Most of us will eventually reach a point where medical intervention is outmatched by advanced age, illness, or both. It is at this point where meaningful conversations between physicians, patients and their families are crucial. Why then do medical schools and residencies offer their trainees little to no formal guidance on how to facilitate end-of-life conversations?

What steps should we all consider taking now to make our end-of-life wishes clear to our family and loved ones? What legislative changes are taking place to ensure that our wishes are carried through?

Board certified in internal medicine, geriatrics, and hospice and palliative care, Dr. Susan Nelson is making real change in helping patients and their families at end-of-life. Join Arian as she and Dr. Nelson explore the collaborative challenges physicians, patients, and their loved ones face when death is imminent.

Helpful links:

LaPOST website: http://www.La-POST.org or http://www.LHCQF.org/LaPOST

http://www.palliativedoctors.org

Hospice and Palliative Medicine professional organization  http://www.AAHPM.org

Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops https://www.lhcqf.org/page-flip/The-Final-Journey/

Deborah Grassman’s book Peace at Last http://www.opuspeace.org/

Atul Gawande’s book Being Mortal http://www.atulgawande.com/book/being-mortal/