Pediatric Palliative Care – A Project for Russia

On Thursday, November 9 Meridian International Center welcomed 5 visitors from Russia for a ten day long International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The group, made up pediatric healthcare experts, the participated in the program to analyze best practices in palliative care for seriously ill children, explore effective techniques for sharing best practices, and learn about the delivery of high quality care at the non-hospital level. In order to accomplish these goals, the participants first convened in Washington, DC before travelling on to Memphis, TN; Boston, MA; and New York, NY.

While in Washington, the participants were able to engage with doctors and staff members from the Children's National Health System, PANDA Palliative Care Team, and discuss pediatric palliative care in the U.S., pain and symptom management, and sharing best best practices. They were also able to meet with experts from the HSC Health Care system where they learned about chronic care of technologically dependent children and toured the facilities. Prior to their departure to Memphis, the visitors were able to enjoy an evening of home hospitality. Highlights from the national program included a day of programming at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis; several discussions with experts at the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children in Boston; and a meeting with the Center to Advance Palliative Care in New York.

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