Rewards for the Physician
Dealing with End-of-Life Care
Death teaches
us--if we want to hear--that the time is now.
Death teaches us the
joy of the moment.
It teaches us we don't
have forever. It teaches us that nothing is permanent. It teaches us to
let go, there's nothing you can hang on to. Death says, "Live now."
Dr. Leo Buscaglia
As a Physician
-
Sense of being helpful
-
Grateful patients and families
-
Work satisfaction, a sense of competence
-
Avoid prolonged dying, help create "better" deaths
-
Decreased conflicts with patients, family & staff
-
Skills gained in End-of-Life care are applicable
to other areas of work—clinical, teaching
-
New field, still need for academic achievement
As a Person
-
Helps to clarify personal priorities.
-
Greater understanding of the nature of life.
-
Inspiration, meaning to life, a sense of privilege.
-
Appreciate more the gift of being alive.
-
Learn to treasure the moment.
Source
Block SD. The Physician as Healer. Presented
at UCSF’s "End of Life Care for the Hospitalized Patient, October 2000. |
