Throughout the program, my group and I visited many individuals across various care centers. While it was challenging to forge deep connections given the limited duration of our visits, one invaluable lesson I learned was the significance of viewing each patient through a multifaceted lens, beyond the confines of their medical diagnosis alone. One memory … Continue reading “More Than Medicine”
Category: Athena Hospice Program
this is for posts in the category of Athena Hospice
Lessons Learned from Life and death
Throughout my participation in the Pre-Med Hospice Program, I embarked on a journey that profoundly shifted my perspective on life and death. The program’s reflections and prompts, such as ‘Imagine yourself in the patient’s shoes’ and ‘Reflect on a time when you felt most at peace ‘, allowed me to explore the intricacies of end-of-life … Continue reading “Lessons Learned from Life and death”
Decentering Myself in Medicine
For the duration of my hospice volunteer experience, I’ve had two patients – my experiences with both were drastically different. While both of them expressed their dissatisfaction with being placed in hospice care, my first patient wanted to avoid as many reminders of her situation as possible, eventually asking for me to not return. On … Continue reading “Decentering Myself in Medicine”
The Conclusion
“Mom, I’m going to be a hospice volunteer next year.” I was met with worried eyes and a solemn face. “’Mira’, isn’t that going to be burdensome? I mean, you’ll have to deal with death.” Yes, but so does everyone. When I decided to become a hospice volunteer, I knew that it certainly wouldn’t be … Continue reading “The Conclusion”
Reflections on the Value of Death, Life’s Meaning
Within my involvement in the Athena Institute program, I have learned about the value of death; it is not something to be feared, rather death is simply a natural part of life. Far too many people choose to run away from and avoid death at all costs, instead of choosing to find meaning in the … Continue reading “Reflections on the Value of Death, Life’s Meaning”
Shifting Perspective on Death: Good Death
In my culture, discussing death is taboo. These conversations are typically reserved for older individuals. Young people like me are obliged to avoid this topic due to its perceived scariness. However, my perspective on this difficult subject has changed drastically after volunteering in the Athena hospice program. For instance, through the program’s training, group discussions, … Continue reading “Shifting Perspective on Death: Good Death”
End-of-life Care Does Not Look the Same for Everyone
Going into this Hospice experience I lacked confidence and felt uncertainty over my ability to provide patients comfort and then deal with their looming death on my own. Every visit I have with my patient – “Rebecca” – has allowed me to realize that my shortcomings were only a reflection of preconceived notions. Going in … Continue reading “End-of-life Care Does Not Look the Same for Everyone”
The Story of your Life
Working with my patient, let’s call her “Sally,” over the past semester has been an absolute treat. Sally has lived in Philadelphia her entire life. She enjoys playing board games and going outside on the porch. Sally always smiles at the nurses and attendant that come to and from, and likes to sit by the … Continue reading “The Story of your Life”
My fears and resolve to help patients
Entering hospice volunteering, my aspiration was to refine my caretaking skills and deepen my empathy for patients’ needs. Yet, I grappled with daunting concerns about my own mental well-being and my perceived inability to provide comfort. I felt constrained, fearing I could only broach conversations about death, hindered by my lack of musical or vocal … Continue reading “My fears and resolve to help patients”
Trusting Bonds
Throughout my time as a hospice volunteer, I’ve come to see how communication happens across a variety of mediums, and encompasses so much more than just verbal. Many of the patients who I have come to know and form a relationship with cannot speak due to the progression of their diseases, and learning to communicate … Continue reading “Trusting Bonds”