About Us
Providing compassionate, multidisciplinary care for patients with serious illness, improving quality of life through expert symptom management and whole-person support
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Palliative Medicine
The University of Louisville Division of Palliative Medicine provides specialized care for people living with serious illnesses. Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life by addressing physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs.
Established in 2023, the division works to expand access to palliative care for patients and families across a variety of healthcare settings.
Our physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains and other healthcare professionals work together with patients, families and other members of the care team. This interdisciplinary approach helps ensure that treatment plans reflect each patient’s needs, values, goals and preferences.
Palliative care can be provided alongside treatment for a serious illness and can support patients and families at different stages of care.
Areas of Expertise
Our faculty and clinical teams provide services that include:
- Managing symptoms such as pain, nausea, anxiety and shortness of breath
- Explaining treatment options and supporting informed decision-making
- Supporting communication among patients, families and healthcare professionals
- Providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support
- Assisting with advance care planning and advance directives
- Helping patients and families identify and communicate their goals and preferences for care
Fellowship Training
The University of Louisville offers a Palliative Medicine Fellowship that provides physicians with advanced education and clinical training in palliative and hospice medicine.
The fellowship includes clinical and educational experiences across a variety of care settings. Fellows develop skills in symptom management, communication, care planning and interdisciplinary collaboration while caring for patients with serious illnesses.
Faculty provide education and mentorship throughout the program and encourage collaboration, professional development, continuous learning and trainee feedback.
Education and Learning Environment
The Division of Palliative Medicine works to provide an inclusive and supportive learning environment for fellows and other healthcare learners.
Faculty, staff and fellows collaborate to support professional development, clinical education and effective patient care. The division promotes a learning environment centered on respect, collaboration, open communication and continuous improvement.
