“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
— Helen Keller
In June 2025, Latin America witnessed a significant leap in pediatric palliative care (PPC) education with the launch of its pioneering ECHO Course. This innovative initiative, spearheaded by the International Children’s Palliative Care Network (ICPCN) and the Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration (TWCC), established a collaborative learning platform. Multidisciplinary professionals united to bolster their knowledge and elevate care for children with serious illnesses and their families.
A PROMISING START: BUILDING COMMUNITY
From the very first session, the course stood out for its dynamic participation and rich exchange of experiences. A total of 130 participants from over 50 institutions formed a vibrant, multidisciplinary community of physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and volunteers—united by a shared commitment to improving the quality of life for pediatric patients.
The program was led by a dedicated team of facilitators and leaders from across the region, who fostered an atmosphere of respect, collaboration, and shared learning.
SIX WEEKS OF SHARED LEARNING
Held weekly from June 5 to July 10, 2025, the course offered 75-minute interactive sessions that combined expert-led presentations, real-world case analyses, and open Q&A segments. The format encouraged knowledge exchange and helped weave a growing network of PPC professionals across Latin America.
All sessions were recorded and are available via the official YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN8Ew1yIeXFrQ7XWXRSG8Tf0BzcHSoSWh&si=rGSE9m0XYIVssEHv
TOPICS AND PARTICIPATION OVERVIEW
| Session | Date | Topic and Description | Faculty Team (Facilitator/ Didactic Speaker / Clinical Case Presenter) | Attendance |
| 1 | 05 Jun 2025 | Welcome and Introduction to PPC | Mercedes Bernada (UY), Jorge Ramos (MX), Hazel Gutiérrez (CR) | 109 |
| 2 | 12 Jun 2025 | Opioids and Pain Management in Children and Infants | Rut J. Kiman (AR), Michael McNeil (US), Gloria Mancia (HN) | 97 |
| 3 | 19 Jun 2025 | Communication in Challenging Situations / Breaking Bad News | Juliana Lopera (CO), Gabriela García-Durán (MX), Betty Fey (EC) | 93 |
| 4 | 26 Jun 2025 | Symptoms Beyond Pain | Regina Okhuysen-Cawley (US), Roberto Campos (CL), Daniela Arce (MX) | 91 |
| 5 | 03 Jul 2025 | End-of-Life Care in Children | Miguel Bayona (CO), Ximena García-Quintero (CO), Natalia Gómez (CO) | 99 |
| 6 | 10 Jul 2025 | Grief and Bereavement Support | Natalie Picazzo (MX), Alejandro Nespral (AR), Eduardo Velázco (BO) | 99 |
TEAMWORK: SHARED LEADERSHIP
A hallmark of the course was its emphasis on shared leadership and collaborative facilitation. Experts from various countries offered diverse perspectives and insights, fostering an inclusive and welcoming learning environment.
This collective effort was made possible by:
- ICPCN: Julia Downing, Alex Daniels, and Gabriela García-Durán
- Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration (TWCC): Megan Doherty, Spandana Rayala, Rizwana Hussain
- India ECHO: Himanshi Jain
Thanks to a global collaboration, the course was tailored to the unique needs and realities of the Latin American region. This inclusive approach ensured that the course was not just a transfer of knowledge, but a platform for shared learning and growth.
REACH AND PARTICIPATION
Countries represented:
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, India, Iran, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, United States, Uruguay, and more.
Institutions involved:
Over 50 hospitals, universities, NGOs, and health ministries, including: Hospital Cullen (Argentina), Secretaría de Salud de Querétaro (Mexico), Hospital del Niño DIF Hidalgo (Mexico), Hospital Nacional del Niño (Costa Rica), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (USA), among others.
Key data:
- Countries represented: 21
- Institutions represented: 50
- Certificates awarded to those who attended at least 80% and completed the final evaluation
More than just numbers, the true impact of the course lies in the human connections forged, the spirit of collaboration fostered, and the unwavering commitment to care that was strengthened. These intangible benefits are the true measure of the course’s success.
INNOVATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING
Each session was a catalyst for dialogue and problem-solving. Participants brought real challenges from their practice, creating opportunities for collective insight and innovation.
Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) ECHO Teleclinics
Virtual spaces for collaborative learning where healthcare professionals share clinical cases and real-world challenges in pediatric palliative care, aiming to strengthen skills, promote teamwork, and improve quality of care through a compassionate, person-centered approach.
Join the regional teleclinics:
Argentina Teleclinic (coordinated by Dr. Rut J. Kidman): Second Tuesday of every month. For information and registration: echopalargentina@gmail.com
Uruguay Teleclinic (coordinated by Dr. Mercedes Bernadá): Second Thursday of every month, from 11:00 to 12:30 (Uruguay time). Register at:
https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMkc-usqzMtGdYcOh1cArT4jrFvznWT4Fje#/registration
Free learning continues
To join future initiatives and explore more opportunities, visit the ICPCN Education and Membership Hub: www.elearnicpcn.org
WHAT’S NEXT?
A new round of the ECHO PPC Course will begin in late August or early September 2025.
CONCLUSION: MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER
This course reaffirmed that education is not just about knowledge, it’s about community. It’s about listening, sharing, and building a better future together. By joining forces, we move closer to a world where no child faces illness alone.
TOGETHER:
- Transcending borders
- Opportunities for innovation
- Generating change
- Empowering communities
- Teleclinics for continued learning
- Hope in action
- Echoes of inspiration
- Realizing the vision
Together we are stronger. Together, we achieve more.
Article by Gabriela García-Durán, Education Officer in ICPCN (education.officer@icpcn.org).
Inspired by the experience and commitment of the ECHO Course community.