Just as the late Dr. John J. Bonica decried the lack of curriculum hours devoted to an understanding and treatment of pain, the IOM committee decries the failure of schools for health professional to inform students about dying. Experts in palliative care could serve as consultants and leaders in curriculum reform and in the conduct of research and research training. And there are already hopeful signs. A former colleague who visited my office the other day showed me a death notice that had recently appeared in the New York Times . Joan Wilentz is chief of the planning and legislative branch in the office of the director of the National Institute of Dental Research.
Palliative care involves more than appropriate management of symptoms.
It involves sensitivity to patients' emotional and spiritual needs and an openness in communication, so that there is a clear understanding of patients' needs and preferences.