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Kira Skavinski, DO, is a board-certified palliative care physician who helps relieve suffering in people with life-limiting and chronic illnesses. She provides pain and symptom management, and aims to optimize quality of life for her patients and their families while addressing their medical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. Dr. Skavinski also assists patients and their families with discussions regarding advance care planning and goals.As a palliative medicine physician, Dr. Skavinski enjoys the ability to meet patients earlier in their stage of illness, develop a relationship with them over time and provide continuity of care.Dr. Skavinski is an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, where she instructs medical students, residents and fellows at UC San Diego School of Medicine. Her research interests focus on the use of ketamine for pain management. Prior to joining UC San Diego Health, Dr. Skavinski cared for patients at University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She was also the director of Palliative Care Education at UC Irvine Health, where she developed and implemented a Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship and served as the fellowships associate director.Dr. Skavinski completed a fellowship in hospice and palliative medicine at San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine and a residency in family medicine at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, New Jersey. She earned her medical degree from New York Institute College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, New York. Dr. Skavinski is board-certified in family medicine and hospice and palliative medicine.She is a member of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and the American Osteopathic Association.Outside of work, Dr. Skavinski enjoys sports, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two sons. UC San Diego Health LinksFor more information, see https://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/cancer/programs/palliative/Pages/default.aspx.

At VITAS, we do all we can to keep hospice patients home, comfortable and independent. Because patients in transition should not have to wait, VITAS maintains its own home medical equipment (HME), delivery and staff. Your HME technician is part of your hospice team and understands patient and family’s needs. HME is specified as part of your plan of care and your technician is available to answer questions and make home service visits. Examples of medical equipment your care plan may call for: Oxygen equipment and accessories, including portable oxygen cylinders, oxygen conserving devices and high-flow oxygen, Nebulizer, Enteral feeding pumps and supplies, CPAP and BiPAP, Full electric hospital bed, Low-air-loss mattresses and other support surfaces, Wheelchair and other specialty chairs, Trapeze bar and patient lift, Suction pumps (respiratory and gastric), Walkers, canes and bedside commodes. VITAS delivers, maintains and picks up medical equipment at no cost to the patient or family.

Hospice Group of Southern California provides outpatient, at-home hospice care for patients nearing the end of life. We also have special arrangements with local hospitals if a patient needs inpatient care or respite care. Our staff of hospice doctors, nurses, chaplains, therapists, social workers, and volunteers do everything possible to make the patient comfortable. Telecare services are available, as well as bereavement services for the patient’s family.