The Physician’s Role as an Advocate

During my first visit to the facility where I was assigned, the plan was to start at a random patient and cycle through the rest at equal time intervals. This plan went out the window as I ended up staying with my first patient that visit and all of the visits afterwards. When I entered … Continue reading “The Physician’s Role as an Advocate”


The Power of Storytelling

Throughout the hospice program I have learned more about death, myself, and the patients that I visited. One patient that has impacted my life is Lauren. She was always so happy when we would visit her. While some patients were moody or did not feel like talking that day, Lauren always caught sight of us … Continue reading “The Power of Storytelling”


Finding Life in Dying Times

I followed the Project Leader down the brightly lit hallways of the nursing home, beaming what I hoped was a warm smile at those we passed and anxiously gripping the lanyard hanging around my neck. It wasn’t my first time at a nursing home—I had spent two years volunteering in one during my high school … Continue reading “Finding Life in Dying Times”


The End-of-Life Journey as a Companion

Reflecting on my experiences as a volunteer with Ascend Hospice, I am moved by a vast range of emotions and sentiments: namely, grief for the patients I can no longer visit, gratitude for the stories I have had the privilege of unearthing, and compassion for the patients and families facing difficult decisions and experiences in … Continue reading “The End-of-Life Journey as a Companion”



Music and Healing

Beth, Alice, and I walked into the community room of the memory ward. An ornamented tree stood in the corner and colorful lights adorned the ceiling. The residents were just finishing dinner; those self-reliant enough were feeding themselves at the dinner tables, while the more disabled residents were being spoon-fed from their beds. Judy, a … Continue reading “Music and Healing”


Crucial Elements to the Experience of a Good Death

Throughout my time with hospice, I have learned a lot about patient care as well as about death and dying. One of the most important things that I have learned is the concept of “a good death,” which is the most important thing to understand as a hospice volunteer as well as a patient-oriented physician. … Continue reading “Crucial Elements to the Experience of a Good Death”


Reflecting on My Time With Ascend

One of my more meaningful hospice patient relationships was with a patient that we’ll call Mrs. Lee. I only got the chance to visit Mrs. Lee once, but it was a pleasant visit. Her room was clearly put together with love: there were photos of her and her husband, her family, and some accolades placed … Continue reading “Reflecting on My Time With Ascend”


We May Be Small, But We’ll Get There

When I first began volunteering with hospice, I had trouble communicating with patients. It went beyond not being able to understand what they were saying, or not knowing how to respond – I felt incredibly awkward, out of place, and unnatural at their bedside. I didn’t have the instinct some of my fellow volunteers had, … Continue reading “We May Be Small, But We’ll Get There”


Building a Relationship with Death

Through the guidance of the Athena Institute Pre-Med Hospice Volunteer Program and with the support of this community, I have developed the foundation for a relationship with death, to hone and build upon in future years. I say ‘relationship’ because I see this phenomenon as a dynamic thing to interact with, rather than something intangible … Continue reading “Building a Relationship with Death”