Episode 19: Write your last chapter with palliative medicine physician Dr. Faryal Michaud

The latest podcast episode is with Dr. Faryal Michaud - a palliative medicine physician who is elevating the practice of palliative care. She encouraged us to start having these conversations early.  "If every life is a book, then the last chapter matters."  The first role of the palliative physician is to find out where the patient is at in their knowledge of the situation.  The palliative physician cares for not just the patient, but the family as well.  They explain what "everything" looks like, when the patient and family say they want "everything."  If your time is limited, what is most important to you. She has the patients describe what they want, then offer solutions based on what they want.  She notes that surgeons often consult her for goals of care, but palliative care can also help with symptom management and dealing with "difficult" families and be an advocate for the patients.  She also shares her journey from hospital employed practice where she did not agree with metrics that made her feel trapped to amplifying her voice on her podcast and with her coaching practice.  She can be reached at www.drfaryal.com and her Facebook group called “Physicians Living Intentionally." Her podcast is called “Write Your Last Chapter” Her most downloaded episode is titled: Do it anyway Please rate and review the show!  Do you have a topic you want covered? Send me an email at [email protected]