The Most Fun Couple at a Cocktail Party with Dr. Alex Fertman; Palliative Care Physician

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia invites her husband, Dr. Alex Fertman, to discuss the nuances of palliative care and hospice, particularly in the context of dementia. They explore the differences between these two forms of care, the challenges families face when dealing with dementia, and the difficult decisions surrounding feeding tubes and end-of-life care. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding what constitutes a 'good death' and the dynamics within families as they navigate these tough discussions. Dr. Alex shares valuable insights on how families can prepare for serious illness and the significance of having open conversations about healthcare decisions.As an Assistant Professor in Palliative Medicine, Dr. Alex Fertman provides care to patients during serious illness. He works with patients and their families to provide care for the whole person, with particular focus on alleviating symptom burden and coordination of complex care. Dr. Fertman address all aspects of a person’s health, and collaborates with an interdisciplinary team consisting of counselors, chaplains, social workers, and pharmacists to provide excellent and comprehensive care. He enjoys active clinical teaching on inpatient rounds with students, residents, and fellows about palliative care and the art of being a great palliative care consultant.  Chapters00:00 Introduction to Palliative Care and Hospice03:46 Understanding Dementia and Its Challenges07:08 Navigating Feeding Decisions in Dementia09:58 The Concept of a Good Death12:47 Family Dynamics in End-of-Life Care16:05 Advice for Families Facing Serious IllnessSupport the showVideo on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channelTranscripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. Email: [email protected] expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.