Clinical Background and Patient Care
Dr. Firdous has experience in both internal medicine and palliative medicine, including roles within the Geisinger Health System. She served as a full-time Palliative Medicine Physician at Geisinger Wyoming Valley and later worked as a Palliative Medicine Physician at Geisinger Medical Center, caring for patients with complex medical needs and symptoms that could affect comfort and quality of life.
Her clinical experience includes pain and symptom evaluation, treatment-goal discussions, and support for patients and families managing serious or chronic illnesses. Dr. Firdous values clear communication and attentive listening, helping patients better understand their health concerns, available treatment options, and factors that may influence their overall well-being.
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Shagufta Firdous brings experience in internal medicine and hospice and palliative care, with a strong focus on managing complex symptoms and supporting patients with serious or chronic health conditions.
- Internal Medicine
- Hospice and Palliative Medicine
- Pain and Symptom Assessment
- Chronic and Serious Illness Care
- Quality-of-Life Support
- Complex Medical Decision-Making
- Patient and Family Communication
- Cancer-Related Symptom Management
- Treatment Goal Discussions
- Multidisciplinary Patient Care
Board Certification & Credentials
Dr. Firdous became board certified in Internal Medicine in 2018 and earned board certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine in 2022. She holds medical licensure in Texas and Pennsylvania. Her postgraduate training includes:
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Research and Scholarly Work
Dr. Firdous has also contributed to published medical research involving pain assessment and cancer-related fatigue. She served as first author of:
"How Should We Assess Pain: Do Patients Prefer a Quantitative or Qualitative Scale? A Study of Patient Preferences," published in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine in 2020.
She also contributed as second author to research examining cancer-related fatigue, published in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine in 2019. Her scholarly work has also included presentations related to chronic cancer-associated pain, pain rating methods, sepsis, and quality-improvement initiatives.
A Patient-Focused Approach to Care
Dr. Firdous understands that medical conditions can affect much more than physical health. Pain, chronic symptoms, serious illness, and changing health needs can influence sleep, mobility, independence, emotional well-being, and everyday activities.
Her approach emphasizes careful medical review, thoughtful communication, and respect for each patient’s goals and concerns. By reviewing medical history, symptoms, previous treatments, and quality-of-life needs, she works to support care decisions that are appropriate for each patient’s situation.
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