Alumni
Profiles of Success
Martha L. Twaddle M.D.
Medical Director and Vice President, Medical Affairs
Palliative Care Center and Hospice of the North Shore
B.S. 1971
Most doctors focus on what they can do to cure a patient. In contrast, Dr.
Martha Twaddle cares for patients whose conditions are incurable, those with
life-threatening or terminal diseases. She explains, "Palliative care
seeks to alleviate physical and emotional pain and symptoms, provide spiritual
support, and enhance quality of life at the end of life, recognizing that there
are times when cure isn't possible." Dr. Twaddle is Chief Medical Officer
at Palliative Care Center and Hospice of the North Shore (PCCHNS), a recognized
leader in the growing field of palliative care both locally and nationally.
The community-based, not-for-profit health care organization has an inpatient
hospice unit, but mostly provides services to patients in their homes. Wherever
patients are seen, Dr. Twaddle emphasizes a holistic approach to patients and
their families.
Dr. Twaddle began her work in hospice care while she was Chief Resident at
Evanston Hospital in Illinois, which is part of Northwestern University.
"I was very attracted to the field of hospice and palliative medicine
as it truly reflects the art and science of medicine. The care of those with
advanced disease requires that we know medicine well, how to relieve pain and
a myriad of symptoms. It also requires that we are true professionals as physicians,
practicing compassion, caring for the body, mind, and spirit of the patient."
Dr. Twaddle was named Medical Director of PCCHNS in 1989. She started on a
part-time basis while balancing a busy private practice in primary care Internal
Medicine. As PCCHNS grew, it demanded more of her time. Since July 2001, she
has worked full-time at PCCHNS. That year, PCCHNS won the coveted American
Hospital Association "Circle of Life"
award for innovations in end-of-life care. Dr. Twaddle was named Chief Medical
Officer this year.
In addition to her work at PCCHNS, Dr. Twaddle is also an Assistant Professor
at Northwestern University's School of Medicine. ach day she spends an equal
amount of time on administration/teaching and clinical care. She teaches residents
and medical students from four different academic hospital programs. At PCCHNS,
she is in charge of the 15-bed inpatient hospice unit where she helps organize
physician coverage and oversees clinical care. She also provides clinical consultation
for patients with advanced disease or pain and symptom issues.
Dr. Twaddle credits Purdue with giving her a solid background in science through
her studies of Biology and Chemistry and the confidence to move forward into
the world of medicine. However, she emphasizes that it is important for students
to be well rounded. "Learn the science, but remember the art history
and other areas that put it into a realistic perspective. I strongly recommend
having creative interests outside of science like art or music or other interests
that complement the work of being a physician and enhance the balance in life." To
learn about people, she recommends traveling or working in a foreign country
and doing inner-city work or working on a reservation, "learning to care
for those who do not have as many opportunities in life."
"Not doing well is an opportunity to reevaluate goals--there is no such thing as failure, just opportunity."