On April 7, 2025, the Paediatric Palliative Care Fellowship Programme hosted a heartwarming Faculty Appreciation Event to honor and recognise the remarkable contributions of its dedicated faculty members. Held virtually, the event brought together participants from across the globe, creating a truly international atmosphere of gratitude, unity, and celebration.
The Paediatric Palliative Care Fellowship Programme is a unique initiative committed to training paediatricians in delivering compassionate, comprehensive care to children with life-limiting illnesses. The programme’s biggest strength lies in the expertise and dedication of its faculty—pioneers, educators, and mentors who generously invest their time, knowledge, and empathy to shape the next generation of palliative care providers.
The Faculty Appreciation Event was more than just a formal acknowledgment. It was a heartfelt opportunity for fellows to express their gratitude for the mentorship and guidance they have received over the years. Through personal messages, spoken tributes, and video reflections, participants shared how the faculty’s support has profoundly influenced their professional and personal journeys.
Dr Anuradha Ganigara opened the event with an inspiring tone for the gathering and emphasised the essential role of faculty in nurturing future leaders in the field.
In her welcome address, Dr Gayatri Palat, Director of the Hyderabad Centre for Palliative Care and Co-Director of the Fellowship Programme, reflected on the growth and impact of the field: “It is amazing to see the world of Paediatric Palliative Care growing. Congratulations to those already doing meaningful work in the field, and to those who are beginning their journey.”
Fellows from across India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia, Bhutan, Nepal and the Philippines joined the celebration, each bringing heartfelt appreciation and diverse perspectives. A special highlight of the event was videos from fellows across the 2021 to 2024 cohorts, showcasing memorable moments, patient care experiences, and behind-the-scenes teamwork. It served as a beautiful reminder of the deep community that has formed over the years.
Capturing the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose, Dr Spandana Rayala, Associate Director of the Sunflower Children’s Network, expressed: “I feel so blessed to be part of this community. It never feels like work or stressful, because at the end of the day, we all share the same vision and mission. That’s what keeps us together.”
Adding a poetic moment of reflection, Dr Megan Doherty recited “On Children” by Khalil Gibran during the event. She shared how the poem’s message speaks deeply to the nature of the student teacher relationship. How mentors guide and inspire without possessing, allowing each learner to grow into their own path. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/57673/to-be-of-use
https://allpoetry.com/children-chapter-iv
Closing the event, Dr Megan Doherty, Programme Director of Paediatric Palliative Care at Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration and Co-Director of the Fellowship Programme, reflected on the programme’s journey with a metaphor that resonated deeply with the audience: “When we started the fellowship, it felt like we were standing at the top of a mountain, unsure how we would ski down. But now, we are on the mountain—we are in this beautiful space together, surrounded by incredible peaks. Now we can see how far we have come, and how much we have built over the past five years.”
Camara Van Breemen, Dr Michael McNeil, Dr Ximena Garcia, Dr Srikanth Srirama, incredible fellowship faculty who were able to join the session, shared how gratifying it is to see the graduated fellows change the standards of care for children with serious illnesses in their regions through their work.
As the event drew to a close, the virtual chat buzzed with messages of love, appreciation, and emojis from every corner of the world. It was a touching reminder that while the work of paediatric palliative care can be emotionally demanding, the community built through this fellowship continues to bring hope, strength, and connection to all involved.
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