About Us Palliative and Supportive Care
Personalized, Holistic Care
The University of Kentucky Palliative and Supportive Care Division is dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients and families facing serious illness. Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness — whatever the diagnosis. Our interdisciplinary team — comprised of physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and chaplains — works together to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each individual. We provide specialized palliative care services in both inpatient and outpatient settings. We deliver expert symptom management for pain, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, and sleeplessness, support for complex decision-making, medication optimization, counseling, and spiritual care. Through this collaborative approach, we ensure that every patient receives personalized, holistic care that aligns with their goals and values. Our services are available at any stage of illness and can be provided alongside curative treatments, ensuring comfort, dignity, and support.
Our faculty and team members are dedicated to providing palliative education at all levels of medical training. We have a fellowship training program, support learners from multiple University of Kentucky Colleges, including the College of Medicine and College of Nursing. Team members partner with scientists across the University to develop innovative ways of providing palliative care to patients.
Our Mission
The University of Kentucky Palliative and Supportive Care Division improves quality of life for people with serious illness and their families. Our interdisciplinary team is committed to provide care that meets the goals and values of our patients by delivering high quality, compassionate palliative care, disseminating palliative care education and supporting health care teams that treat people with serious illness.
Community Outreach
Our palliative care team is dedicated to supporting the community through inpatient and outpatient services, community-based research, and education. Our goal is to ensure that patients and families receive compassionate care wherever they are. We collaborate closely with local agencies to provide seamless transitions and continuity of care. Through educational outreach, health fairs, and partnerships with community organizations, we work to raise awareness about the benefits of palliative care. Our goal is to empower patients, families, and healthcare providers with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions and improve quality of life across care settings.