An old friend who I had never actually met. This is how I’d describe my hospice patient, whom I’ll call “Arthur,” from our very first meeting. I began my volunteer work with a mix of nervousness and excitement. I grasped the ideology of hospice—providing comfort, control, and safety during the end-of-life process—but translating that into real-world interactions felt daunting. My five months with Arthur have been profoundly meaningful, shaping my understanding of care and connection.
Initially, fear was my constant companion: fear of witnessing the dying process, fear of failing to provide adequate comfort, and fear of connecting with a stranger. Yet, Arthur’s warm, cheerful demeanor immediately put me at ease. He was eager to share his stories, and I was equally eager to listen. The initial ice melted effortlessly. However, as our visits continued, Arthur’s dementia presented a significant communication challenge. This was my steepest learning curve. Through research, conversations with experienced volunteers, and sheer practice, I learned to “meet Arthur where he was.” I engaged with his stories and his perceived reality, allowing our visits to become more meaningful and connected.
Arthur taught me the profound value of cherishing life’s small moments. His consistently cheerful disposition served as a weekly inspiration. Listening to his childhood memories prompted deep reflections on my own life, clarifying my priorities. I now place greater emphasis on quality time with loved ones. My perspective on a healthcare career has also shifted. Doctors often focus on cures and solutions, even when those solutions are temporary and potentially harmful. Dying and aging are the inevitable “unfixable problems” of healthcare. While medical professionals may strive to “fix” death, patients like Arthur prioritized comfort and dignity in their final journey. In my future healthcare career, I will carry the invaluable lesson of understanding the patient’s lived experience of dying.
The “Being Mortal” video resonated deeply with my hospice experience. The depiction of the limitations of modern medicine and the importance of patient-centered care mirrors the lessons I learned from Arthur. The film highlights how medical interventions can sometimes extend life at the cost of quality, a concept I witnessed firsthand. Arthur’s focus on comfort and connection underscored the film’s message: prioritizing a patient’s wishes and values is paramount.
For medical school applications, my hospice experience demonstrates a unique understanding of patient-centered care and the human side of medicine. It showcases my ability to connect with individuals facing vulnerable life stages and my commitment to providing compassionate support. This experience has instilled in me the importance of active listening, empathy, and respecting patient autonomy, qualities essential for a future physician. Furthermore, it has solidified my desire to practice medicine with a focus on holistic care, recognizing the importance of addressing not just physical ailments, but also the emotional and spiritual needs of patients.
In conclusion, my time with Arthur has taught me many things, shaping my understanding of care, compassion, and the meaning of life. It has reinforced my commitment to a healthcare career that prioritizes patient well-being and dignity, particularly in the face of life’s inevitable end. This experience will undoubtedly inform my approach to medicine, reminding me that true healing often lies in connection, comfort, and honoring the human experience.