Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Medicine
PS 516M.J
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
This course provides opportunities to develop knowledge and skills in the comprehensive care of patients and their families with serious illness at any stage of their disease, including the end of life and those with cancer and non-cancer diagnoses. Management of symptoms such as pain and nausea, anxiety and depression, psychosocial and spiritual support of patients and families, decision making, communication, coordination of care and bereavement care will be emphasized. Students will participate actively with residents, fellows, and members of the interdisciplinary team (nurses, SW, chaplain, pharmacy) on the psychosocial oncology and palliative care teams providing these patients with expert interdisciplinary care. Shared activities include collaborative interviews with faculty members; assessment, management recommendations for, and follow-up of patients; teaching rounds; and a range of conferences examining the clinical, ethical and research aspects of comprehensive palliative and end of life care. Faculty under the Department of Supportive Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute supervise clinical work, acquisition of a knowledge base, and preparation of a brief presentation on a topic of the student's interest. Students interested in pediatric palliative care may choose to shadow the Boston Children's Hospital/DFCI pediatric palliative care team for one day of the rotation. Course Directors - John Peteet, MD and Irene Yeh, MD. Clinical sites: BWH, DFCI.
Not Available for Cross Registration
Open to Domestic Visiting Students
Open to International Visiting Students
