Palliative Care
Vanderbilt Palliative Care improves quality of life for people with serious illnesses and for their families. This type of care focuses on relieving symptoms, pain and stress. Palliative care is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness. It can be provided together with treatment meant to cure disease.
Meet Your Care Team
Rajiv AgarwalBA, MD
- Cancer, Gastrointestinal, Hematology/Oncology, Liver Cancer, Medical Oncology, Metastatic Cancer, Palliative Care
Maie H. El-souradyMD, MSc
- General Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Palliative Care, Pediatric Primary Care, Primary Care, Well Child Care
Tiffany E. HinesMD
- General Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Palliative Care, Pediatric Palliative Care, Pediatric Primary Care, Primary Care
Mohana B. KarlekarMD
- Allergy / Pulmonary and Critical Care, Cancer, Cardiovascular Medicine, Congestive Heart Failure, Cystic Fibrosis, Geriatric Medicine, Internal Medicine
Why Choose Palliative Care at Vanderbilt
- Team approach
Our team is led by specialty-trained doctors and nurse practitioners and includes specialized palliative care case managers, social workers and nurses. Our team also works closely with other specialists, including pastoral care, child life and pharmacy.
- Convenient services
Our team is readily available to consult with you in both in inpatient and outpatient settings.
- Patient-centered care
Our Palliative Care Unit provides services to patients who need aggressive symptom management or have other complex care needs. This unit provides opportunities for more visitation, a private family room and amenities such as toys and drawing materials for children.
- Coordinated care
Our doctors work closely with experts in other medical disciplines to create a care plan that meets your individual needs. We also work with your primary care doctor to review your records and coordinate any advanced care you may need.
- Infusion services close to home
Vanderbilt Health has multiple infusion centers, which means you can find a location close to you. Some centers offer evening hours, making it easy to fit your treatment around your schedule.
Tests, Treatments and Services
We offer a full range of tests, treatments and services, including:
- Helping patients navigate healthcare to receive care aligned with goals and values
- Managing symptoms from serious illness
- Planning for your medical care in advance