Historically, Australian palliative care specialists have gained expertise in their field through experience rather than formal training. Although a training program in palliative medicine was developed by the RACP in the early 1990s, the field has only been a formally recognized specialty since 2005.

Palliative medicine involves the management of patients with incurable, progressive and advanced disease for whom the focus of care is quality of life. It involves the holistic management of patients from physical, psychosocial and spiritual perspectives, along with the provision of support to patients’ families and caregivers. There remains an “art” to palliative medicine: There are many gaps in the evidence base and symptoms may not respond to recognized therapies requiring a willingness to innovate.

Palliative care physicians are key members of a multidisciplinary team, working closely with medical, nursing and allied health services. They require excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Palliative medicine is a rewarding medical specialty which relieves suffering in the lives of many. It can also be emotionally demanding due to the complexities that surround end-of-life care.

Read more...