Dr Kasia Chmiel is the Head of the Palliative Care Department at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. Dr Chmiel is dual trained in Palliative Medicine and Medical Oncology and has a long-standing interest in caring for patients and families living with advanced cancer and improving quality of life and health outcomes no matter the stage of illness or available treatment options. Hope and support at all stages of illness is an important aim in Dr Chmiel’s work.

Dr Chmiel works collaboratively with the whole patient care team – both in community and hospital (general practitioners, medical oncologist, radiation oncologists, surgeons, community specialists, palliative care teams and general nursing teams). This improves communication and responsiveness of the care team to the changes in a patient’s condition, which results in more support and confidence for the patient, as well as their caregiver and family. The focus of care puts the patient at the centre and addresses not only the medical aspects of care but also respects patients’ and families’ dreams and wishes for the future.

Dr Chmiel is passionate about the quality of medical education and supports the College of Physicians in facilitating training programs to senior medical staff who supervise junior doctors. The aim is to improve the quality of medical education, therefore improving the care provision for future patients.

Research and innovation is an essential part of improving the care of our families and Dr Chmiel is an active participant in research focusing on improving symptomatic care and outcomes for patients with advanced illness.