EP265: Bob Uslander: Conversations Not Crises: Planning Your End of Life Journey

Health Coach Conversations

End of life doesn't have to be a crisis. By having open conversations ahead of time and planning and discussing preferences and options for end-of-life, people can ensure a smoother and more dignified journey when the time comes. Dr. Bob Uslander, co-founder of Empowered Endings, says instead of dreading end-of-life conversations, people should embrace it as an opportunity to take control and ensure a more peaceful and empowered journey. With the right support and planning, life's final chapter can be a beautiful, meaningful experience for everyone involved.

In this episode, they talk about:

• Legal end-of-life options available in different states

• States that allow medical aid in dying and the process and requirements for accessing medical aid in dying

• Dr. Bob Ulander's professional journey from emergency position to Palliative and End of Life Care

• Gaps and challenges in the current healthcare system when it comes to end-of-life care

• Lack of doctor involvement in hospice care and issues with pain management and quality of life

• Challenges in discussing sensitive topics with patients and families and the need for empathy and emotional support

• The inadequacy of support provided to families by the healthcare system

• The role of end-of-life doulas and their partnership with healthcare professionals

• The training and mentorship required to become an end-of-life doula

• The resources and services available on the Empowered Endings website

Memorable Quotes

“We're advocating for dignity through every chapter, especially through the final stages.”

“At the end of the day, the patient, the person's dying, they want to be able to die in a way that's more aligned with who they are and consistent with the way they lived.”

BIO:

Bob Uslander, MD, received his Medical Degree from the UCLA School of Medicine, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Since completing residency training in Emergency Medicine, he has dedicated over 30 years to the practice of Emergency, Palliative and End of Life Care. Dr. Bob co-founded Empowered Endings, a unique model of palliative and end-of-life care, with his wife Elizabeth, to address the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs of patients and families facing complex and terminal illnesses.

Mentioned In This Episode:

Empowered Endings website: https://empoweredendings.com/

Links to resources:

Health Coach Group Website

https://www.thehealthcoachgroup.com/

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