John Weru

Education

Masters in Palliative Medicine, University of Dundee, UK, 2014
Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery, University of Nairobi, Kenya, 2000

Training

Global Leadership in Palliative Care Fellowship, Institute of Palliative Medicine, California, USA, 2011
Higher Diploma in Education in Palliative Care, Oxford Brookes University, UK, 2007

Current areas of teaching

Principles of palliative care, models of providing palliative care, indications for palliative care, when to start palliative care, bereavement care.

Pain control: concept of total pain, pain physiology, pain assessment tools, classification of pain, complex pain syndromes, pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of pain.

Symptom control; pathophysiology of common symptoms in palliative care, symptom assessment, management of symptoms pharmacologically and using radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Management of palliative care emergencies.

Communication skills; management of difficult questions and giving information sensitively including developing skills in breaking bad news.

Psychosocial care: recognition of different responses and emotions expressed by patients and their relatives faced with life-limiting illnesses. Appreciation of the patient in relation to their family, work and social circumstances.

Psychological impact of pain and other symptoms, impact of illness on interpersonal relationships , therapeutic interventions involved in managing psychosocial symptoms

Spiritual care: understanding of spirituality. Spirituality issues In relation to life-limiting illnesses and the role of spiritual care.

Ethical issues and care of the professional carer; awareness of personal values and beliefs systems and how these influence professional judgment and behaviors.

Ethical issues in palliative care recognition and management of the emotional and psychological impact of caring, for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families on oneself and other colleagues.
Research interests

Ethics in Medical practice
Pain management outcomes and Modalities
Palliative medicine Quality Indicators
Ethos of Palliative Medicine Training and Practice

Experience

Faculty and Consultant Palliative Care Specialist, Aga Khan University in Nairobi, 2012 to date
Medical Director, Thika Hospice; Palliative Care Physician, Cancer Care Kenya and Kibera Integrated Community Self-Help Programme (KICOSHEP), 2011-2012
Chief Medical Officer, Nairobi Hospice, Kenya, 2007-2010
Volunteer Doctor, Nyahururu Hospice, Kenya, 2002-2007
Senior Medical Officer, Nyahururu District Hospital, Kenya, 2005-2007
Medical Officer, Nyahururu District Hospital, Kenya, 2002-2004

Professional associations

Member, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 2010 to date
Member, Palliative Care Network, 2011 to date
Member, International Association for Hospices and Palliative Care Associations, 2010 to date
Member, Africa Palliative Care Association, 2008 to date
Member, Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association, 2007 to date
Member, Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 2007 to date
Member, Kenya Medical Association, 2005 to date
Awards and honours

2014 Conquer Cancer Foundation International Development and Education Award in Palliative Care (IDEA-PC) and extended Tour Award