Inaugural Leadership Development Initiative Class Concludes with Successful Conference
The Institute for Palliative Medicine at San Diego Hospice hosts prestigious program
Contact: Melissa DelaCalzada (619) 278-6139 mdelacalzada@sdhospice.org
(SAN DIEGO) – The International Programs at The Institute for Palliative medicine at San Diego Hospice is pleased to report the successful conclusion of its inaugural International Palliative Care Leadership Development Initiative (LDI) class. This two-year program provided core leadership, business and strategic planning, and advanced communication skills and knowledge. In addition, mentoring from established global palliative care leaders provided personal empowerment to 19 doctors from 14 countries. Armed with such skills and practical experience, they will serve as powerful ambassadors and advocates to advance palliative care in their own contexts.
“Story after story was shared with us by these international physicians about the needless suffering of patients in their home medical communities, “said Dr. Frank D. Ferris, FAAHPM, Director of the International Programs at The Institute for Palliative Medicine. “We truly believe that by providing physicians these crucial leadership skills, they will create the spark that spreads the fire of comprehensive, global palliative care.”
In fact, over the past two years, LDI participants have reported impressive new growth in palliative care awareness and activities in their communities, such as the creation of new Palliative Care Units; the development of foundational palliative care curricula in nursing and medical schools and more formal integration of palliative care into National Health Care Plans. Research, publications, abstracts shared in regional Palliative Care Association meetings provided opportunities to share ideas, vision, and practical steps toward success. These stories of success inspire all of us working toward the advancement and implementation of palliative care, but especially for those working in low resource countries.
The physicians’ final leadership course in San Diego focused on messaging and strategy; provided them an opportunity to share what they have learned and accomplished during the LDI course; and allowed them time to further outline their future goals and plans.
“I am confident this first group of LDI participants will be the trailblazers in spreading palliative care globally,” said Dr. Shannon Moore, Co- Director of the Leadership Development Initiative. “We know they will produce powerful forward movement and positive impact on our global palliative community.”
To view the LDI video and learn more about this revolutionary leadership initiative, please visit: http://www.palliativemed.org/Leadership-Development-Initiative.
About The Institute for Palliative Medicine at San Diego Hospice
The Institute for Palliative Medicine at San Diego Hospice is internationally recognized for its excellence in palliative care education and research. Dedicated to the relief of suffering through the transformation of health care, it focuses on discovering, demonstrating and disseminating strategies for palliative care in existing health care systems whether here in San Diego, California or throughout the world. Home to the country’s largest palliative medicine physician fellowship program, the Institute also provides education to more than 4,000 health care professional and students each year. The Institute helped pioneer the palliative medicine subspecialty approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties in 2006. For more information, visit www.palliativemed.org or stay connected via Twitter (@palliativecare).