Reaching out to Romania

This June, Maggie Charpentier, Clinical Associate Professor in Pharmacy Practice, traveled to Romania to provide an invited presentation on pain management and medications used in Palliative Care, along with a University of Rhode Island contingent from the College of Nursing, and a group from Simmons College. Faculty from The University of Rhode Island have been working with counterparts in Romania for years to improve Hospice Care, with Charpentier being involved for the past 6 years.
Despite being a country in which more than 40 percent of the population lives in poverty, palliative care in Romania is growing. Much of that is due to the efforts of recently retired URI Assistant Clinical Professor Diane Gerzevitz, who has been working with professionals in Romania for more than a decade.
In June, this work was taken to a new level and a group from URI and Simmons  went to Romania to run the second International symposium for palliative care.  For four days – two days each in Bucharest and Brasov, the group educated more than 100 nurses, physicians and psychologists in a wide range of topics, including symptom assessment, neurological issues, spirituality, bereavement, teaching techniques and medication management.
“The professionals in Romania, especially Nicoleta, knew what they were doing,” Gerzevitz said. “They wanted validation. They provide incredible palliative care despite limited resources, but they were looking for mentors. Now, they are the ones mentoring others.”  Charpentier stated “It is gratifying to see this group we have worked with for the past 6 years, gain confidence, expand their knowledge, and now to lead their own educational programs.”
The work leading up to and including this second symposia has certainly caught the eye of high-ranking officials.  While in Romania, the American group was honored during a reception at the American Embassy.