Houston Methodist Division of Palliative Care 

The physicians in the Houston Methodist Division of Palliative Care collaborate across Houston Methodist to alleviate suffering, relieve stress and reduce symptoms in patients who are seriously ill. We work with patients and families to ensure the best possible quality of life. 

As expert clinicians, researchers and educators, we intentionally prioritize the art of listening. Patients who may feel unheard elsewhere feel heard by us. This human-centric approach infuses our medical culture, including our provider training and multidisciplinary collaborations.  

However patients find meaning in their lives, we seek to understand so we can support them as they face medical challenges. This spiritual orientation can manifest in non-traditional ways, including as an active part of our interdisciplinary team comprised of music therapists, Buddhist chaplains, certified yoga teachers and more. This diversity in approach adds to the complete care experience we advocate and teach. 

Our experts are growing leaders in the field of palliative care. We meet demand for the Palliative Ambulatory Clinic and both outpatient and inpatient services, while providing high-quality educational opportunities for a diverse group of trainees. Our interdisciplinary team approach is holistically led and considers all the aspects of care. 

Our specialists collaborate with departments throughout the hospital, regularly working with each other as we communicate with patients and their families. 

In 2024, we presented at the Annual Conference on Medicine and Religion. We also serve on the planning committee for the 2026 conference, which focuses on bridging medicine, religion and science with mental health, chaplaincy and palliative care. We serve on the planning committee for the annual Collective Soul Symposium. 

Specialists in our division are highly trained, detail-oriented and forward-thinking. We have experts leading projects focused on cultural sensitivity in chaplaincy and writing books about music therapy and spiritual care. We are building a curriculum for a palliative care champion program, with the goal to provide a nurse champion on every floor. 

Our Faculty ➝   Our Physicians ➝ 

Through the Houston Methodist Academic Institute, we have direct access to conduct groundbreaking research in care for transplant, oncology and advanced cardiac patients, as well as those in any area receptive to palliative care. With innovations like virtual hospice, we are able to extend care opportunities, and subsequent exposure and understanding, to a wider patient population. 

Our research is clinically driven and in a positive cycle of perpetual process improvement and innovation. One current area of emphasis is our work to improve the documentation of patient wishes, working with the ethics team to improve advance-care planning, including do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders and advance directives. 

We are passionate about educating the next generation of physician leaders in the field of palliative care. The training we provide to residents blends practical theory with deep conversation and empathy for a compassionate approach to care. 

Residents regularly rotate with us from the Internal Medicine Residency, Neurology Residency and Pharmacy Residency. In addition, MD Anderson Cancer Center hospice and palliative care fellows rotate with us to expand their exposure to a variety of patient conditions.  

And, division members speak at the Internal Medicine grand rounds, present at national and regional meetings, and host weekly didactics and interdisciplinary team rounds.