Surgery in palliative care

As a surgical oncologist engaged in research that explores the relation between surgery and palliative care, I was very interested in Graeme Rocker and Daren Heyland's call for new research initiatives in palliative care in Canada.¹

However, I was disappointed that the authors did not mention any surgical specialties. Surgeons frequently find themselves looking after dying patients, in both acute and chronic care settings, and interest in palliative care within the surgical specialties has been growing.

A permanent Taskforce on Palliative Care is now in place within the American College of Surgeons, with membership from a broad spectrum of surgical specialties, including trauma, critical care and oncology. The general surgical residency program at the University of Toronto has participated in a North American program designed to develop a curriculum in palliative care for residents. Questions on palliative care are part of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada qualifying examinations for general surgery. My colleagues and I have presented a variety of educational seminars about issues related to palliative care at local and national surgical meetings. Over the past 18 months, a series of articles on palliative care relevant to surgeons has been published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, including one on clinical research.²

Canadians have long been leaders in palliative care research, and there is a tremendous opportunity to continue this tradition. I would simply ask that the surgical specialties be considered as contributors to this effort.

Alexandra Easson Department of Surgical Oncology Princess Margaret Hospital University Health Network Toronto, Ont.