The complexity of end-of-life care inspired Loggers to learn more about palliative care. This month, Loggers was recognized as an Emerging Leader in Hospice and Palliative Medicine by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. The Emerging Leaders in Hospice and Palliative Care program honors the accomplishments of palliative care leaders and increases awareness of the specialty. AAHPM recognizes a new cohort of Emerging Leaders every five years; the program began in 2014.
Palliative care is often confused with hospice care, but they are not the same. Palliative care is specialized medical care intended to improve quality of life and address symptoms. In contrast to hospice care, which is provided when a patient is no longer pursuing active treatment for the underlying serious illness, palliative care is ideally embedded in any stage of healthcare or disease.
Loggers is also a medical oncologist who cares for patients with sarcoma, and she feels strongly that expertise in palliative care is a necessity because it enhances a physician’s ability to relate to patients and understand their needs and priorities.
“Many sarcomas continue to have a poor prognosis. and some people suffer,” Loggers said. “Patients and families may not know what the right choices are for them, in part because in some situations, there are not great options. Your ability to connect with that suffering in a compassionate way and communicate what’s important in a situation with no right answer is critical for them — but also for me as a person.”
“The work can be incredibly uplifting because palliative care always provides an opportunity to promote love and compassion,” Loggers said. “There's no veil. You are very close to our common humanity, and I believe a burden is lifted when people are allowed to be their true selves, whatever that is, and don’t have to be perfect and tied with a bow.”
Loggers wants to grow Fred Hutch’s Supportive and Palliative Care Service, increasing the number of faculty and staff, expanding the services provided and enhancing research output. In addition, creating a combined oncology/palliative care fellowship, potentially funded through philanthropic contributions, would be particularly meaningful to Loggers given her own career path.
“There is so much opportunity for growth in palliative care as Fred Hutch continues to emphasize its importance in the lives of people with cancer and their families,” Loggers said.
If you’re interested in supporting palliative care at Fred Hutch, you can give online or contact philanthropy@fredhutch.org to learn more.
