Education and Training
Apply now to participate in the ‘IAPC’s Foundation Course in Palliative Care Pharmacy’ on 29th March, 2025
Applications are invited for the seventh online batch of the ‘IAPC’s Foundation Course in Palliative Care Pharmacy’ scheduled to be held on Saturday, 29th March, 2025.
This is a basic course which aims to equip participants with adequate knowledge of commonly used drugs in Palliative Care for pain management and to manage other symptoms. The course will also cover Essential Narcotic Drugs and Narcotic Drugs, along with the technical legalities to procure, store, dispense and document the same.
The 7-hour course will be delivered in two parts; a virtual 4.5 hour Part A module and an in-person 2.5 hour Part B module.
While the course is primarily designed for candidates with a Diploma or a Degree in Pharmacy, Doctors (MBBS, BDS) are also eligible to participate in the course.
Please click here for further information and to register for the training program.
The ‘IAPC’s Foundation Course in Palliative Care for Volunteers’ is now inviting applications
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.
178 clinicians participate in the ‘Part A’ component of the IAPC’s ‘Foundation Course in Essentials of Palliative Care’ in January, 2024
178 clinicians (154 Doctors and 24 Nurses) from across India participated in the ‘Part A’ theoretical component of the IAPC’s ‘Foundation Course in Essentials of Palliative Care’ held in January, 2025. Sessions were conducted over three weekends as half day sessions on 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th January, 2025, with select clinical sessions being held separately for Doctors and Nurses.
Course participants are now equipped with the necessary knowledge to inculcate the principles of palliative care in every day practice and thereby improve patient care through proper communication and effective management of difficult symptoms.
Course participants who are successful in the examination and in the case reflection submission will next proceed towards their practical hands-on ‘Part B’ component (recommended but optional) of the course.
The IAPC thanks all the course coordinators and the faculty for their consistent support towards the successful conduct of the program. The IAPC also thanks the course participants for their enthusiastic participation during the course and for sharing constructive feedback which will help us to further evolve the program. Below are a few excerpts from the feedback received.
“All sessions were informative, easy to understand and well explained”
“Topics were discussed well, there was in depth explanation on all topics, Interactive activities were also conducted”
“Classes were done at a nice and an understanding pace, Doubts clearing was good, Slides were informative”
The APM launches the maiden batch of the ‘IAPC’s Certificate Course in Basics of Palliative Care: A Blended Learning Approach’ in January 2025
The Academy of Palliative Medicine (APM) launched the first batch of the ‘IAPC’s Certificate Course in Basics of Palliative Care: A Blended Learning Approach’ on Friday, 10th January, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. via a virtual platform.
The launch of the course marks a significant step in advancing quality, compassionate, patient-centered care in palliative education as it aims to equip healthcare professionals with essential skills to provide compassionate care for patients with life-limiting illnesses through a 600-hour blended learning model over six months.
The event featured prominent figures from palliative care. Dr. Naveen Salins (Secretary-General, APM) shared the course’s vision, aspiring to match global standards set by EAPC during his Welcome note. Dr. Sushma Bhatnagar (President, IAPC) emphasized the APM’s future role as the IAPC’s academic wing, while Dr. Geeta Joshi (President-elect, IAPC), inspired attendees to embrace this transformative journey.
Dr. Nagesh Simha (Medical Director, Karunashraya) played a pivotal role in developing APM’s first course, and Mr. Ajith Rai (Chairperson, Suprajith Foundation), expressed his commitment to supporting impactful healthcare initiatives.
Dr. Jenifer Jeba S (Chairperson, Board of Studies, APM) presented the course structure, highlighting its blended approach, including online sessions, clinical attachments, and personalized mentorship. The course adheres to UGC guidelines, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
Distinguished overseas faculty and Governing Council members, including Dr. Fiona Rawlinson and Dr. Santosh Chaturvedi, graced the event. Mr. Chirag Doshi provided a tour of the Learning Management System.
The launch celebrated the first cohort of twelve students, warmly welcomed by the APM team. Click here for further information about this.
Apply before 9th February, 2025, to participate in St. Jude’s Global Academy Training Seminar in Palliative Care 2025
Applications are invited for the St. Jude’s Global Academy Training Seminar in Palliative Care 2025, that will be held at their Campus in Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America, between Monday, 3rd November, 2025, and Friday, 7th November, 2025.
Limited to only 50 participants, the training seminar will include and EPEC Pediatrics Train the Trainer, and a Pediatric Palliative Oncology Symposium (PPOS). For those selected, St. Jude will cover all travel and lodging costs and provide breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks during the event.
The Palliative Care Global Academy is primarily directed to Clinicians from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist, Pediatric Palliative Care Pediatrician), Psychologists, Nurses, and Social Workers who are actively working or taking care of children with life-threatening conditions. Additionally, those have over two years of clinical experience, have not participated in a Global Academy before, who are fluent in both written and spoken English, and who are committed to sharing the experience with other colleagues after attending the Global Academy, are invited to apply for the program.
For further information and to apply for the program, please click here.
Registrations invited for KIPCER’s course on ‘Skills in Neuropalliative Care’ on 8th and 9th March, 2025
Registrations are invited for Karunashraya Institute for Palliative Care Education and Research (KIPCER) program ‘Skills in Neuropalliative Care’ scheduled to be held at the MIG Cricket Club, Mumbai, on Saturday, 8th March, 2025, and Sunday, 9th March, 2025.
Physicians and Nurses with neurology or palliative care training are invited to apply for the two-day program which aims to empower participants with a comprehensive neuropalliative skill set that will enhance one’s approach while caring for adults and children living with life limiting neurological conditions.
The in-person workshop will consist of 10 hours of interactive case scenarios and role plays in breaking bad news, serious illness communication, advance care planning, withholding / withdrawing life support and end-of-life care in acute and chronic neurologic conditions in adults and children. Each case discussion in the workshop will begin with a short presentation of clinical details with an interactive discussion of prognostic and or ethical issues and will be followed by roleplay with active participation from all participants.
Please click here to register for the course. For further details please write to kipcer@karunashraya.org.
Baptist Christian Hospital, Tezpur, trains 57 nurses from Assam and Nagaland in Advance and End of life care on 10th and 11th January, 2025
The Department of Palliative Care and School of Nursing, Baptist Christian Hospital, Tezpur, organised a CME on Advance and End of life care on Friday, 10th January, 2025, and Saturday, 11th January, 2025, at Tezpur.
57 nurses from various organisations and nursing schools across Assam and Nagaland participated in the training program which was presented by expert faculty from the Department of Palliative Medicine and Psycho-oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. While Dr Jayita Deodhar, Dr Sumith Surendran and Dr K V Ganpathy were able to present sessions in-person, Dr Anuradha Abhijeet Daptardar(PT), Ms Priyanka Kalyan Lad, Ms Sonal S Rane and Ms Rekha Kuchekar presented sessions virtually. Ms Nirmal Pradhan from the Assam Nurses Midwives and Health Visitors Council also graced the program with her presence.
Interactive sessions covered topics such as Issues in Advanced Palliative Care, Symptom Management, Communication Skills, Tracheostomy care, Colostomy care, Lymphedema management, Pressure sore management, psycho-social issues in end of life care, Self-care, Burnout, and compassion fatigue. A session on PICC line was also organized, upon request during the sessions.
The interactive program received enthusiastic and positive feedback regarding the course structure, content and delivery. The two-day program concluded with participants taking a pledge to improve palliative care services in their communities.
A certificate awarding 8 CNE points was also presented to all participants.
Dr Asoli Chase (Managing Director, BCH), Dr Jerine Liankimi (Head, Department of Palliative Care, BCH), Ms Eba Basumathy (Principal, School of Nursing BCH) and Dr Priyakhi Borkotoky helped ensure the seamless implementation of the program.
Over 50 physicians from API’s Salem Chapter sensitised about the need and importance of palliative care on 12th January, 2025
Over 50 physicians from the Association of Physicians (Salem Chapter) were sensitised about the concept, need and importance of palliative care in both oncology and non-oncology settings by Dr Shrenik Ostwal (Consultant, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center, Bengaluru, Karnataka) on Sunday, 12th January, 2025.
Dr Ostwal was invited to address the gathering during the Chapter’s monthly meeting held at Hotel Cenneys Gateway at Salem, Tamil Nadu.
The keen audience were sensitised about the basic concept of palliative care, the importance of providing holistic care by adopting the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model, and the benefits of early integration of palliative medicine in both oncological and non-oncological settings to improve the quality of life of patients and their caregivers to reduce suffering and enhance patient satisfaction.
Dr Ostwal’s talk was followed by a very interactive discussion in which the audience clarified their queries and misconceptions they had about palliative care. The engaging discussions proved to also be a testament to the audience’s eagerness towards advancing their medical knowledge and promoting excellence in patient care. The session concluded with members of the Chapter expressing an interest to collaborate and thereby improve the quality of palliative care currently available at Salem.
NHM Rajasthan in collaboration with AIIMS Jodhpur trains in-service Doctors, Nurses and Community Health Officers in essentials of home based palliative care
As a part of the implementation of the National Program for Palliative Care (NPPC), the National Health Mission (NHM) Rajasthan, in collaboration with AIIMS Jodhpur, Rajasthan, have launched a pilot project to provide home-based palliative care in the district of Ajmer, Rajasthan. This collaboration aims to create a compassionate and inclusive healthcare system which addresses the holistic needs of patients and their caregivers.
Spearheaded by Dr Nirmla Sharma (State Nodal Officer, NPPC, Rajasthan) and Dr Manoj Kamal (Professor, AIIMS Jodhpur) along with members from his dedicated palliative care team, including Sr Hanife MacGamwell, several Doctors, Nursing Officers, and Community Health Officers (CHO) have been undergoing training in the essentials of palliative care at AIIMS Jodhpur in December 2024 and January 2025.
Between Monday, 9th December, 2024, and Saturday, 14th December, 2024, 6 Nursing officers participated in a six-day residential, hands-on training program at AIIMS Jodhpur. The training empowered them with appropriate knowledge, skills, and techniques needed to be able to provide personalised and compassionate palliative care for patients at home along with the preparation and use of home care kits.
Between Wednesday, 15th January, 2025, and Saturday, 18th January, 2025, 25 medical officers from across Ajmer were trained in the principles and core concepts of palliative care, the critical aspects to screen patients, and to also empower them with strategies that can be applied to enhance the quality of life of patients and their caregivers.
Between Monday, 20th January, 2025, and Wednesday, 22nd January, 2025, 154 CHO’s and nursing officers were trained to accurately identify patients from the community who are in need of palliative care, and to empower them with the necessary communication skills so that they may have meaningful communication with the patients and their caregivers.
This pioneering initiative aims to make palliative care services accessible at the patient’s doorstep to enhance a patient’s quality of life along with empowering families to play an active role in care delivery.
25 Doctors and Nurses participate in the ICMR-AIIMS-BHU-UP palliative care capacity building training program on 29th and 30th December, 2024
25 Doctors and Nurses from 9 districts in Uttar Pradesh (UP) participated in the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) – Banaras Hindu University (BHU)- UP palliative care capacity building training program on Sunday, 29th December, 2024, and Monday, 30th December, 2024. The two-day program was held at the Skill Lab of the Trauma Center at the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), BHU, Varanasi, UP.
Palliative care services in UP are currently available in pockets and are primarily located in Urban regions of the State. The project aims to therefore build the capacity of doctors and nurses from across the State to help alleviate the suffering of those from different regions in the State.
2 doctors and 2 nurses from various centers were trained in the topics such as assessment and management of pain, opioids use and prescription writing, titration, how to procure and maintain morphine at institutions, setting up of services, communication skills, lymphedema management, Pediatric palliative care, management of GI symptoms, emergencies and ethics in palliative care, end of life care, respiratory issues, nursing issues etc. Participants also participated in daily rounds to gain practical exposure as well. Post training participants will be hand held as they venture out towards setting up palliative care services at their respective institutions.
While Prof. S N Sankhwar (Director, IMS, BHU) graced the occasion as Chief Guest, Dr Sandeep Chowdhary (CMO, Varanasi) and Prof. Ashok Choudhary (Dean and Faculty of Modern Medicine, IMS) graced the event as Guests of Honour.
The program was ably managed by Prof. A P Singh (Organising Chairman), Prof. Nimisha Verma (Organising Secretary), Prof. A K Paswan (Co Organising Secretary) and Dr Shayak Roy (Workshop Coordinator).
IAPC Kerala’s State Chapter Conference was held at Pampady, Kottayam District, on 28th and 29th December, 2024
The IAPC Kerala’s State Chapter conference, a State meet of palliative care volunteers in Kerala, was organised on Saturday, 28th December, 2024, and Sunday, 29th December, 2024, at Dayara, Pampady, Kottayam District, Kerala.
The conference was inaugurated by Ms Veena George (Hon. Minster for Health, Government of Kerala) and the key note address was presented by Mr Francis George (Member of Parliament). The conference was attended by Mr S M Vijayanand (Former Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala), several prominent palliative care physicians and over 1000 committed and selfless volunteers who work tirelessly towards supporting and improving the quality of life of those suffering from terminal illnesses within their communities.
Veteran volunteers sparked enthusiasm and motivation among participants as they shared their rich and diverse experiences of volunteering over the years. This also provided an opportunity for the younger generation to witness and learn from their rich experiences. Additionally, the conference provided a platform for the exchange of updates on modern palliative care practices and to share insights into providing comprehensive care to those in need of palliative care services. The conference also presented the various initiatives and advocacy activities undertaken by various colleges and centers from Kottayam district.
The event flowed through seamlessly and without any glitches only due to the support and assistance of Mr Anoop Abraham, Mr Vinson Varghese, and Father Mathews from Dayara, the students of NSS Unit at Pampady College, and the governing body of Meenedam Grama Panchayat and the Vyapari Vyavasayi friends from Kottayam, Pampady and Meenadam.
Sri Sathya Sai Palliative Care Center sensitises 50 women about palliative care at Enumulappali Village, Puttaparthi, on 26th December, 2024
Sri Sathya Sai Palliative Care Center (SSSPCC) had organised a sensitization program to generate awareness about palliative care for 50 women from a self-help group at Enumulapalli Village near Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, in the basics of palliative care on Thursday, 26th December, 2024.
The interactive session was conducted by the staff of SSSPCC along with their volunteers. The session began with introducing the ladies to the concept of palliative care, it’s need and importance in alleviating the suffering of patients and their caregivers, along with making them aware of about the comprehensive palliative care services that are available at SSSPCC. The session concluded with the women being invited to participate in SSSPCC’s upcoming monthly Breast and Cervical Cancer screening camp scheduled for Thursday, 2nd January, 2025, at SSSPCC.
SSSPCC in collaboration with the Department of Oncology, Ramaiah Medical College and Hospital, conduct such sensitization sessions a week before their monthly screening camps scheduled for the first Thursday of each month. This initiative aims to reduce the Cancer Burden in the community through early detection and intervention. Please click here to know more about SSSPCC and the commendable work they do at the grassroot levels of Andhra Pradesh.
Update from the APM’s lecture series
Report on activities in January 2025
The year began with excellent presentations being presented in January, 2025, as 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 year was a comprehensive presentation on ‘Evidence, guidelines and recommendations on the role of Direct Oral Anti-Coagulants (DOAC) in Cancer thrombosis’ presented by Dr Sreeharsh S and moderated by Dr Ashwin Mathur. This was followed by a superb presentation on ‘Evidence on pharmacogenomics of Opioid analgesics and its clinical implications’ presented by Dr Srikanta Panda and moderated by Dr Prasun P. The third session for January 2025 was a fantastic presentation on ‘Evidence and recommendations regarding assessing suicide risk in a patient receiving palliative care’ presented by Dr Snigdha Sharma and moderated by Dr Bimla Sharma. The series for the month concluded with an interesting presentation on ‘Review of evidence on the role of palliative care in the setting of cardiac transplantation’ presented by Dr Revathy Vijayakumar and moderated by Dr Rakesh Garg.
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 February 2025
We invite you to join us for the lectures scheduled for February, 2025, from the APM’s online Lecture Series 3. Details as follows:
