What matters at the end of life?
Creating beautiful moments. Moments in love, moments in forgiveness, moments with meaning and lasting transcendence.
Tag: medicine
I do understand that I’ve written a mini-book here but alas that is how I write! Long-form and I am sure that there is a book in these 40 thoughts. *Thoughts* with asterisks next to them are upcoming blog posts that in different stages of being edited. Please comment if you’d like to read any
One year ago I had an accident which abruptly halted my life. In reflection, it has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Pre-MRI. Ruptured biceps tendon on my left arm — November 2017 Day 1 post op. Ready to start my rehab…also, I don’t fancy strong opiates (too much clean living) 28/11/17.
The biggest lesson that caring for the dying can teach you — reflections of a Palliative Care Doctor
A few weeks ago I finished my Clinical Diploma in Palliative Medicine from the Royal Australian College of Physicians. Without a doubt, it has the best and most challenging year of my clinical career. It had such a profound effect on my life that I’ve decided to go all in and live the rest of
“Jonathan you have to come in. There’s been an incident with Brian* and the other residents and families are scared, I don’t know what to do!”. *Names changed for privacy* The panicked voice on the other end was an aged care nurse whom I’d worked with closely and whose clinical judgment I respected and relied
“So what actually happens in this place?” Simon asked, his question caught me off guard. Trying to understand where he was coming from, I replied “What do you mean?”. “Well I’ve been here for a week and I’m still not sure what actually happens in the hospice,” Simon said, still looking back at me, searching
It was the first time that I’d learnt that holding back tears was impossible I held his tiny hand as his grandmother cradled him. My eyes examined, but my heart broke. Years later in reflection, I didn’t realise that this moment would live with me forever as a defining moment in my medical journey. What
I am privileged to write and contribute to Palliverse with this piece about operative decision making and providing compassionate and caring end of life care. As our population ages and we are called to be decision makers for our loved elders, let their end of life wishes guide us. Palliverse is lucky to have a
Photo by Jake Thacker on Unsplash “Anne, I think the reason that you’ve been more forgetful lately is because you have early dementia….” my voice cracked with emotion as I delivered the bad news. I’d never cried infront of a patient before but sheer will couldn’t contain the salty tears that flowed down my cheeks. Anne’s
Summary: Failure can be a powerful catalyst for self-examination and feedback on your life. In the right hands with the right mindset, failure can be a powerful catalyst to personal growth. Take home message: The purpose of failure is feedback. The power of failure is unlimited. Key beneficiaries: Those willing to step outside their comfort zone
