Wishard Health Services

The long-term prospects for palliative care in the United States are promising, yet leaders say there is considerable work ahead to increase the supply of qualified providers, expand research, and enhance the understanding of palliative care among the health community and general public. Dr. Gregory Gramelspacher, professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine and medical director of the Wishard Health Services palliative care program , has said, “[w]hat has happened so far is just a drop in the bucket.”

The palliative care team at Wishard Health Services assists poor and underserved patients who have been diagnosed with severe illness. They have assisted more than 4,000 patients since the program’s inception in July 1999. Wishard’s specially trained staff helps coordinate complex medical care for patients as they face the physical and psychological challenges associated with their illness. Wishard’s palliative care program was the first of its kind in Indiana and remains one of the only programs in the state to address residents’ palliative care needs.

Locally, the health care industry is stepping up efforts to educate medical students and pique their interest in palliative medicine as a career. Indiana University School of Medicine, which operates one of the first accredited palliative medicine fellowships, works to incorporate palliative care in both undergraduate and graduate training. Wishard’s palliative care program has three university-sponsored fellows, who conduct one-month palliative care rotations. Moreover, a lecture series conducted at the University for third-year students introduces palliative care and explains when and how to make referrals to Wishard’s palliative care program.