Palliative Medicine Always, Hospice Sometimes
By Michael GuntherMaher, M.D., FACP
Reviewed by - Howard Kleckner, M.D., Medical Director; and Joni Venticinque, Information Specialist/Patient Advocate
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Michael GuntherMaher, M.D., FACP, is a volunteer panel physician at thesecondopinion. He participates on second opinion panels when patients or family members have questions regarding palliative or hospice care. He studied liberal arts at Westmont College, and completed medical school and residency in internal medicine at UC Davis. He began his medical career as a general internist at Kaiser Permanente in Sacramento, and then completed specialty certifications in Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, which became the primary focus of his career. Dr. GuntherMaher retired from The Permanente Medical Group in 2018. He continues to volunteer as an Associate Professor of Medicine at UC Davis and California Northstate University College of Medicine, and is currently working part-time as an associate medical director at Green Valley Hospice.
Palliative Medicine (aka Palliative Care) has increasingly been in the public health care conversation during the last 25 years. Palliative Medicine was recognized as a distinct specialty by the American Board of Internal Medicine in 2010. Fellowship programs have developed across the country to train physicians of various backgrounds to become Palliative Medicine specialists. Despite the widespread growth of Palliative Medicine, confusion remains about what it is and what it is not.
The most common confusion involves equating Palliative Medicine with Hospice. Although Hospice has a long history dating back over 100 years beginning in England, what we know as Hospice in the U.S. only became standardized in 1981 when Medicare defined the “Hospice Benefit.” Instead, Palliative Medicine pertains to a specialty arm of medicine involving a philosophy of care as well as specific expertise in pain and symptom management. Hospice, though it relies on Palliative expertise, is best understood as a program defined and paid for by Medicare, provided by certified hospice agencies, for patients who are felt to be within six months of the end of life.
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FALL DONOR CAMPAIGN - REASSURANCE & HOPE |
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A POWERFUL GIFT
My breast cancer journey began in September of 2020 at the age of 56. I was diagnosed with a very rare form of Stage III Triple Negative Breast Cancer in my left breast. My treatment consisted of a lumpectomy, lymph node removal, eight rounds of chemotherapy in addition to 19 rounds of radiation.
In April of 2022 at the age of 58, I was diagnosed with Metaplastic Carcinoma in my left breast, and then in May of 2022 I was diagnosed with Grade III Triple Negative Breast Cancer in my lymph nodes. I had a modified radical mastectomy and lymph node surgery.
I had a lot of emotions behind my new diagnosis, as I now have had three breast cancer diagnosis in less than two years. A friend recommended thesecondopinion, and I was fortunate to be accepted as a patient. Thesecondopinion team gathered all my medical records and a team of five seasoned doctors from different areas of medicine reviewed my case.
A treatment plan was outlined for me after discussion with the [thesecondopinion] panel chair and my oncologist. My treatment consists of nine cycles of immunotherapy treatment and six cycles of additional chemotherapy. The expertise of thesecondopinion doctors was invaluable. The mission of this non-profit organization is powerful and a huge gift to the world of health. They were detailed, effective, reliable and caring; a true blessing of hope for me. – Velinda D. Galvin, Patient
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Dr. Joe Mason (3/12/48 - 11/8/22) was one of thesecondopinion's biggest advocates. He served on our Board of Directors for three years and as a volunteer physician and panel chair for over 10 years. His memory will live on through the work he did for the organization and through the compassion and care he gave to cancer patients. Dr. Mason's daughter Amanda wrote this:
"It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father Joe Mason (3/12/48-11/8/22). His kindness, generosity, quick wit, and amazing cooking will be deeply missed. No memorial is planned at this time. Please raise a glass to his memory" - Amanda Mason
Dr. Mason trained both at Yale Medical Center and the National Cancer Institute before joining Kaiser-Permanente in San Jose. He was Chief of his department. His leadership skills were quickly recognized and he became Regional Chief on Oncology and appointed to the Board of Permanente Medical Group, becoming an officer. After a 30 year career he retired and began his volunteer work with thesecondopinion. as a medical oncologist. He was beloved and respected by patients and colleagues alike. We will miss his good nature and friendship.
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November 29 is "GIVING TUESDAY," a global day of giving. Please consider raising funds for thesecondopinion on that day through a Facebook Fundraiser or directing your friends and family to our website to donate - www.thesecondopinion.org/donate
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On October 20th we had over 55 golfers participate in "Tee Off For Thesecondopinion - Thrivers & Survivors Golf Tournament." A big thank you goes out to the Golf Committee: Kathleen Meeker, Romana Bracco, Mike Cunningham, Larry Marks, Ed Tredinnick and Bob Ignoffo for all their hard work in making the event a huge success.
Thank you also to all our participants and to our event sponsors: Larry Marks, Ravi Arora, M.D., and Jim Gorder, M.D., and all those who donated auction items and volunteered at the event.
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