Overall, the pre-med hospice experience has been deeply impactful, as I have formed great connections with six patients, two of whom have since sadly passed away. Having had little personal experience with loss at this point in my life, these deaths were challenging and forced me to develop a new perspective on patient care and my future role as a physician.
One of these patients was an older man with prostate cancer who had chosen not to undergo treatment. He was a Villanova graduate and an avid Villanova basketball fan, just like me. Our shared passion for the team sparked many conversations about recent games, player performances, and even our mutual dislike for our current coach which we would joke about. He was also a devoted Eagles fan and, heartbreakingly, passed away just before their Super Bowl win this year. Despite his illness, he was always smiling — there was never a moment when he did not have a slight smirk on his face. His resilience and positive outlook, even when dying, will leave an impression on me.
This experience reshaped my understanding of medicine. I used to view healthcare as a means of diagnosing and curing diseases, but my time at Keystone Hospice taught me that medicine is also about providing comfort and companionship. Sometimes, the greatest impact a healthcare provider can have is not through a prescription or a procedure, but through presence, conversation, and emotional support. The hardest moment for me was returning to the facility and seeing his empty room. I couldn’t help but think of his daughter, who visited him often, and how sad she must be.
My time with this patient has definitely reinforced my passion for medicine and my understanding of the emotional resilience required in this field. I now recognize that being a physician extends beyond clinical expertise and requires empathy, patience, and the ability to work through the complexities of life and death. Volunteering at Keystone Hospice has prepared me for the challenges I will inevitably face and has strengthened my commitment to providing compassionate, holistic care to my future patients.