensure holistic and practical skill development.

The first cohort, consisting of 12 participants, successfully concluded their journey in June 2025. Nine candidates appeared for the Final Exit Examination on 29th June, 2025, and all cleared the assessment, with four securing distinctions. This outstanding result is a testament to the course’s academic rigor, clinical relevance, and the dedication of its learners and mentors.

The curriculum includes:

  • Structured, self-paced online learning via an intuitive Learning Management System
  • Weekly live mentoring sessions with national faculty
  • A 12-day clinical attachment at leading palliative care centers
  • A 2-day in-person Refresher Course with case-based discussions, micro-lectures, and communication skills workshops
  • A comprehensive Exit Examination including OSCE stations to assess both theoretical knowledge and clinical competence

The second cohort now embarks on this transformative learning journey, guided by the same vision—to build a strong foundation in palliative care and empower clinicians to deliver care that is empathetic, evidence-based, and patient-focused.

The APM and IAPC remain committed to expanding the reach of high-quality palliative care education and look forward to the continued success of this program in shaping future-ready palliative care practitioners.

APM to Launch the Postgraduate Assembly: A National Workshop to Empower Future Palliative Medicine Specialists on 20th and 21st September, 2025

The Academy of Palliative Medicine (APM) is delighted to announce the launch of the Postgraduate (PG) Assembly, a landmark two-day intensive workshop exclusively designed for final-year postgraduate students (MD and DNB) in Palliative Medicine from across India.

Scheduled for 20th and 21st September, 2025, at BHT- Karunashraya, Bangalore, this thoughtfully curated event serves as a bridge curriculum to support students during their crucial transition from training to certification and independent clinical practice.

The PG Assembly will focus on:

  • Strengthening core clinical and practical competencies
  • Enhancing confidence and preparedness for final examinations
  • Building a network of professional peers across the country
  • Interactive case-based learning, OSCEs, mock vivas, and exam-focused discussions

The Team APM look forward to welcoming the next generation of palliative care specialists to this meaningful and empowering learning experience.

For details and registration, please follow this link: https://www.apmindia.org/pg-assembly-courses/

National Fellowship in Palliative Nursing (NFPN): Registration deadline extends to 10th August, 2025

Applications are invited from nurses (GNM/B.Sc. Nursing) to enroll in the National Fellowship in Palliative Nursing (NFPN), offered jointly by the Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM), Kozhikode, and the Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI).

This one-year distance learning program includes online sessions, assignments, clinical postings, and final evaluation, aimed at building essential competencies in palliative care.

  • New Application Deadline: 10th August, 2025
  • Seats:  NFPN – 25
  • Fee:  Rs. 20,000
  • Scholarships: 50% fee waiver for selected candidates

Click here for more details and to apply.

Applications Open for the 4th Edition of the International Neuropalliative Care Certificate Course

The International Neuropalliative Care Certificate Course (INPCCC), now in its 4th edition (2025–2026), invites applications from healthcare professionals committed to improving the lives of patients with serious neurologic illnesses. Jointly organised by Karunashraya Institute for Palliative Education & Research, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal (MAHE), and the International Neuropalliative Care Society, this year-long programme equips participants with the knowledge and skills to provide holistic, person-centred care for complex neurological conditions.

This course is tailored for:

  • Neurology Professionals
  • Palliative Care Professionals
  • Allied health Specialists

Course Highlights

  • 12 monthly modules with pre-recorded webinars covering core topics
  • Flipped classroom model with interactive case discussions.
  • In-person workshop focused on communication, prognostication, and ethics.
  • Continuous assessment through MCQs and mandatory end-of-module evaluations.

Duration: 1st September 2025 to 31st August 2026
Fees: Rs 50,000 or USD 600 (payable in 2 installments)
Bursaries available
Last date to apply: 20th August 2025
Limited seats: 40 participants only

To know more and apply: View the brochure and visit- www.inpcs.org/inpcc
Direct registration link: https://forms.gle/izKUgwt1nDhDP2ZW6

ICRO’s National Teaching Course on Palliative Medicine for Radiation Oncology Residents held at SGPGI, Lucknow on 28th and 29th June, 2025

The Indian College of Radiation Oncology (ICRO), in association with Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Lucknow, successfully conducted a two-day national teaching program on Palliative Medicine for post graduate residents in radiation oncology on 28th and 29th June, 2025.

Hosted at SGPGI, this comprehensive course drew over 100 post graduate residents from across India and was a true model of integrated oncology and palliative care education. The sessions spanned the breadth of palliative medicine—from organ-specific symptom management (e.g., pain in pelvic cancers, respiratory distress in lung cancer, lymphoedema in breast cancer) to communication, total pain, ethical decision-making, and end-of-life care.

A standout feature of the course was the strong representation of radiation oncologists who are already integrating palliative care principles into daily practice, exemplifying true interdisciplinary collaboration. Faculty included renowned experts, Dr. Somnath Dey (Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, Varanasi), Ms. Metty Morris (Rtd. Senior palliative care nurse), Dr. Santosh K Chaturvedi (Former Dearn, NIMHANS, Bengaluru), Dr. Anjum Joad (Director Anaesthesia, Director & HOD Palliative Care at BMCHRC Hospitals), Dr. Reena George (Professor, Christian Medical College, Vellore) and Ms. Hanife MacGamwell (Palliative care Nurse).

The event concluded with a quiz, certificate distribution, and heartfelt reflections, leaving participants with both clinical insight and compassionate perspectives to carry forward in their oncology practice.

Such programs represent a significant step towards integrating palliative care into cancer treatment. The IAPC expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the organising team for their vision and efforts in conceptualising and delivering this impactful training initiative.

ELNEC Training held at Apollo AyurVAID, Bengaluru, 17th to 19th July, 2025

Apollo AyurVAID, Bengaluru, hosted a 3-day ELNEC (End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium) training between 17th and 19th July, 2025, focusing on palliative and end-of-life care. The workshop saw the enthusiastic participation of 25 Ayurvedic doctors and nurses eager to integrate holistic care into serious illness management.

The sessions were facilitated by Sr Hanife Mac Gamwell (Palliative care Nurse), Ms Sangeetha Murugan (Nursing Incharge, Karunashraya), and Ms Cassandra Sequeira (Nurse Consultant), who engaged participants through interactive discussions and case-based learning.

Congratulations to the trainers for organising a successful ELNEC training!

KIPCER Organised “Skills in Neuropalliative Care” Workshop at BHT- Karunashraya, Bengaluru, on 19th and 20th July, 2025

Karunashraya Institute of Palliative Care Education and Research (KIPCER) organized a two-day “Skills in Neuropalliative Care” Workshop, at Bangalore Hospice Trust – Karunashraya, Bengaluru, on 19th and 20th July, 2025. This workshop was conducted as a part of the International Neuropalliative Care Certificate Course jointly conferred by Bangalore Hospice Trust- Karunashraya, International Neuropalliative Society, and Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, MAHE.

25 neurologists, palliative care physicians, geriatricians, and occupational therapists participated in this workshop which focused on diagnostic, prognostication and communication skills in neurology palliative care.

The expert faculty who led the program included Dr. Roop Gursahani (Neurologist, Hinduja Hospitals, Mumbai), Dr. Nagesh Simha (Medical Director, Karunashraya), Dr. Krithika Rao (Assistant Professor, Department of Palliative Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, MAHE), Dr. Seema Rao (Director, Manipal Hospice and Research Centre), Dr. Smriti Khanna (Palliative care specialist, Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai), Dr. Pankaj Singhai (Associate Professor at Sri Aurobindo Medical College & PG Institute, Indore) and Dr. Priya Thomas (Additional Professor, Department of Psychiatric Social Work, NIMHANS, Bengaluru)

The IAPC congratulates the entire team at KIPCER for successfully organizing this workshop!

Workshop on Pain and Palliative Care Held at KGMU, Lucknow, on 22nd and 23rd July, 2025

The Pain Medicine Unit, Department of Anesthesiology, in collaboration with the Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, successfully organized a two-day Workshop on Pain and Palliative Care on 22nd and 23rd July, 2025.

Designed specifically for paramedical students, the workshop included ward rounds, interactive sessions, and hands-on training in palliative care procedures. A total of 30 participants attended the program.

Various aspects of palliative care were addressed by renowned faculty from multiple departments. The resource faculty included Dr. Sarita Singh (Course Coordinator), Dr. Nisha Mani Tripathi, Dr. Promila Verman, Dr. Rythem Bains, and Dr. Akancha Sonal, who shared their valuable insights and expertise.

Nursing and clinical support were provided by Nursing staff members from various units. Viji Nair, Madhu Sohu, Shivam Patel, Shri Kant, Pankaj, and Anjali, shared their expertise with participants. Their contributions were instrumental in the smooth conduct of the workshop.

The IAPC congratulates the team at KGMU for their commitment to enhancing palliative care education and interdisciplinary learning for paramedical professionals.

Teaching Palliative Care Module for Nursing Students: Training Conducted at St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru

The Department of Palliative Medicine, in collaboration with the College of Nursing at St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru, successfully implemented the Indian Nursing Council (INC)-approved 20-hour Palliative Care Module for 4th-semester B.Sc. Nursing students.

The theory sessions, based on the INC module, were delivered during the program organised in July 2025. This initiative generated significant enthusiasm among nursing colleges across Bengaluru, with over 500 students registering for the program. Due to the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large number, the first batch was limited to 200 students. The next training session for the remaining registered candidates is scheduled for August 2025.

The students’ active participation, curiosity, and thoughtful engagement enriched the learning experience and underscored the growing importance of palliative care education in undergraduate nursing training. The workshop was intentionally designed to be experiential rather than didactic, using role plays and interactive methods to deepen understanding.

The successful rollout of this INC-approved module marks a significant milestone in the integration of palliative care into mainstream nursing education. The IAPC sincerely appreciates the dedicated efforts of the Department of Palliative Medicine and the College of Nursing, St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru, in advancing quality education in palliative care for nurses.

Update from the APM’s lecture series

Report on activities in July 2025

The Academy of Palliative Medicine continued its successful Online Lecture Series 3 in July 2025, with weekly sessions held every Monday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. These sessions offered participants valuable opportunities for continuous professional development and peer learning in the field of palliative care.

The lectures were presented by postgraduate students in palliative medicine and moderated by senior faculty members, fostering interactive discussions grounded in clinical evidence and current practice.

On 7th July 2025, Dr. Firdous Ahmed delivered a lecture on “Evidence-based management of diarrhoea in a palliative care setting,” which was moderated by Dr. Deepak Garg.

On 14th July 2025, Dr. Pranathi presented on “Evidence for Methylphenidate and Modafinil in a palliative care setting,” with Dr. Archana serving as the moderator.

On 21st July 2025, Dr. Nikhil Bansal spoke on “Evidence and recommendations for using novel adjuvants in the management of bone pain,” moderated by Dr. Anuja Damani.

On 28th July 2025, the topic “Evidence-based consensus on the stepwise management of neuropathic pain” was presented by Dr. Sarvadarshi Saraswata Mahapatra and moderated by Dr. Sushma Bhatnagar.

These sessions were highly appreciated by attendees for their clinical relevance and clarity. The consistent format of evidence-based presentations followed by expert moderation enabled rich discussions, enhancing learning for all participants.

Sessions planned for August 2025

We invite you to join us for the lectures scheduled for August 2025, from the APM’s online Lecture Series 3. Details as follows.