This workshop organised by the Department of Radiotherapy aims to impart training to nurses and doctors on palliative care for terminally ill cancer patients. Dr Santosh Chaturvedi deliberated upon the various psychological stages the patient goes through during the full term of the disease, from the initial refusal to acknowledge the fact that his days are numbered, to periods of frustration, dejection and depression, and finally reconciling to the fact, said Dr Chaturvedi.

"It is imperative for the medicos dealing with cases of advanced stages of cancer to help the patient deal with anger and grief. The doctors, the patient and the family members go through a lot of stress and these situations should be dealt with sympathy," he said. Today's session began with Dr Rajagopal speaking on "Pathophysiology and classification of pain." According to Dr F.Patel: "Later the group of 21 delegates was divided into four groups for discussions. The emphasis in this workshop is on interaction between the delegates and the faculty."

Gynae meet tomorrow
A Continuing Medical Education programme on "Problems of Adolescent Girls" is being organised at the PGI from November 27, by the Obstetric and Gynaecological Society of Northern India. According to Dr Sarla Gopalan, president of the Society, "As many as 150 to 200 leading obstetricians and gynaecologists from the states of Punjab, Haryana, UP and the city are expected to participate." The various medical and psycho-social aspects of problems young girls face during the growing up process will be discussed.

The topics include medical termination of pregnancy, social and psychological factors, menstrual disturbances, development defects, sexually transmitted diseases and Neoplasia.