Virginia Initiative for Palliative Care

The Virginia Initiative for Palliative Care, co-developed by VCU Massey Cancer Center and Capital Hospice of Falls Church, Va., provides free, highly individualized training to doctors, nurses, chaplains, social workers and other professionals who seek tangible ways to improve patient care. The program offers training with palliative care experts from two leading facilities.

VCU Massey Cancer Center is home to the Thomas Palliative Care Program, founded and managed by world-class interdisciplinary leaders in palliative care. The program offers an active hospital-wide consultative service comprised of a team of physicians and advanced-practice nurses who consult on referrals and assist with the management of pain, symptoms and the definition of goals of care. Massey houses an 11-bed inpatient unit that provides physical, emotional, spiritual and practical support for patients and families.

Capital Hospice provides expert end-of-life care to patients and their families in the National Capital Region and boasts the largest number of board-certified palliative care physicians and nurses with advanced training in hospice and palliative care in Virginia. Hospice services are offered to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, a 15-bed inpatient center and patient/family homes.

VIPC participants are exposed to the workings of palliative care in settings that are similar to their own environment with the goal of understanding how to improve the clinical experience and learning when to call for help. They can take usable knowledge and experience back to their workplace to change their practice and, ultimately, help improve the lives of Virginia residents.

Download a flier  or apply to the program .

For more information on the program, please contact Carrie Cybulski, palliative care program coordinator, at (804) 628-1918.