“Care isn’t always about doing — sometimes it’s about just being there”

My Journey to Palliative Care

I’ve been in Ireland for more than three years now. I’m from Pakistan, and I studied there. My background is basically paediatrics — more paediatric surgery — before coming into GP training. This is my fourth rotation in GP land, with two more left in the hospitals. Before coming here, I worked in Mayo and in Galway hospitals.

This rotation in palliative care was allocated to me, and I was actually looking forward to it when I found out. I had heard a lot of good things about palliative care and hospice care, and I wanted to experience it myself, because my previous experience had no interaction with palliative medicine at all. I wanted to go through it myself and see what palliative care really is.

What Hospice Care Has Taught Me

My time in the hospice has completely changed the way I see palliative care. As a junior doctor, I thought I’d be mostly learning about managing symptoms and complex medical conditions, but what I’ve really learned goes much deeper.

I’ve learned how to sit with someone’s vulnerability, to listen without rushing, and to see the person behind the illness. Every patient’s story has reminded me just how fragile and beautiful life is.

Palliative care has inspired me to approach medicine with more compassion and humility, and to value simply being present just as much as the medical care I provide.

The Power of Being Present

I’ve come to realize that care isn’t always about doing — sometimes it’s about just being there. Being patient, being human. Even in moments of loss, there can be real peace and connection. Every day in hospice has reminded me to slow down and notice the little moments that make life meaningful — a smile, a shared memory, a quiet conversation.

I’ve also been so inspired by the MDT team here. Nurses, healthcare assistants, doctors, therapists, chaplains, volunteers, and support staff — everyone brings to the table not just skill, but empathy, patience, and quiet strength to their work. Their kindness and teamwork create a space where patients and families truly feel cared for and listened to.

Lessons I’ll Carry Forward

Working alongside them has shown me that palliative care isn’t just a medical specialty. It’s a way of thinking about and being with people. It’s about celebrating humanity, presence, and connection — and it’s taught me lessons I’ll carry with me in every part of my career.

– Dr Usama Aziz