Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine
The Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine (AChPM) is a Chapter of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Adult Internal Medicine Division that represents and connects Palliative medicine Fellows and trainees in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
We provide training and continuing professional development to ensure excellence in skills, expertise and ethical standards, and advocate on behalf of our members for the highest standard of palliative medicine care. We are committed to promoting the study of palliative medicine and the advancement of knowledge in our field through training, research and collaboration with other medical professionals and organisations.
About palliative medicine
Palliative Medicine is the specialist care of people with terminal illnesses and chronic health conditions in community, hospital and hospice settings. Palliative Medicine Physicians work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of health professionals to provide end of life care, provide relief from pain and symptoms of illness, and optimise the quality of life for a patient. Palliative medicine treats the physical aspects of illness, but also integrates psychological and spiritual facets of patient care.
World Health Organisation Definition of Palliative Care
"Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psycho-social and spiritual."
Training in palliative medicine
Advanced Training
The Chapter of Palliative Medicine runs the Palliative Medicine Advanced Training Program.
Clinical Foundation in Palliative Medicine
The Clinical Foundation in Palliative Medicine is a six-month qualification designed to encourage medical practitioners to spend time in palliative care as part of their vocational training and continuing professional development.
Governance
See AChPM committee.
Be involved
Access your RACP Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine Marketing and Advocacy Toolkit (member login required)
In addition to the AChPM committees, you can get involved in the Chapter and connect with other AChPM Fellows and trainees through AChPM advocacy activities and AChPM events.
If you have any enquiries, please contact
PallMed@racp.edu.au