Category: Palliative care

Loving our pets through loss: Coping with the death of a family member

My husband passed away six months ago, and it is quite evident to me that not only do I miss him, but so does our dog Grace. She adored Bill and would scamper to find him if I directed her to “Go find dad!” I no longer use the word dad, as …

Loving our pets through loss: Coping with the death of a family member

My husband passed away six months ago, and it is quite evident to me that not only do I miss him, but so does our dog Grace. She adored Bill and would scamper to find him if I directed her to “Go find dad!” I no longer use the word dad, as …

Navigating the ethical minefield of assisted suicide [PODCAST]

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes! Join us as we delve into the controversial topic of assisted suicide with our guest, Nicholas S. Tito, a medical student. This thought-provoking episode will explore the Western world&#8217…

Navigating the ethical minefield of assisted suicide [PODCAST]

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes! Join us as we delve into the controversial topic of assisted suicide with our guest, Nicholas S. Tito, a medical student. This thought-provoking episode will explore the Western world&#8217…

The comfort of colleagues: a story of love and loss in palliative care

“I just can’t. I can’t,” Wendy sobbed into my hair. We barely made it out the door when our bodies collapsed together, puddles holding puddles. The children, 5 and 7, had just left with their tiny grey backpacks, tiny soldiers o…

Jimmy Carter brings attention to hospice care: the compassionate side of modern medicine

The recent decision by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter to transition to hospice brings much-needed attention to this crucial part of health care. Hospice care is an essential and compassionate component of modern medicine, providing support and care…

Ensuring your voice is heard: the importance of power of attorney, advance care directives, and POLST forms

My husband was clearly losing his independence after a terminal diagnosis and many hospital visits. I was getting more and more responsibility, which I didn’t mind, but the best way we could handle it was just to let it happen. There was no way t…

Ensuring your voice is heard: the importance of power of attorney, advance care directives, and POLST forms

My husband was clearly losing his independence after a terminal diagnosis and many hospital visits. I was getting more and more responsibility, which I didn’t mind, but the best way we could handle it was just to let it happen. There was no way t…

Cream Puff Days: Coping with grief and finding comfort

I wrote an article on letting grief make you stronger and talked about a trip to the grocery store where I was not as strong as I hoped. I walked by the Cream Puffs and broke into tears. My husband passed away almost four months ago, and he always used…

A physician’s journey with COVID-19: reflections on mental coping mechanisms and seeking care [PODCAST]

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes! In this episode, we hear from Alen Voskanian, a palliative care physician, who shares his personal experience with COVID-19. Dr. Voskanian reflects on the mental coping mechanisms he used t…