Skip to main content

Division of Palliative Care

We are compassionate caregivers of patients living with serious illnesses, helping them manage their symptoms, navigate complex care systems and live a good life as long as possible.
Anasuya Gunturi MD, PhD talks with patient at Lowell General Hospital's Women's Wellness Center clinic appointment.
Supportive care to help patients with serious illness

The Division of Palliative Care at Tufts Medical Center (Tufts MC) in Boston includes a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers and other care professionals who work with patients at any stage of serious illness and often provide services alongside ongoing treatment. We will work with patients to: 

  • Understand their goals for care and ensure it is delivered in the best possible way 
  • Set up specialty services if needed, including guiding end-of-life and hospice care 
  • Assess and manage symptoms 
  • Address other physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual needs
  • Navigate the complex healthcare system 

When should I consider palliative care? 

Research shows that the earlier palliative care is incorporated in the early stages of a serious illness, the bigger its impact on outcomes. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a serious or life-threatening illness, please consider making an appointment or requesting a referral to the palliative care team. Our team can be a valuable resource in providing support, assisting with complex medical decision-making, easing pain and improving overall quality of life.

Contact info

Fellowship program

The Tufts Medical Center Hospice + Palliative Medicine (HPM) Fellowship accepts applicants who have completed any of the accredited primary residencies. The fellow will encounter innovative clinical models for delivering palliative care, focusing on the impact of cultural differences on medical decision-making among the seriously ill. 

Palliative care is a growing service and specialization in the medical community. We are dedicated to providing training to further the field and enable clinicians to provide optimal care for patients living with serious illnesses. 

We also train Tufts MC oncology fellows, residents, medical students, social workers and more.

Our leadership

Our leadership team gives us the guidance and support we need to ensure that the clinical, research and training goals of the department are met.

Multiple sclerosis patient in a wheelchair watering plants outside of home.
Our locations

From regular office visits to inpatient stays, our specialists across Tufts Medicine offer the best in healthcare, when and where our patients need it.

Anasuya Gunturi MD, PhD and Jennifer Gilliatt, Oncology Nurse Practioner, meet with patient at Lowell General Hospital's Women's Wellness Center.
Our doctors + care team

Our specialists and care team members across Tufts Medicine deliver unmatched healthcare with a personalized touch.

In the News
How Health System Palliative Providers Can Leverage Data to Gain More Resources
November 12, 2024
Tamara Vesel, MD, Chief of the Division of Palliative Care at Tufts Medical Center, and Bernice Burkarth, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Tufts Medicine Care at Home, in an article about their new study, which found that palliative care clinicians can use research to make successful appeals for additional resources.
Grace
Patient Stories
Grace’s Story: In-Home Cancer Care Lets Kids Be Kids
March 26, 2024
Tufts Medicine’s Care at Home delivers top-quality cancer care to kids at home.
Press Releases
Tufts Medical Center Partners With Medically Home® for COVID-19 Response
April 20, 2020
Tufts Medical Center is the first hospital in the country to partner with Medically Home as part of the response strategy, moving some patients from inpatient to in-home hospital-level care.
Jump back to top