It was a great experience to be a part of the Pre-Med Hospice Volunteer Program and every visit was very meaningful. However, the one that stood out the most was the interaction I had with James. I had arrived for an evening shift and I remember being asked to interact with James. The expression on … Continue reading “The Power of Simplicity”
Category: Athena Hospice Program
this is for posts in the category of Athena Hospice
Thanks
My most meaningful relationship was found with a rather pleasant old woman who soon came into being a dear friend of mine, as she really taught me what it meant to give. I say this because she offered me, one who was a complete stranger, the gift of her life; the gift of her history … Continue reading “Thanks”
Finding Peace and Meaning in Death
Coming into my junior year of college at the University of Pittsburgh, I did not expect to spend a Sunday every couple of weeks sitting inside a church, eating pizza, and reflecting on death. But I am grateful I did. Over the 2017-18 school year, I had the opportunity to spend time at West Penn … Continue reading “Finding Peace and Meaning in Death”
Not Dying Alone
She cried out, “Mother, mother! Don’t leave me!” I had recently concluded our visit and was walking away when Ms. B began to wail these words. My throat tightened, and I was compelled to return to sit with her. Drawing on the volunteer training, I investigated her feelings by asking a few questions. Ms. B … Continue reading “Not Dying Alone”
Dying As a Story
After nearly one academic year of participating in this hospice program, there is one event that stands out to me the most. It was the first patient assigned to me that lived with her husband and was in the late stages of Parkinson’s. She could not speak nor move, however, she was aware of her … Continue reading “Dying As a Story”
Bringing Humanity to Death
There are a lot of clichés to describe death, most of which seem to center around an attempt at personal acceptance of the inevitable. Death is a lot less scary and mysterious when we choose to think of it as a kind of never-ending sleep, or as the next great adventure. Although death is, on … Continue reading “Bringing Humanity to Death”
Coming to terms with the end
The last nine months serving as a volunteer have been truly a whirlwind of emotions. Not knowing what to expect as I walked into my first patient visit was one of the more nerve-racking experiences I have felt in a very long time. In particular, even though I knew my patient’s medical status and how … Continue reading “Coming to terms with the end”
Death as Part of Life
Growing up, I had only been exposed to one particular physician image; the hero doctor. As a child, the carefully constructed representation of physicians as miracle workers was very appealing. The doctor was the champion of life, prolonging it and saving it, always resulting in smiles and joy from families and patients. I desperately wanted … Continue reading “Death as Part of Life”
My first patient changed my view of Hospice
Beginning hospice, I was not sure what to expect. It seemed like an experience that would be good for a medical school application and for my future as a physician, since many students do not get the opportunity to see how a patient may die in their care. I am sure that it would have … Continue reading “My first patient changed my view of Hospice”
Changing Fears of Death
I was very nervous the first time I walked into the assisted living facility. I was worried about many things: finding my assigned patient, connecting with her, and making my visits as beneficial as possible. More than anything, however, I was afraid of death. I was afraid of growing attached to someone who would likely … Continue reading “Changing Fears of Death”