Dr. Sean O\'Mahony, MB, BCH, BAO

Clinical Trials

• Early Integrated Telehealth Versus In-Person Palliative Care for Patients With Lung Cancer

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Get to know Hospice and Palliative Medicine Specialist Dr. Sean O’Mahony, who serves patients in Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. O’Mahony stands as a prominent figure in the realm of palliative medicine, boasting a distinguished career marked by a multifaceted dedication to patient care, education, and research. Holding the esteemed positions of Co-Director of the Coleman Palliative Medicine Training Program, as well as Professor of Medicine and Director of Palliative Medicine at Rush University Medical Center, his influence extends far beyond the confines of his clinical practice.

As an academic palliative medicine physician, his expertise spans a broad spectrum, encompassing clinical care, academia, and research endeavors. His professional pursuits are underpinned by a profound commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals grappling with life-limiting illnesses. One of his primary focal points lies in the effective management of pain among patients contending with chronic mental illnesses and opioid use disorder, reflecting his deep-seated compassion and dedication to addressing complex healthcare needs.

Before embarking on his professional journey, Dr. O’Mahony received his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree from the University College Dublin School of Medicine in 1991, and earned his Master of Science degree in Clinical Research from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

His repertoire of strengths extends beyond clinical practice, manifesting in his adeptness at palliative medicine program development and evaluation across diverse organizational landscapes. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in steering the evolution of palliative care services, ensuring their alignment with contemporary best practices and patient-centered approaches.

Moreover, his passion for education is palpable through his advocacy for interprofessional education in palliative care. Recognizing the invaluable role of collaboration in delivering holistic patient care, he strives to foster interdisciplinary learning environments that empower healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive support to patients facing life-limiting illnesses.

In addition to his educational endeavors, Dr. O’Mahony is deeply invested in promoting resiliency among clinicians who navigate the complexities of palliative care. Acknowledging the emotional toll inherent in caring for patients with life-limiting illnesses, he endeavors to cultivate supportive frameworks that nurture the well-being of healthcare providers, ensuring they remain equipped to deliver compassionate care effectively.

Notably, his dedication to addressing healthcare disparities is evident through his involvement in CDC-funded efforts to enhance the care of LGBT cancer patients. Through his research endeavors, he endeavors to shed light on the unique needs of LGBT patients facing life-limiting illnesses and their families, advocating for inclusive and equitable healthcare practices.

Hospice and palliative medicine is a formal subspecialty of medicine in the United States that focuses on symptom management, relief of suffering, and end-of-life care. Hospice and palliative medicine specialists are medical doctors who help prevent and relieve suffering of patients who have a serious illness or who have only a short time left to live. They work with a team of other professionals to address the needs of both the patient and loved ones.

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