Sharing Compassionate Care Across Borders: A Reserve Care Physician’s Visit to Greece

When Is It Time to Call Hospice?

Compassionate care knows no borders. For Dr. Alexandros Nicholizakes, associate medical director at Reserve Care, a recent trip to Greece offered an opportunity to share his expertise, learn from fellow health care professionals and help advance hospice and palliative care in a country where access remains limited. Known to colleagues as Dr. Alex, he spent two weeks in Greece attending an ethics conference on artificial intelligence and visiting Galilee Palliative Care Center, the country’s only hospice.

In Greece, access to hospice and palliative care remains a significant challenge. Unlike the United States, Greece provides no government funding for hospice services, leaving many patients to receive end-of-life care in hospitals. Each year, an estimated 120,000 to 135,000 patients and their families need palliative care, with more than 50,000 requiring specialized support. More than 95% of those in need could benefit from care at home.

To meet this demand, experts estimate Greece needs approximately 300 palliative care teams and 500 inpatient beds. Behind these numbers are patients and families who deserve comfort, dignity and support during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Founded in 2010, Galilee Palliative Care Center began as a day care program before expanding in 2018 to offer free, around-the-clock inpatient care. Under the leadership of Dr. Aliki and the vision of His Eminence Metropolitan Nikolaos of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki, Galilee has become an important resource for patients and families facing serious illness.

Much like Reserve Care, Galilee takes a team approach to caring for the whole person. Its 47 professionals include physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, therapists, spiritual care providers and administrative staff.

More than 100 trained volunteers also support the center’s work, offering their time and compassion to patients, families and staff. Despite limited resources, Galilee continues to demonstrate what thoughtful, patient-centered care can accomplish. During his visit, Dr. Alex presented lectures on end-of-life cardiology and palliative sedation to Galilee staff and nursing students from the University of Athens.

His presentations offered opportunities to exchange clinical knowledge and discuss approaches to managing complex symptoms and providing comfort near the end of life. Dr. Alex was joined by Dr. Hinshaw, a former University of Michigan surgeon who transitioned into hospice and palliative care and now shares his expertise through international education efforts.

Their visit was particularly meaningful because palliative care education remains limited in Greece. The specialty is not included in the core medical school curriculum and is offered only as an elective in nursing programs.

By connecting with students and practicing clinicians, Dr. Alex and Dr. Hinshaw helped support a growing interest in specialized end-of-life care. Galilee’s work continues to grow. Plans include establishing a Center for Bioethics and Palliative Care Education, developing a long-term inpatient facility and expanding educational and research opportunities.

With the first phase of renovations complete, the center is laying the groundwork to serve more patients and prepare future health care professionals. For Dr. Alex, the experience reinforced the importance of collaboration and the shared responsibility of caring for people facing serious illness.

While health care systems and resources differ across countries, the needs of patients and families remain much the same. They want relief from pain, guidance through difficult decisions and the reassurance that they will be treated with dignity.

These are the same principles that guide the care Reserve Care provides to patients and families throughout Northern Ohio. Through opportunities like Dr. Alex’s visit, our clinicians can share the knowledge gained through years of caring for patients while learning from others who share our commitment to compassionate care.

And as organizations like Galilee continue to grow, more patients and families will have access to the comfort and support they deserve.