What is Palliative Care?
Palliative Care is centered on both patient and family. For persons with cancer and other serious illnesses, it’s focused on reducing the burden from pain and other distressing symptoms, while being mindful of patient and family needs, values, beliefs, and cultures.
The Supportive Oncology and Palliative Care Program’s primary goal is to support the best possible quality of life for patients and their families.
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Director, Supportive Oncology and Palliative Care
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Palliative care is a fundamental component of cancer care and it can be integrated with cancer-directed care throughout the continuum of a person’s disease.
Specialty palliative care is appropriate at any age and at any stage of cancer when extra support is needed. Our team includes doctors certified in pain and palliative care; nurse practitioners; social workers; and specially trained nurses.
Supportive Oncology and Palliative Care Team
Matthew Farren, BSN, RN – PPCP Assistant Nurse Manager
Maria Klinger Gonzalez, RN, BSN, OCN, AMB-BC
Jacqueline Kelly, BSN, RN, OCN – PPCP Nurse
Leigh Kinczewski, MSN, AGNP-BC
Maria Market, BSN, RN, PCCN
Kathleen Murphy, MSN, AOCNP, ACHPN
Kelly Snyder, BSN, RN, AMB-BC, OCN
Josephine Villalobos, CRNP -
What are the supportive oncology and palliative care services offered?
The supportive oncology care team can help with:
- The management of cancer-related pain. For many patients, pain management is the most significant aspect of palliative care. Our FCCC program ensures that patients who have pain are identified as soon as possible and are treated appropriately and effectively. Our Program clinicians can see you during your hospital stay and/or in the outpatient clinic.
- The management of other burdensome symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea.
- Making difficult decisions, such as those related to course of treatment or preparing for end-of-life issues.
- Providing psychosocial support to you and your family and caregivers.
- Spiritual guidance and support through Pastoral Care.
- Coordination of care with your other treatment providers.
How can I request a palliative care consultation?
For most patients, your main treating doctor at Fox Chase (e.g., your oncologist, surgeon, or radiation oncologist) will coordinate palliative care; however, a patient or a family member may request a palliative care consultation by speaking with their treating physician, who will request Supportive Oncology and Palliative Care Program assistance as needed. Palliative care may be given during your inpatient hospital stay or on an outpatient basis.
External Resources
Learn more about the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship
