My experience with the hospice program was a fantastic experience and incredibly beneficial in developing my interpersonal skills specific to a medical-type environment. Interacting with patients and family members who are part of this program has given me the opportunity to rethink my outlook on what is the goal of medicine. For many patients who … Continue reading “Personal Enrichment of the Hospice Program”
To New Experiences
Over the past 7 months, I have experienced an entirely new side of medicine and healthcare. Through the connections I formed with my hospice patient, as well as group discussions and reflections throughout this period, I have gained invaluable experience and insight that has allowed me to develop my professional and personal skills. Moreover, my … Continue reading “To New Experiences”
Finding Meaning in Medicine
Although I didn’t have the traditional pre-med hospice experience, I still believe that I have learned so much over the past year. I have gained a deeper understanding of myself, of the dying process, and of what it means to work in the medical field. I did not have the chance to work with a … Continue reading “Finding Meaning in Medicine”
A Breakdown of the Benefits of Volunteering for Hospice Care
A Breakdown of the Benefits of Volunteering for Hospice Care With regard to the hospice program by the Athena Institute and volunteering for Anova hospice, I have learned a lot as well as expanded upon my abilities as a potential future physician. I have worked with three individuals who were on hospice care or caring … Continue reading “A Breakdown of the Benefits of Volunteering for Hospice Care”
Connection in Loneliness
Working as a hospice volunteer this year was an unconventional experience. As I struggled to recalibrate to online classes, and to a summer and many semesters alone at home, I spent a period of time leaving this line of work to the wayside. During this past summer, I decided to reach out to a program … Continue reading “Connection in Loneliness”
Life Learning through Letters
My most meaningful hospice patient relationship was with an elderly lady named “Joanne”. With COVID-19 restrictions in place, I never had the chance to meet her, but I wrote weekly letters to her from the beginning of October to the end of March. At first, I was skeptical about sending cards to Joanne. I realized … Continue reading “Life Learning through Letters”
The Beauty in Hospice Care
It is hard to summarize what I have learned through this incredible program in a few words because the knowledge I have gained is vast and vital to my future as a physician. Most notably, I feel one of the most valuable lessons I learned was the reality of hospice. Society carries the false narrative … Continue reading “The Beauty in Hospice Care”
Crafting Meaningful Relationships in a Medical Career
When I began my time in the pre-med hospice program, I was coming off of three months of working as a nursing assistant in a woefully understaffed nursing home, made worse by the constant rate of employee turnover due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While I found this job satisfying because it gave me the chance … Continue reading “Crafting Meaningful Relationships in a Medical Career”
Listen First
When I joined the Athena Institute Hospice Volunteer Program, I will admit I was nervous. I had no experience with hospice, no idea how to talk to someone on hospice, and no real understanding of what hospice actually is. I soon came to recognize that the program itself is not really about hospice, but about … Continue reading “Listen First”
The Pathway to Death is Not Road To Failure
My first encounter with the Hospice Volunteer Program started with a topic relating to the first fear and anxiety that all doctors have: unable to fix a medical problem. As an individual who is interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, I have the same stereotypical thought that doctors are supposed to “fix problems” and … Continue reading “The Pathway to Death is Not Road To Failure”