“Hospice Care Is So Much More Than People Expect”

I am originally from Malaysia, but I have been in Ireland since 2016. I went to medical school in Cork at UCC, graduated in 2021, and have been doing my medical training ever since. Since July last year, I have been working as a registrar in Palliative Medicine at Galway Hospice. It has been my first job as a registrar and my first experience working in palliative medicine.

I was first intrigued by palliative care during rotations in oncology. I witnessed the difference it made to patients. They would come in with very difficult symptoms, and after being seen by the palliative care team they were so much more comfortable. But it wasn’t just about symptom control. Because palliative medicine is so person-centred, people’s mood and overall quality of life would improve from both a medical and psychosocial point of view. I feel like palliative medicine brings all of those things together.

Putting People First

When I started here, I knew it would be very different from any job I had done before. It was my first time working outside an acute hospital, and I knew the goals of care would be different. There is much more emphasis on quality of life and comfort.

I had also heard about the excellent multidisciplinary team at Galway Hospice, and that was something I was really looking forward to. What I learned throughout the year is just how integrated and supportive that team is. Every single person makes such a difference to a patient’s journey, whether that is in Day Care, the Community Team or the Inpatient Unit. Coming from a medical background, you naturally focus on the medical aspects of care, but the expertise of the multidisciplinary team is invaluable. That has probably been the biggest lesson for me.

The Value of Communication

Personally, the biggest thing I am taking away is that communication is paramount in palliative care. It is important in every specialty, but there are so many nuances when you are having sensitive conversations. I have learned how to become a more effective communicator from everyone here.

I have also learned the value of community and just how important that is in people’s lives. Having people by your side—whether family, friends, neighbours or the multidisciplinary team—can make a huge difference. The hospice provides that sense of community and helps patients feel less alone.

A Holistic Approach

If I had to explain hospice care to someone who didn’t know what palliative care is, I would say that the hospice is a wonderful place for anybody living with a progressive life-limiting illness. We help people facing physical and psychosocial challenges, whether they need symptom management, respite care or end-of-life care. Ultimately, the hospice is here to help people live more comfortably and enjoy the best possible quality of life.

Hospice care does not simply mean end-of-life care. There is so much we can offer that people may not expect, and it can make a significant difference to both their lives and their quality of life.

This year helped me answer one important question: whether palliative medicine was the right career for me. I can say with complete confidence that I have loved this year, and I know now that I want to pursue a career in palliative medicine. It is because of my experience here.

— Dr. Jasleen Tarrant