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 that hospice is a dark and scary thing. People believe that hospice is a death sentence and try to steer as far from the topic as they can. In reality, as I have learned, hospice is actually a beautiful institution. It allows those that have struggled and carried the burden and pain of disease to spend their final moments comfortable and surrounded by their loved ones. Those that have spent so much time in pain are able to transition to their next journey at home, rather than in a hospital fighting so hard for their lives. As well, they are surrounded by a loving and educated staff, such as ANOVA, that are there to assist them. If we could change the false ideas that surround hospice in society, less people would be afraid of putting their suffering loved ones on hospice.
In addition to this valuable lesson, I also learned how important it is to be having comfortable conversations surrounding death while being empathetic and compassionate. Those going through the journey of hospice do not want to be told someone feels sorry for them. Rather, it is better to listen to them and validate what they are saying. A lot of patients need someone to talk to and hear them speak their truth. Often when people listen, they listen passively. When speaking to hospice patients it is very important to be present in the moment and respond accordingly. Statements like “I feel so bad for you” and “Aw that sucks” have no place in active listening. Rather, an appropriate response is “I don’t know what it feels like to go through what you are going through, but I am here for you.” Statements like this validate the feelings of the patients and do not belittle their experience.
Another lesson I have learned I am not able to institute yet, but will be extremely important in my future as a physician. For example, I have learned when it is appropriate for a doctor to recommend hospice to their patient. It is the duty of the physician to understand when a patient should transition to hospice. Doctors have an attitude that they must heal everything no matter what. However, sometimes they simply can’t. Doctors must put the wellbeing of the patient in front of their own personal desire to heal. If treatment is no longer working for a patient and there are no other options, at that time it is best to preserve the comfort of the patient and let them pass in comfort, rather than going forth with stressful and painful treatments that are not working.
In all, this program has not only taught me a lot, it has allowed me to make friends with some incredible people working in the program and the patients. Also, the families of the patients are incredible and have taught me a lot as well. Thank you premed hospice program!