Lucknow (6 August 2026): As the need for quality palliative care continues to grow across India, renowned geriatrician and palliative care specialist Dr. Abhishek Shukla has taken another significant step towards strengthening research and evidence-based care in this field. Dr. Shukla has been selected for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Palliative Care at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (USA), one of the internationally recognized institutions offering advanced doctoral research in palliative care.
Through this doctoral program, Dr. Shukla will undertake research focused on improving the quality of life of patients with serious and life-limiting illnesses, enhancing palliative care services, and contributing to evidence-based healthcare practices. The research is expected to generate knowledge that can help improve patient care, support caregivers, and strengthen palliative care systems in India.
Palliative care remains one of the most underserved areas of healthcare despite the increasing burden of chronic and terminal illnesses. Experts believe that research in this field is essential for developing better clinical practices, informed public health policies, and accessible care models.
Dr. Shukla, Founder and Director of Aastha Centre for Geriatric Medicine, Palliative Care Hospital, Hospice and Social Welfare Society, has been working for years in the areas of geriatric medicine, hospice care, dementia care, and palliative medicine. His selection for this highly specialized doctoral programme reflects both his longstanding commitment to patient care and his dedication to advancing scientific research.
Admission to a dedicated PhD program in palliative care at a leading U.S. university is considered highly competitive, and only a limited number of professionals worldwide receive this opportunity. Dr. Shukla is expected to be among the few Indian physicians pursuing advanced doctoral research exclusively in the field of palliative care.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shukla said that quality palliative care should be guided not only by compassion but also by strong scientific evidence. He expressed hope that the knowledge gained through this research would contribute to improving palliative care services, education, and policy development in India while benefiting patients and families facing serious illnesses.
