Older and wiser?
Please be patient with me, it sounds like I have a few years to go.
Chopin’s B minor Waltz … death of a childhood friend …
Perry Knize tells the story of Chopin’s B Minor Waltz in her book Grand Obsession. She plays it here (in the background as the website opens). In the opening theme, Chopin has learned his closest friend has died …
Chopin’s B minor Waltz … death of a childhood friend … Read More »
Being present … attentive, receptive & responsive …
… is the most important thing we do as we accompany the seriously ill and dying. We have found Frank Ostaseski’s work helpful, in particular his use of Rachel Naomi Remen’s distinctions on serving, helping and fixing.
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Medical Care and the Person …
… The Heart of the Matter … is the theme for this year’s MedConference sponsored by Crossroads Cultural Center to be held July 16-18, 2010 in Jersey City, NJ. Please join us as we ” … explore a medical practice that takes into consideration the complexity of the needs of the patient.” For more information
Medical Care and the Person … Read More »
When the doctor gets sick …
This NYT piece that tells the story of the illness and death of a hospice-palliative care physician is generating a lot of discussion, including some clarifications from her husband.
When the doctor gets sick … Read More »
a prayer before rounds …
… in a room … where people are under a lot of stress, you have to pray a prayer of forgiveness for them and perhaps for yourself before going in. You have to forgive them right out because you don’t always find them at their best. A lot of things that have been kept silent
a prayer before rounds … Read More »
“Do Everything!”
Discussing Treatment Preferences With Patients Who Want “Everything” (Annals of Internal Medicine) … is a practical article that helps us better understand what our patients and their families may be asking us when they say they want “everything” done.
The Lady and the Reaper
The Lady and the Reaper is a wonderful Academy Award nominated short (8 1/2 minutes) about the modern day struggle to die.
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Gerard S Brungardt MD BeL website …
… begun May 1, 2010 the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker is under the patronage of and dedicated to Saint Joseph, patron of a good death and San Riccardo Pampuri, physician and a patron of Communion & Liberation.
Gerard S Brungardt MD BeL website … Read More »
palliative sedation: the last resort may not be the best
Gerard S Brungardt, MD, BeL, FACP, FAAHPM Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice; University of Kansas School of Medicine – Wichita, Wichita, KS 67202, Daniel P. Sulmasy, OFM, MD, PhD, Farr A. Curlin, MD, University of Chicago, Chicago, Il, 60637 We are pleased that Quill et al. recognize a distinction between Proportionate Palliative Sedation (PPS)—vigorous treatment of
palliative sedation: the last resort may not be the best Read More »