title: When traditional medicine fails.
abstract: The focus of most medical schools, residencies, and ongoing post-graduate training is on treatable conditions. Unfortunately, today's society and medical systems are ill-equipped to meet the needs of children who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. This article discusses suggested steps to assist terminally ill children in successfully concluding their lives. It emphasizes the importance of a team of healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive and integrated care for the child and the child's family. Because of their small size and the high tendency of adverse reactions to manufactured one-size-fits-all drugs, pediatric patients are a unique and specialized group requiring unique and specialized medications. These medications can be prepared by compounding pharmacists, integral participants of the healthcare team.
authors: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Pediadtric Palliative Care, Children's Medical Center, Dallas, TX.
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Bash