End of Life

by Mike Gamble

Dying with Dignity

How physicians and nurses really talk to dying patients and their families

Original Broadcast: Tuesday, October 27th, 2009
on WHYY FM 90.9 Philadelphia
 

During the debate over health care legislation, end of life counseling by physicians and nurses was reduced to a frightening sound bite – “death panels.” In fact, these meaningful conversations go on every day. During this hour of Radio Times, Marty Moss-Coane, talks to David Casarett and Mary Ersak about how physicians and nurses help patients and their families confront the reality of dying.

Listen to the Podcast

David is Associate Professor in the division of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He has a book coming out in January [2010]; it’s called “Last Acts: Discovering Possibility and Opportunity Near The End Of Life.” Mary Ersak is Associate Professor of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing where she directs the school’s Palliative Care Program.