When I first stepped foot in a hospice facility, I was unsure of what to expect. Although I was accompanied by my supervisor who would be giving me an introduction to my patient, there was this overwhelming sense of dread; it was like a pit in my stomach. “Hospice is where people go to die,” I thought. I envisioned a depressing atmosphere of decaying people, wasting away in an environment surrounded by apathetic staff. My time with hospice was completely the opposite however, and it has been truly one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Working with a hospice should be something that every pre-medical student should have to do as part of their studies, as it challenges preconceptions, teaches communication in difficult situations, and most importantly, helps one confront their own mortality.
To begin working with patients, it was required that I complete rigorous training on patient’s rights, the dying process, grief and bereavement, Alzheimer’s Disease, and ethical considerations in end-of-life care. These are topics that are essential to proper medical care, and many pre-medical students are not exposed to this field, as they are mostly involved in activities in primary care or research. I also learned how to communicate with patients who are in difficult situations. Having a proper bedside manner is an important part of being a physician and knowing how to talk about these subjects like grief and coping mechanisms with both patients and their families can really improve the entire end-of-life process.
Working with my sole patient, “Mr. Smith,” has shown me the value of proper palliative care. My prior notions of hospice care were completely alleviated when I arrived at the facility which was full of cheerful staff and many activities for their residents. During every visit with Mr. Smith, who has Alzheimer’s Disease, I would ask him about his life, family, and hobbies. Mr. Smith seems to enjoy the time we spend together, and I am constantly learning from this man who is seventy years my senior. It is truly gratifying though to hear about what he did in his past and he often teaches me valuable lessons. He has shown me the value of working with my hands since he was an avid wood carver before his diagnosis. Along with these life skills, he has shown me how important comprehensive palliative care is; respecting a patient’s rights and desires about their end-of-life can make this part of their life fruitful and reflective while providing the services they need.
I can truly say that working in palliative care has changed my life in many ways. Not only has it reassured my desire to pursue a career in healthcare as a physician, but it has shown me the value of end-of-life care, an overlooked facet of patient health. I have learned that death is not always a failure in medicine, and it is important to provide the means for a person to live out their last days as they wish. Most importantly, I have confronted my own mortality, something my generation seems unwilling to meet head-on. This experience has made me reflect on the kind of death I wish to have: one in which I am receiving the assistance I need while having the time to reflect on my days in the presence of family and friends.