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Dr. Amy James, an internist at Bellin Health, and Helen Wellens, an advanced practice nurse practitioner at Bellin, were both recently granted certification in Hospice and Palliative Care.

James received board certification in Hospice and Palliative Care from the American Board of Medical Subspecialties. Wellens, a certified genontologic nurse practitioner, is now also an advanced certified Hospice and Palliative Care nurse since being certified by the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses.

The certifications illustrate the growth and increasing importance of palliative care, James said. “This field has grown significantly enough over the last 15 years or so to earn its own medical specialty. By 2010, palliative medicine will become its own residency.”

Palliative Care provides interdisciplinary care aimed at relieving the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual pains that result from a life-limiting illness. The aim of palliative care is to affirm life and help guide decision making with an emphasis on life quality. Hospice services are traditionally offered within the last six months of a patient’s life, whereas palliative care may be appropriate at any stage of the illness.

For more information about Bellin’s palliative and hospice services, call 920-435-8326 or Unity at 920-338-1111 or 800-990-9249.