San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine Supports Global Awareness of Hospice and Palliative Care

San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine, widely recognized for its innovative patient care, education and research programs, supports global efforts surrounding World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on Oct. 11, promoting care that improves quality of life for all ages.

Organizers for World Day note that millions of people around the world living with a life-limiting illness experience unnecessary pain and distress, either unaware of or unable to access the care they need. World Day helps to raise awareness about the practice of palliative medicine, in an effort to bring effective medical practices that aid in preventing and relieving pain and suffering to the seriously ill.

As a global leader in education, research, and advocacy in the art and science of palliative medicine, San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine's contributions extend far beyond San Diego and California. Its medical experts have been invited to work with governments and large healthcare systems in countries around the world to help them to build their palliative care infrastructure.

Frank D. Ferris, M.D., is Director of International Programs at The Institute for Palliative Medicine at San Diego Hospice. Dr. Ferris leads the Institute's efforts to educate physicians and other healthcare professionals throughout the world in an effort to bring better care to patients and their families. He has developed an international medical education program that has unequalled effectiveness and his work has garnered support from the US State Department (see related article), the US National Cancer Institute, and the World Health Organization.

The global efforts highlighted during World Hospice and Palliative Care Day support the work of groups and individuals like Dr. Ferris, who help to bring new knowledge and skills in pain management and symptom control to healthcare providers around the world. Dr. Ferris notes the importance of countries to support initiatives for better end-of-life care. "Countries wanting to improve care systems for the dying need appropriate policies that allow for the best care," said Dr. Ferris.

More information about San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine can be found online at www.sdhospice.org.

To learn about global efforts for World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on Oct. 11, visit online at www.worldday.org.