(Ojai, California) The public is invited to learn more about palliative care – a form of medical care dedicated to helping patients and their families cope with debilitating illnesses – at a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding on Saturday, Feb. 6.

Charles Pankratz, M.D., who specializes in Internal Medicine and is board-certified in Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine, will lead the seminar that will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Soule Park banquet room at 1033 East Ojai Ave in Ojai.

Dr. Pankratz will discuss the principles of palliative care as it relates to its goals of treatment and managing symptoms to improve a patient’s quality of life regardless of the prognosis. When a patient and family experience a debilitating illness, palliative care is available to provide comprehensive support, matching therapy with the potential for restoring health and function.

Dr. Pankratz received his medical degree from the University of California at Davis and completed an internship as well as a residency is Internal Medicine at Harbor UCLA Medical Center in Torrance. He is on staff at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura.

Admission is free, but space is limited, so reservations are suggested. Call 805/640-2355, or visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp.

This event is co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ojai.