Dr. Ann Broderick, Iowa City
In early 2015, I went on a home visit with the Pallium India team for the first time. My friend and colleague, Dr. Jo Eland from the College of Nursing, asked me months earlier if I would join her in co-teaching a cultural immersion course for health profession students from the University of Iowa in the time between semesters. She KNEW that once I went on a home visit, I would be hooked. I have returned to Pallium India now for 5 years for the friendships, the learning and the ongoing collaboration (I also escape the Iowa winter, to be sure). While back in Iowa, I have helped with the activities of Pallium India USA. It is a privilege to introduce Pallium India to international visitors from Canada, the US, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. The spirit of collaboration and support is remarkable. While here at Pallium India, each year I try to discover one new cultural site, and do a new hike in the Western Ghats and keep my yoga practice going. I am making some attempts to speak Malayalam, and eat spicy food (I am very grateful for the kindness of people in India).
Ann Broderick, M.D. MS
Director, Hospice and Palliative Care Program
VA Medical Center , Iowa City, U.S.A
Thank you Dr.Ann for your above Blog. Yes indeed, I was reminiscing your visits to Pallium India with your team of students from the University of Iowa every December which became an annual pilgrimage, sort of. It was perhaps also a home coming to your Pallium family which anyone would very much look forward to. We thoroughly enjoyed having the team with us and also remembering Dr.Jo Eland who began these annual student visits and as you mentioned got you hooked to Pallium India. The legacy that she has left behind has been very valuable and with the passing of her baton to you, everything that she had nurtured in patient care /palliative care has also passed on. We highly value your dedicated involvement with Pallium India and look forward to your continued support.