Dr. Jim Valek receives certification in Hospice and Palliative medicine.

It is with great pleasure that we announce that Dr. Jim Valek has been certified in hospice and palliative medicine. Dr. Valek joins only 2279 fellow physicians nationwide to have achieved such certification.

Hospice and palliative medicine is the Medical discipline of the broad therapeutic model known as hospice and palliative care. The discipline and model of care devoted to achieving the best possible quality of life for the patient and family throughout the course of a life-threatening illness. Emphasis is on the relief of suffering and the control of symptoms. Hospice and palliative medicine helps the patient and family face the prospect of death assured that comfort will be a priority, values and decisions will be respected, spiritual and psychosocial needs will be address, practical support will be available and opportunities will exist for growth and development. Hospice in the United States is an organized program that provides palliative care for terminally ill patients and supportive services to patients, their families, and significant others.

Dr. Valek has been the Medical Director for Advocate's Hospice Program for the past three years. He is board-certified in family medicine as well as hospice and palliative medicine. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Valek is the founder of Vista Family Medicine, based in Oak Lawn and with a future site in Mt. Greenwood. He teaches with the Advocate Christ Medical Center Family Medicine training program, and is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Illinois.

The American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine was formed in 1995 to establish and measure the level of knowledge, attitudes and skills required for certification of physicians practicing hospice and palliative medicine.

Eligibility requirements for certification are significant. In order to be eligible to sit for the certifying examination, applicants must have received prior major specialty certification, practiced at least two years following residency, worked as a member of an interdisciplinary team for at least two years and have directly participated in the active care of at least 50 terminally ill patients in the preceding three years. Alternatively, applicants must have completed specialty fellowship training in palliative medicine.

Since hospice certification was first offered 10 years ago, 2279 physicians have gained certification by meeting all of the requirements. Information on the American Board of hospice and palliative medicine may be obtained from the web site at www.ABHPM.org or by calling 301-439-8001.

Advocate hospice is a non-profit hospice serving Chicago and suburbs. Information on Advocate Hospice can be obtained at
630-963-6800.