Didactics (Conferences/Journal Clubs/Lectures)

Core Lecture Seminars lay the foundation for core topics in palliative medicine through a formal, structured teaching session over the course of the academic year. The series is presented in a variety of formats, including didactic, interactive, case-based discussions and role play. Provided in half-day workshops, each one-hour topic is led by core faculty members from the Section of Palliative Medicine of both Rush University School of Medicine and John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County or specialists in hospice and palliative medicine. Fellows are excused from their assigned rotation and are expected to attend the sessions.

Advanced Topics in Palliative Care provides formal, structured teaching on advanced topics in palliative medicine relevant to the specialist in palliative medicine. A one-hour session is conducted monthly by core faculty in the sections of Palliative Medicine. The formats will vary and will include: didactic; case-based interactive discussion; videotape review and feedback; and role play.

Journal Club promotes an evidence-based approach and facilitates critical thinking and analysis in reviewing the palliative medicine literature. Monthly sessions are held to critically analyze medical literature, understand clinical research methodology, recognize limitations in palliative care research and understand the approach for protocol development.

Educational Sessions in Palliative Medicine, held weekly, gives fellows the opportunity to dialogue in a case-based approach with members of the interdisciplinary team

Educational Prescriptions use direct clinical experience to create a model for evidence-based, self-directed learning. These one-on-one teaching experiences help fellows develop skills to identify key clinical questions as well as to effectively search the medical literature. Fellows are encouraged to utilize an evidence-based approach to answer clinical questions they encounter while providing patient care.

Case Conference This monthly conference provides a structured format for presentation and discussion of complex clinical, psychosocial, spiritual, ethical and cultural issues that occur in caring for patients with life-limiting illness, and will seek evidence-based solutions to the issues raised.

Reflective Reading and Discussion: This monthly structured practice of reading and discussing short pieces of writing is adapted from the Project on Civic Reflection. This interdisciplinary team activity provides a means of reflecting on our core values, thinking more deeply about our choices and responding more imaginatively to the challenges of our shared work.