Welcome from the Division Director
Our division is composed of a diverse group of fellowship-trained board-certified faculty and experienced staff. We are dedicated to providing compassionate clinical care to those in need, provide training and education in palliative and supportive care, and supporting research focused on how to best care for patients with serious illness. Beginning at time of diagnosis, palliative care can help address symptoms and set goals for care, supporting patients and their loved ones through challenging times. Care can be delivered at any stage of the treatment process. We work with the patient’s treatment team as an extra layer of support in order to improve quality of life for patients and families.
The UAMS Palliative Care Program is the only Palliative Care Joint Commission Certified program in Arkansas, and houses the state’s only fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
The clinical and educational interests of our faculty include (but are not limited to): cancer pain and symptom management, communication in end of life care, ethics, and hospice care.
Sarah E. Harrington, M.D., FAAHPM
Professor of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Director, Division of Palliative Medicine
Chief, Palliative Care Section, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System
Palliative Care in the News
Holding Space for Hope and Reality
Sarah Harrington, M.D., medical director of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Palliative Care Program, is on a mission to help other physicians understand the delicate nature of communicating with patients facing serious illnesses.
UAMS Study Shows Palliative Care for Seriously Ill Surgical Patients Reduces Hospital Length of Stay
By Susan Van Dusen A new study by doctors at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) shows that seriously ill surgical patients are discharged from the hospital sooner if they receive palliative care, which includes pain management. The study, titled “Impact of Palliative Care Utilization for Surgical Patients Receiving Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation: National […]
UAMS’ James Fletcher, M.D., Earns Fellow Status from the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
James Fletcher, M.D., of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), has earned the designation Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. The status of Fellow is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a physician member of the AAHPM.