Throughout my time with hospice, I have learned a lot about patient care as well as about death and dying. One of the most important things that I have learned is the concept of “a good death,” which is the most important thing to understand as a hospice volunteer as well as a patient-oriented physician. … Continue reading “Crucial Elements to the Experience of a Good Death”
Program Year Ending: 2020
Program Year ending 2020
How Hospice Volunteering Changed My Outlook on Medicine
Although my time was cut short as a hospice volunteer, it was an extremely meaningful experience for me overall. The initial training program taught me so much about ways to look at death and dying and how to help others cope with the pain and pressure that comes along with it. I now feel much … Continue reading “How Hospice Volunteering Changed My Outlook on Medicine”
More than a Stepping Stone
Since starting the program, I have not had all too many opportunities to visit Plush Mills Senior Living, and the visitations have been unfortunately cut short due to the ongoing pandemic. However, in the limited time that I was able to come spend at Plush Mills, I have cherished my time with Sue. A lovely … Continue reading “More than a Stepping Stone”
Reflecting on My Time With Ascend
One of my more meaningful hospice patient relationships was with a patient that we’ll call Mrs. Lee. I only got the chance to visit Mrs. Lee once, but it was a pleasant visit. Her room was clearly put together with love: there were photos of her and her husband, her family, and some accolades placed … Continue reading “Reflecting on My Time With Ascend”
We May Be Small, But We’ll Get There
When I first began volunteering with hospice, I had trouble communicating with patients. It went beyond not being able to understand what they were saying, or not knowing how to respond – I felt incredibly awkward, out of place, and unnatural at their bedside. I didn’t have the instinct some of my fellow volunteers had, … Continue reading “We May Be Small, But We’ll Get There”
More Than Just Death
Before volunteering with Seasons Hospice, I knew little to nothing about the services that hospice programs had to offer. I, like many others, simply wrote off hospice centers as the place people go to die when they have run out of options. Hospice was a sort of white flag signifying that the patient has given … Continue reading “More Than Just Death”
Building a Relationship with Death
Through the guidance of the Athena Institute Pre-Med Hospice Volunteer Program and with the support of this community, I have developed the foundation for a relationship with death, to hone and build upon in future years. I say ‘relationship’ because I see this phenomenon as a dynamic thing to interact with, rather than something intangible … Continue reading “Building a Relationship with Death”
My Time With Hospice
Unlike other volunteer opportunities, the pre-med hospice program through Ascend Hospice and the Athena Institute provided me the opportunity to develop my interpersonal skills on a deeper level. Throughout this program, I was given the opportunity to develop a relationship with my patient beyond surface-level engagement. I did not get to spend as much time … Continue reading “My Time With Hospice”
Hospice: A Program With An Impact for All
Participation in the hospice program has completely changed my perspective on life. A life fully lived is one to celebrate, but the ending of a life is often painful. I will forever cherish being a part of my hospice patient’s life at such a critical point. Around two years ago, my own mother was in … Continue reading “Hospice: A Program With An Impact for All”
The Missing Piece of Healthcare
I chose to volunteer with hospice after having lost three of my grandparents, who all benefitted from end-of-life care from various hospice programs. Each of their situations were extremely different in terms of the kind of care they needed, considering that their conditions included congenital heart disease, Parkinson’s, and ALS. I felt that I had … Continue reading “The Missing Piece of Healthcare”