Decision Making

"Five years from now, which decision would you regret the least in making?" When their loved one is not doing well and not able to make...

“I don’t think Mom should drive anymore.  I tell her, but she doesn’t listen to me!”   When I used to conduct palliative care home visits...

"At this time, knowing what you know about your medical condition, what is most important to you?" When a palliative care physician asks...

“She’s getting better!” Ruben emphatically exclaimed, as he grasped his wife’s hand. Dr. Les, the palliative care specialist meeting...

“I couldn’t believe the surgeon was so upset! The patient was 80 years old, he was frail, and he didn’t want major surgery. He just...

If we have always equated taking medications with protecting our health – “Take your blood pressure pills. It’ll decrease your risk of...

Some health or medical issues can be managed with relatively straightforward treatment plans: "I agree to surgery to fix this fractured...

Doctors often provide best case scenarios. The best case is what they are hoping for, and it is what they feel most comfortable relaying...

I stepped into the patient's home as the man behind the door said, "I'm so glad you're here. I don't know what to do." He shut the...

Have you ever made decisions "in the heat of the moment" and later shook your head asking yourself, "What was I thinking?" "Normally I...

You probably do not need to know the definition of the healthcare phrase "goals of care" in order to advocate for the best possible...