Testimonials

I am honored to share my experience with Hospice India's educational and mentorship initiative since 2017, which has had a profound impact on my career and personal growth as a pain and palliative care physician. Under the guidance and training provided by Hospice India, I have transformed into a compassionate and holistic caregiver dedicated to delivering high-quality palliative care to our patients, their families, and caregivers. When I first encountered Hospice India, I was an anesthesiologist and pain physician at the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute. Little did I know that this encounter would mark a turning point in my life. The educational and mentorship program offered by Hospice India took me under its wing and provided comprehensive training in pain and palliative care, encompassing various aspects such as symptom management, psychological and emotional support, and addressing the social and financial dimensions of care. Through the holistic care programme, I was not only shown the path to travel but also sensitised to the challenges and rewards I would encounter along the way. As I progressed through the training, I noticed significant changes within myself as I interacted with my patients. The knowledge and skills I acquired enabled me to transition from just a bystander observing the sufferings to a central player, actively leading the charge in pain and palliative care and improving quality of life throughout the journey of cancer care, thus completing the loop of services at the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute. The impact of this training extended beyond my professional life—it resonated within me, transforming me into a more compassionate individual and a better human being. Thanks to Hospice India, I stand here today as a completely evolved person, capable of providing exceptional care to my patients and their families. The profound influence of Hospice India's training is further exemplified by the heartfelt testimonials shared by our patients and their families. These can be seen at the website of the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute (https://www.rgcirc.org/reviews-testimonials/), whom we had the privilege to serve. Witnessing their journey through illness, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand how palliative care can make a tremendous difference in the lives of patients and their loved ones. The heartfelt appreciation from these families whom we meet during this care process and the exceptional care they receive at the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute are a testament to the dedication, compassion, and expertise fostered by Hospice India's educational and mentorship initiatives. Hospice India's training equips healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to manage pain effectively, address the emotional and psychological needs of patients, and guide families through the challenging stages of illness. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive the highest quality of care, allowing them to live their lives with dignity and find solace in the support of their loved ones. Moreover, the training provided by Hospice India empowers professionals to establish palliative care services at their workplace by developing an ecosystem of compassionate, ethical, and rational care. It also helps to make the service sustainable and financially viable. By combining clinical expertise with a sound understanding of the financial aspects of care, Hospice India instills in us the ability to create successful practises that not only serve patients but also contribute to the well-being of caregivers. In summary, I wholeheartedly endorse Hospice India's educational and mentorship initiatives. It has revolutionised my approach to pain and palliative care, moulding me into a skilled and compassionate physician. The profound impact this training has had on my professional and personal life is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and vision of Hospice India. It is a transformative program that embarks its mentees on a journey that will not only shape their careers but also touch the lives of countless patients and families in need. Continuing the legacy of mentorship, I take great pride in being an advisory board member of this initiative.

Dr. Sunny Malik 

MBBS, DA, DNB, MNAMS, FIAPM, FIPM, and CCEPC

Consultant In Charge

Department of Oncoanaesthesia, Pain Management and Palliative Care,

Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, 

Squadron Leader, Mahendra Kumar Jain Marg, Niti Bagh, South Delhi, 

Delhi, India

Coming from an oral and maxillofacial surgery background, end-of-life issues were not a common encounter until I entered my fellowship in head and neck oncosurgery. Here, I often faced advanced, progressive diseases where curative treatments had reached their limits. It has always concerned me how patients and their families cope with this news, facing death alone. Exploring this further, I came across the concept of palliative care and enrolled in an ongoing online programme for a better understanding.   

However, it was the 'Hospice India' initiative that truly introduced me to the immense power and wider ambit of palliative medicine, to which I got connected in the year 2020. By incorporating palliative care symptom management and communication skills, and combining them with my existing surgical expertise and life learnings, I am now able to compassionately support patients throughout their disease journey. This has enhanced the quality of life for those dealing with cancer and their caregivers throughout the care process and beyond.

A special mention goes to Dr. Saurabh Joshi and Dr. Sunny Malik, our inspiring teachers and mentors. They simplified challenging topics using relatable tales, making them memorable. Their inter-professional approach and the biopsychosocial model of illness they use during the training process are admirable. They taught us empathy, compassion, honesty, humility, sensitivity, and diligence to build trusting relationships with patients and families, instilling courage and resilience despite difficult circumstances. Additionally, they emphasised the relief of agony in the face of debilitating sickness. Their teaching style is commendable, making learning enjoyable and effective. Therefore, the class's enthusiasm persisted from the first lesson to the last.

I wholeheartedly endorse "Hospice India's" endeavour to train more experts like ourselves for the betterment of society.

Dr. Vibhu Ranjan Sahni
BDS, MDS, FHNS, and CCEPC 

Attending Consultant-II
Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Onco-Palliation
Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi

I began working as an anaesthetist at RGCIRC Niti Bagh with the goal of expanding my knowledge of Oncoanesthesia. Being a part of a centre that provides cancer treatment exclusively allowed me to observe patients undergoing various disease-directed therapies and closely monitor the course of their diseases. Along with conducting surgeries and keeping track of chemotherapy patients, I worked with a team of healthcare professionals committed to providing compassionate palliative care to cancer patients as both inpatient and outpatient services. The influence that good palliative care can have on patients' quality of life even in their last days is something I had initially underestimated, but I eventually grew to recognise. I saw patients and their families who were happier despite knowing that their path would likely result in the loss of a loved one. They felt less emotional tension and guilt, and were more accepting of their conditions. And it was this idea that got me thinking more seriously about palliative care.

Multidisciplinary team involvement in patient care, deep active communications, family meetings, innovative and advanced pain control methodologies were all part of the experience I gained here. One of the key aspects of palliative and hospice care is providing comfort and alleviating pain for patients facing life-limiting illnesses. I learnt and applied techniques such as nerve block procedures, desensitization drips alongside traditional pain management methods like analgesic medication administration. I discovered that these complementary approaches, when integrated into a holistic treatment plan, could significantly enhance pain relief for patients. Eventually, I was able to tailor these techniques to meet the individual needs and preferences of each patient, effectively improving their overall well-being.

Furthermore, I grew to learn the importance of effective communication when working with palliative and hospice patients and their families. The end-of-life journey is often emotionally challenging and requires skilled and compassionate communication to provide the support and guidance needed during such a critical time.  Participation in communication training sessions helped me develop a sensitive and empathetic approach to address difficult topics, such as prognosis, end-of-life decision-making, and grief support. These skills enabled me to establish trusting relationships with patients and their families, fostering open and honest conversations that allowed for informed decision-making and enhanced emotional support. Conversations that would once rattle me now became my source of strength.

Overall, my experience here under the palliative medicine and hospice care unit has been invaluable in enhancing my knowledge, skills in pain management techniques and effective communication. These experiences allowed me to provide comprehensive and compassionate care as a healthcare professional. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with the dedicated team of Hospice India and RGCI and the impactful experiences that have shaped my career in palliative and hospice care.

Dr. Naina Kumar

Attending Consultant,  

Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management, Hospice care and Palliative Medicine

Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Niti Bagh, South Delhi.

As a healthcare professional, I have always understood the importance of effective communication in providing compassionate and holistic care to patients, especially those facing end-of-life challenges. However, this class has truly opened my eyes to the profound impact that skilled communication can have on patients and their families during this sensitive and vulnerable period.

Moreover, the class delved into the complexities of delivering difficult news and engaging in end-of-life discussions. I learned the significance of using clear and compassionate language, ensuring that patients and their families fully comprehend their situation while offering unwavering support. The instructors provided us with invaluable tools to navigate these sensitive conversations, such as the importance of timing, creating a calm environment, and actively involving patients and families in decision-making processes. Thank you for organizing such an exceptional educational opportunity.  

Dr. Ravi Kumar

Senior Resident
Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi

I am writing this brief testimonial to express my sincere appreciation for the communication skills class you conducted on palliative care. As a nurse, I have always understood the importance of effective communication in providing holistic care to patients, but your teachings have truly enhanced my abilities in this crucial aspect of our profession.

Your teaching style was exceptional, and you created a welcoming and engaging learning environment. The course content was well-structured and comprehensive, covering various facets of communication in palliative care. Your expertise and passion for the subject were evident in the way you presented the material, making it easy for us to grasp complex concepts and techniques.

Taking these classes on communication skills in palliative care has been truly transformative for me. I have experienced significant personal and professional growth as a result. These classes have equipped me with the knowledge and tools to communicate effectively with patients and their families in palliative care settings. I now approach these interactions with increased confidence and a deeper understanding of the unique challenges they face. Through active listening, empathy, and patient-centered care, I am able to provide support and comfort during difficult conversations. Moreover, these classes have fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and self-reflection, leading to a more holistic and compassionate approach to patient care. Overall, the skills and insights gained from these classes have not only improved my professional practice but have also had a profound impact on the lives of the patients I have the privilege to care for. 

Anjali Rawat

Nurse Practitioner (Palliative Care)
Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi

I truly value “Hospice India” initiative to promote and educate on a powerful and lovely element of palliative care. 

I have been a senior nurse for the last six years, and I am now an infection control nurse and a member in the palliative care team. I frequently participate in patient care and serve as the patient’s initial point of contact. In nursing, we learn to be sensitive and give patients our best care while also understanding their difficulties but sometimes nurse practitioners often get out of sticky situations by advising the patient or caregiver that they should seek these answers from the doctor.
Nobody ever explained to us how to manage these circumstances. When I initially learned about palliative medicine at the Present institute, I was amazed at how gracefully these challenging situations were handled. After attending the classes and studying the concept of palliative medicine from “Hospice India”. I was enthusiastic to participate in the care process of palliative care patient’s. In today’s world we come across this word here and there but after becoming a part of "Hospice India" I understand the real gravity of the word ‘Empathy’ and how it can impact a suffering individual. I now believe that care is not only possible with just advice, it requires us to be spiritually and empathetically be there for the patient. Because our vibrations impact the people around us.
My approach to patient’s has also changed significantly. I am now more compassionate with my patients. I am able to understand not only their physical symptoms but also the amount of social, psychological and spiritual burden they are carrying as a result of their disease trajectory. As a result, I am able to handle these challenging situations with care. Now I have a compassionate, comprehensive approach to ease their sufferings, I firmly support Hospice India’s Initiative.

Ghazal Khan
Infection Control Nurse & Palliative Care team member
Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi