Forbes Hospice has long had a strong commitment to serve as an educational center for teaching young physicians the art of hospice and in so doing helps to set a standard in the community for physician participation in end of life care. Eugene Z. Hirsch, M.D. directs the Department of End-of-Life Physician Education and is assisted by Marianne Garrity, RN, MNEd, Education Director, for Forbes Hospice.

The seeds of this program were sown 5 years ago, as Dr. Hirsch answered the inquiries for hospice training from residency programs at local hospitals and medical schools.

To date over 300 medical students and residents have received training that focuses on providing palliative care and insight into the emotional, social and cultural elements of end of life needs. Physicians also gain knowledge of the role of the physician within the hospice team. Problem solving, self-examination and reporting of interview encounters are foci of the curriculum.

The "blueprint" for this sensitive model for providing physicians with education about end-of-life care and hospice has expanded to include community physicians. Each participant is mentored through both Forbes Hospice's Home Care and Inpatient programs. The role of a physician in hospice is approached and studied with Dr. Hirsch along side each participant, as they learn the physician's role in helping people at the end of their lives.

For more information, contact Marianne Garrity at (412) 325-7250.