Comfort and Compassion for Quality of Life

Good Samaritan Hospital's palliative care program helps patients who are facing serious illnesses. Palliative care can be initiated from the time of diagnosis to advanced disease and is often given alongside a curative treatment plan.

Our experienced team of specialists helps manage symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, depression and anxiety, supporting the wishes of both the patient and family throughout the process. They offer physical, emotional and spiritual support and guidance for patients and their families to better understand complex medical information and to discuss personal choices for medical care.

Call 631-828-7417 for more information on our palliative care program.

Learn about the difference between palliative care and hospice care

Our Palliative Care Program

Good Samaritan Hospital Palliative Care Team

Our team of palliative care experts includes:

  • Board-certified physicians
  • Board-certified nurse practitioners
  • Board-certified registered nurses
  • Board-certified chaplains
  • Social workers
  • Child life specialists
  • Registered dietitians
  • Physical and occupational therapists
  • Other disciplines as needed

Our palliative care consultation team:

  • Elizabeth Oberhausen, BS, RN, CHPN
  • Pedro Calves, MD, FACP, FCCP, Senior Associate Medical Director
  • Emily Copel, DO, Palliative Care Physician Consultant
  • Emily Garcia, RN, BSN
  • Jennifer Douglas, LCSW
  • Kevin Stolz, Chaplain, MA, BCC

Pain and Symptom Management
Good Samaritan Hospital board-certified physicians are experts in the management of pain and other distressing symptoms associated with illness or treatments, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping.

Family Meetings
The patient and family meeting is an opportunity to share concerns, ask questions and provide information to help clarify the wishes of the patient for their care. Enhancing communication between patients, families and the health care team helps to ensure that individualized needs are being fully met. The goal of the palliative care team is to support the patient and their loved ones through this journey.

Support Groups
The diagnosis of a serious illness is a life-changing event. Upon hearing the diagnosis, a patient, as well as loved ones, may experience a whirlwind of emotions ranging from fear or anger to denial and overwhelming sadness. It is difficult enough to deal with the physical challenges of illness and treatment. But the emotional impact can be an even greater burden.

Patients and loved ones need a safe place where they can share these feelings with others who truly understand. Support groups are designed to provide a confidential atmosphere to discuss any stress with others experiencing a similar situation. Our specially trained social workers and pastoral care team members listen and support you and your family.

Outpatient Center
Outpatient palliative care allows our team to address the varied needs of patients and families earlier in the course of illness. Our outpatient program specializes in managing symptoms associated with illness and/or treatments while providing guidance and emotional support when making important medical decisions. Consultations are conducted either in an office-based setting or in the home for patients who are homebound.