Author: Rizwana Hussain, Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration.
Celebrating two milestones
On January 19, 2026, Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration (TWCC) and the Hyderabad Centre for Palliative Care hosted the 6th Paediatric Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program Graduation Celebration. The event, like every year marked two important moments: the graduation of the 2025 fellows and the start of the fellowship journey for the 2026 fellows, who are beginning their one-year training programme.
Honouring the 2025 graduates
With more than 50 faculty, friends, and supporters joining from around the world, the ceremony celebrated the achievements of five paediatricians from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Vietnam who completed their paediatric palliative care fellowship. Throughout the year 2025, the fellows worked diligently to go through the rigorous program endorsed by RCPCH, UK and successfully met all the criteria as graduates. Each graduate is now ready to lead new endeavours in palliative care by establishing palliative care services for seriously ill children. Over the years, the exponential impact of the champions is expected to change the landscape of suffering these children and families go through in the region.
Welcoming the 2026 fellows
During the second half of the ceremony, two paediatricians from Pakistan and Sri Lanka were welcomed into the fellowship programme. These doctors will spend 2026 attending online sessions and hands on training at various centres with regular assessments and feedback strengthening their knowledge and skills in palliative care for children.
About the Fellowship Programme
The Paediatric Palliative Medicine Fellowship is offered through a partnership between Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration and the Hyderabad Centre for Palliative Care. The fellowship aims to increase the access of palliative care for children with serious illnesses in South and Southeast Asia. By training doctors as specialists, the programme contributes to developing health care systems that better meet the needs of children living with serious illnesses and their families.
Since launching in 2021, 19 paediatricians have completed the fellowship. Alumni are actively engaged in teaching and building local awareness of palliative care, as well as developing new palliative care programmes in eight countries that the program has reached till date.
Voices and Looking Ahead
Dr Simon Sutcliffe, President of TWCC, highlighted that the organization’s vision is a healthcare system where compassionate palliative care is being delivered in both high income and resource limited countries. TWCC particularly for countries which are striving to close this gap. He is pleased that TWCC is able to contribute to the efforts in closing this gap working with countries that are committed and have a shared vision for improved access to children’s palliative care.
Dr Gayatri Palat, Co-Director of the Fellowship Programme and Director of the Hyderabad Centre for Palliative Care, congratulated the graduating fellows and warmly welcomed the incoming cohort to the Fellowship Programme, describing it as an inspiring and impactful learning journey.
Dr Spandana Rayala, Co-Director of the Fellowship Programme and Associate Director of the Sunflower Children’s Network, recognised that the graduating fellows have met all the requirements to successfully graduate from the fellowship through their hard work and persistence during a year that challenged them in different ways.
Dr Megan Doherty, Program Director, Pediatric Palliative Care, Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration, commended the graduating fellows on their hard work and leadership. She welcomed the new fellows and shared her excitement for the year ahead as they begin their fellowship journey. She shared her gratitude to the faculty members, who are palliative care champions and leaders all over the world, and who have been a lighthouse and guiding light for us over the years.
The Paediatric Palliative Medicine Fellowship goes beyond education. The programme has created a strong global community of clinicians committed to the cause who welcomed the fellows to the ‘family’ of pediatric palliative care. This collaboration will continue to support lasting change for children with serious illnesses, recognizing the power of teamwork, dedication, and hope for building a better future for children and their families.
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