Published on: November 7, 2024

My Transformative Experience at the First Emirates Palliative Care Conference

Avtar Singh Cheema, Founder, Palliative Peace, writes:

As I reflect upon my extraordinary journey to the First Emirates Palliative Care Conference in Abu Dhabi, a profound sense of gratitude washes over me for the remarkable individuals who made this experience possible. It all began with Dr. Neil Nijhawan, whose recognition of Palliative Peace’s work in the resource-poor settings of rural Punjab ignited the spark that led me to this global stage. His unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in my growth as a palliative care counsellor.

Upon receiving the invitation to speak at the conference, I was filled with both excitement and trepidation. The opportunity to share our work with pioneers in the field of palliative care was a dream come true, but I also knew the responsibility that came with such a platform. With renewed determination, I immersed myself in preparing my presentation, drawing upon my experiences and the lessons learned from our team at Palliative Peace.

As the day of my departure approached, a mix of anticipation and nerves filled me.  It was a surreal experience to see my name alongside those of esteemed speakers such as Dr. M. R. Rajagopal, Dr Katherine Pettus, Prof. Justin Baker, Prof. Humaid Al Shamsi, Dr. Mohamed Hamadeh, Ms Anu Savio, Ms Aqeela Sheikh, and Dr. Rasha Mustafa.

I was warmly greeted by the organizers and immediately made my way to meet Anu Savio, a dear friend and colleague who had been instrumental in supporting Palliative Peace’s work. It was a surreal moment to finally meet her in person after countless conversations over WhatsApp and phone calls. Together, we made our way to the hotel where we were greeted by the legendary Dr. M. R. Rajagopal, the “Father of Palliative Care in India,” and his gracious wife, Dr. Chandrika Rajagopal. As soon as he saw us, Dr. Rajagopal exclaimed to Dr. Chandrika that two very important people had arrived. I was taken aback by his warmth and humility, despite his towering stature in the palliative care world. We spent the next two hours in their company, sharing stories and discussing our experiences in the field. Dr. Rajagopal listened intently to my journey in palliative care, asking thoughtful questions and offering invaluable insights. It was a profound moment, one that I will cherish forever.

Next day, our conference commenced with an inspiring opening address by Dr. Neil Nijhawan, followed by a remarkably lucid and thought-provoking presentation by Dr. M. R. Rajagopal. Using the metaphor of an “elephant in the room,” Dr. Rajagopal eloquently defined palliative care and its essential role in addressing the needs of patients with life-limiting illnesses.

Dr. Justin Baker then took the stage, providing a comprehensive overview of the unique considerations and challenges involved in pediatric palliative care. His presentation was both informative and deeply moving, highlighting the importance of providing compassionate and holistic care to young patients and their families.  Dr. Katherine Pettus’s presentation was on palliative care advocacy and the vision of a world free from health-related suffering. Professor Elessi’s account of providing palliative care in the conflict-ridden areas of Palestine and the Gaza Strip was both heartbreaking and inspiring. His vivid descriptions of the challenges he faces in obtaining essential medications, such as opioids, to alleviate the suffering of children caught in the crossfire painted a stark picture of the human cost of war. Despite the overwhelming odds, Prof. Elessi’s unwavering commitment to providing compassionate care shines as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. His dedication to his patients and his tireless efforts to advocate for their needs serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of palliative care, even in the most challenging of circumstances. His talk left a lasting impact on the audience, inspiring us all to reflect on the importance of providing compassionate and dignified care to those in need, regardless of the obstacles we may face.   

The first day of the conference concluded with a series of thought-provoking and informative presentations. Prof. Humaid Al Shamsi generously shared his expertise, providing ten essential tips for palliative care teams to stay abreast of current oncology treatments. Dr. Mohamed Hamadeh’s talk on the complex and uncertain intersection of palliative care and geriatrics challenged us to consider the unique needs of the aging population. Ms. Virginia Handley, a courageous stage IV cancer survivor, offered a deeply personal perspective on the patient’s experience. Her insights into the emotional and practical challenges faced by those living with cancer were both enlightening and profoundly moving. Ms. Aqeela Sheikh provided valuable insights into the essential role of palliative care clinical nurses, highlighting their expertise in providing compassionate and holistic care. Finally, Ms. Anu Savio’s presentation shed light on the crucial question of when to introduce palliative care, emphasizing the importance of timely interventions to improve patient outcomes. Overall, the first day of the conference was a resounding success, offering a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to all in attendance.

Following the conclusion of the conference, we were honored to be invited to a delightful dinner at a traditional Lebanese restaurant alongside the esteemed faculty members. As someone unfamiliar with Lebanese cuisine, I was fortunate to have Dr. Mohamed Hamadeh as my guide. With his characteristic warmth and generosity, he patiently described each dish, explaining its ingredients and preparation methods. The evening was filled with laughter and camaraderie, and Dr. Hamadeh had a special surprise in store. To our astonishment, he presented Dr. Neil with a beautiful gift model, a fitting tribute to his pioneering role as the “father of palliative care in the UAE.” It was a heartwarming gesture that left everyone present deeply touched. Anu and her husband graciously took us on a brief tour of Abu Dhabi, showcasing the city’s vibrant heart. As we returned to our rooms, a sense of contentment washed over me. The next day held the promise of new experiences, as I prepared to share my insights at the conference.

The day arrived when I had the honor of addressing the conference. Surprisingly, I felt a sense of calm, buoyed by the familiar faces of esteemed colleagues who had become a source of both inspiration and support. The session commenced with a warm welcome and introduction by Dr. Neil, followed by an illuminating presentation by Dr. Danila Zuffetti on the groundbreaking concept of Narrative Medicine. This innovative approach, which I had not encountered before, harnesses the power of patients’ narratives to inform clinical practice, research, and education. Dr. Zuffetti eloquently described how her NaMPaC Model empowers patients by recognizing the profound interplay between physical illness and the relational and psychological dimensions of their experiences.

As I took to the stage, my confidence soared. I shared the work of Palliative Peace in resource-poor settings in rural Punjab, highlighting our innovative strategies to alleviate the suffering of destitute and impoverished patients. Through vivid examples and heartfelt video descriptions, I painted a picture of the challenges and triumphs we face in our mission to provide compassionate care. To my surprise and delight, my presentation deeply moved the audience, bringing tears to their eyes. The outpouring of appreciation and heartfelt praise that followed was a testament to the transformative power of our work. It was a moment of profound fulfillment, as I realized that my voice had resonated on a global stage. Moreover, I was humbled by the pledges made by those who had previously expressed concerns about resource limitations. Their commitment to work within existing constraints, inspired by our efforts in resource-poor settings, was a testament to the ripple effects of our mission.  

Throughout the conference, I had the privilege of engaging with exceptional speakers and attendees. Their insights and dedication to improving end-of-life care inspired and motivated me. The knowledge and connections I gained will undoubtedly empower me to make a greater impact in my community.

As I returned to my work in rural Punjab, I carried with me the memories of this extraordinary experience and the renewed determination to provide compassionate and dignified care to those in need. I am deeply indebted to everyone who made this journey possible, and I am committed to honoring their support by continuing to advocate for the advancement of palliative care worldwide.