Resources
What I'd point you toward
Things worth your time - for anyone trying to understand this world, and for anyone thinking about working in it.
None of this is medical advice. These are books, films, and tools I have found useful - they are not a substitute for a conversation with your own doctors, and nothing here is specific to your situation.
Books
The In-Between (opens in a new tab)
Hadley Vlahos, RN
A memoir from a hospice nurse about the cases she has seen. An easy read, and a good insight into what actually happens in hospice.
Watch
Dying for Sex
Hulu - also a podcast
The journey of two best friends, one of them living with stage IV breast cancer, as they navigate the whole of it together. The most beautiful story of friendship and love I have seen, and the best explanation of hospice and the dying process I know of.
Extremis
Netflix
A documentary about palliative care in the ICU. Be warned that it can be a little heavy.
End Game
Netflix
Shows the role of palliative care in the hospital, and a beautiful hospice home.
For families and caregivers
Where to start if you're trying to find care, or work out what comes next.
GetPalliativeCare.org (opens in a new tab)
Center to Advance Palliative Care
Use this to find a palliative care clinic near you.
PREPARE for Your Care (opens in a new tab)
prepareforyourcare.org
A free advance directive, with the right form for your state.
National Hospice Locator (opens in a new tab)
nationalhospicelocator.com
Search and compare hospice agencies in your area.
For clinicians and trainees
If you're thinking about a career in palliative care, start here.
Primer of Palliative Care (opens in a new tab)
American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM)
The standard starting text.
When Breath Becomes Air (opens in a new tab)
Paul Kalanithi
A neurosurgeon's memoir, written after his own diagnosis with terminal lung cancer.
Being Mortal (opens in a new tab)
Atul Gawande
On aging, mortality, and where medicine stops being able to help.
And if you'd like to talk it through with someone, I'm always glad to hear from trainees looking for mentorship. Contact me.
My Amazon storefront
The books above, along with other things I recommend, gathered in one place.
Browse the storefront (opens in a new tab)
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