Palliative and End-of-Life Care Education

To cure sometimes, to relieve often, to comfort always — this is our work. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it – Thou shalt treat thy patient as thou wouldst thyself be treated. Anonymous, 15th century

Palliative care is any form of medical care or treatment that reduces the severity of disease symptoms. Effective palliative care helps prevent and relieve suffering, and improves the quality of life of people facing serious, complex and advanced illness.

Comprehensive and Multidisciplinary Education

Over the past several years the Yale School of Medicine has developed and implemented successful educational activities to enhance end-of-life and palliative care curriculum at the Yale School of Medicine. Our focus is integration of end-of-life and palliative care education into the curriculum over the four years of medical school. We believe all medical student graduates, regardless of future specialty, should acquire basic comfort, knowledge and skills in the care of patients with terminal illness. In our efforts, we have been successful at building collaborations within the institution and developing both inter-disciplinary and inter-institutional educational teams that include diverse clinical departments. The program provides a comprehensive approach that focuses on the physical, psycho-social, spiritual and practical needs of patients and families.

News

End-of-Life Care Gets Emphasis in New Yale Curriculum

The Yale School of Medicine has received funding through the Connecticut Cancer Partnership and the state’s Department of Public Health to improve and enhance the palliative and end-of-life care curriculum for medical students." more…

The Connecticut Cancer Partnership unites the members of our state's diverse cancer community--academic and clinical institutions, state and local government health agencies, industry and insurers, advocacy and community groups, and cancer survivors

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