Division of Palliative Medicine
Saint Louis University School of Medicine's Division of Palliative Medicine is known for its compassionate, interdisciplinary approach to treating serious illnesses and improving quality of life for both patients and their families.
Offering an Extra Layer of Support
The Division of Palliative Medicine offers specialized, supportive medical care for individuals with serious illnesses and life-changing conditions. The division team works with patients during all stages of the disease process, accompanying them from curative efforts to comfort-based care. Physicians help to manage symptoms and coordinate medical care that aligns with patients' personal values, all while supporting patients and their loved ones by creating meaningful moments of hope, connection, comfort and symptom relief.
Palliative care is provided in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and homes.
Services and Support
- Symptom management
- Counseling and coordination of care with other health providers
- Help understanding the trajectory and complexity of an illness, as well as prognosis and treatment options
- Assistance completing advance directive documents
- Facilitating family-clinician conversations
- Stress management
- Social work services for resources and ongoing community support
- Spiritual care for people of all faiths and beliefs
The division also conducts research, works on quality and improvement projects, and offers hospice and palliative care fellowship training.