Product Description
by Shahid Aziz MD (Author)
Dying - which we all inevitably must do - can be appreciably better for each of us if we approach end of life conversations early, while we still have the capacity to make our own decisions. This book can help us all with this.In addition, Courageous Conversations on Dying guides physicians in their role of supporting patients and families through decision-making for end of life, concentrating on patients' goals.Whether we are physicians, patients, family members, or caring individuals who want the best possible end of life experience for ourselves and each other, we must acquire the skills for loving, fruitful conversations. In this book, you'll learn how to prepare for these conversations, including what kind of setting, what words to use, how to be a good listener, how to empathize, how to help in decision-making, how to properly document end of life wishes, and more, along with many case studies to illustrate the points.
Author Biography
Dr. Aziz, who is board certified in pediatrics, medical management, and hospice and palliative medicine, has talked to patients and their caregivers about end of life decisions over a thousand times in the last twenty years. After training in pediatrics at the University of Maryland, St Agnes and Mercy hospitals he has been on the clinical faculty of University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins, along with multiple local hospitals in the Baltimore metropolitan area. He served as chair of pediatrics and VPMA at MedStar Harbor Hospital in Baltimore, and now chairs multiple ethics committees, as well as serves on palliative care teams at local hospitals and hospices, helping take care of children and adults. He is also actively involved in the education of the public and medical personnel. Dr. Aziz has simplified the end of life decision process as a result of his active problem solving and crisis intervention for the terminally ill. Children and their parents, as well as adults, benefit from his thorough, efficient, succinct, and simple approach to making the end of life experience peaceful and meaningful. His mindful attention to personal needs, cultural and religious backgrounds, and family dynamics have produced an approach that is most beneficial to all concerned. Understanding his model and following this thoughtful and thorough process will give you, as a professional, confidence, and your patients and their loved ones peace of mind. His book will help you give the "gift" of peace to your patients, their loved ones, and all serving on the end of life care team.
