Storyteaching as a way to enhance mutual understanding

Creative methods in Storyteaching, by Karen Bell, RN, Nancy Boutin, MD Storyteaching is storytelling with a twist. Both are learned skills, as was aptly demonstrated by two gifted storytellers/teachers. There is one essential and several important structural hints, but the essential issue is setting; that is, a safe place where stories of immense personal importance … Read moreStoryteaching as a way to enhance mutual understanding

Peds SIG Offers New Avenues for Involvement in the Field

Although it was painful to get up so early on the final day of the AAHPM Assembly in Vancouver, it was completely worthwhile to attend the meeting of the Pediatrics Special Interest Group (SIG). Over the years that I’ve attended this meeting, it’s been amazing to watch the evolution of interest and attendance in our … Read morePeds SIG Offers New Avenues for Involvement in the Field

Dancing with Broken Bones (Feb. 16th)

“Where there is love of humanity, there is love of the art.” This quote from Dr. Moller’s talk really resonated with me as a relatively recent graduate of medical school. In a thought-provoking exploration of impoverished patients struggles in the healthcare system at the end of life, an underlying theme was the importance of exposing … Read moreDancing with Broken Bones (Feb. 16th)

Palliative Care for Veterans with PTSD by Kehrle, Steckart, Moran

Starting with Dr. Kehrle this started as a research project during training. Case 1 63 yo male sent to radiology for test and became agitated. He was confrontational with staff. He had been a Vietnam Veteran and shared that he had flashbacks when placed on the table for test. He also shared that he was … Read morePalliative Care for Veterans with PTSD by Kehrle, Steckart, Moran

Gratitude: Service of Rememberance and Celebration

What a wonderful way to celebrate and remember all of us who care for our patients. The theme brought us back to Mother Earth as we are in the beautiful setting of Vancouver where we all are here to support each other. The symbol of the tree was used in several ways from the tree … Read moreGratitude: Service of Rememberance and Celebration

Facing Death:A Journey Through Pictures, Prose, Poetry, and Plainsong

Session by Lawrence Wolfe MD Demon is failure to acknowledge that patient’s are suffering and dying and leads to Burnout, sec trauma, moral distress, hostility, and structured violence. Most of us view death as a horrible thing and we are often not available to those who are dying. Story about demons and priest to overcome … Read moreFacing Death:A Journey Through Pictures, Prose, Poetry, and Plainsong

Palliative Care in the Age of Healthcare Reform: The Impact on Your Practice (403)

Diane Meier’s talk this morning was less a presentation than a call for action to the palliative care field. Dr. Meier spent a year working on capital hill and has continued to advocate for palliative care on a local and national level. She began with a review of the Affordable Care Act and the challenges … Read morePalliative Care in the Age of Healthcare Reform: The Impact on Your Practice (403)

Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers…February 16 preconference

Although I was faculty rather than participant, this workshop about horizontal and vertical violence (“Bullying”) was a learning experience for me. As the only physician on the panel I expected to be isolated, to feel like a concentration-camp guard at the Holocaust Museum; instead I was surprised at the number of physicians in the room, … Read moreBuilding Bridges, Breaking Barriers…February 16 preconference