A very meaningful relationship I had with a hospice patient was with Mary. I began to see this patient about two months ago. From the start, she was welcoming and willing to converse with me. She loved to tell me about her family, especially her mother, who she took care of until the end of her life. She also enjoyed speaking on her morals, reflecting on her religion. For example, she described specific social situations and how she handles them with regard to her beliefs and values. These conversations forced me to reflect on my own morals, and even provided me with new perspectives. She spoke highly of her family, friends, and the nursing home staff. One of her close relationships is with a nurse, for whom she bought tangerines. This nurse was so appreciative of this gift, and this act signified Mary’s thoughtful and compassionate demeanor.
Volunteering for hospice is an invaluable experience, especially for a medical school applicant. It serves as a way to provide comfort to those who are nearing the end of their lives. This experience has broadened my understanding of the significance of bedside manner and companionship. It is crucial to have these qualities as an aspiring doctor who is constantly interacting with patients. Although medical school provides the tools and knowledge to treat patients, volunteering offers the ability to engage with a patient on a personal level. It may be emotionally challenging, however, it is a beneficial experience to have earlier on in the path to pursuing medicine.
Through the course of my hospice experience, I have grown immensely. I remember meeting my first patient at one of the nursing homes and feeling nervous about how to hold a conversation. Each visit I became less nervous and more comfortable interacting with patients. I learned how to effectively have a conversation in a welcoming manner that enabled my patient to tell me about herself and her life. Currently, I look forward to seeing my patient because she is open to talking about anything, especially if it involves food (we have that in common)! This experience has forced me to step out of my comfort zone, meet new people, and become more open-minded. Additionally, I have improved my ability to empathize with others, a crucial quality to have as a physician. During my visits, I focused on really paying attention to what my patient was saying and putting myself in her shoes in order to empathize better.
My hospice work has strongly affected me and my sense of vocation. I plan on attending medical school following graduation, and this experience has provided me with a meaningful understanding of the emotional and physical stress one endures when facing death. Providing comfort to those who are nearing the end of life can influence a “death with dignity,” in which the patient can pass away with a sense of pride in one’s self. After volunteering, I am even more confident in my ability be a well-rounded doctor, one who looks at a patient from all perspectives and empathizes with his or her condition.