Facing the Challenges of Healthcare Decisions: The Role of Patients, Families and Providers

On Tuesday, May 5 at 7 pm the Center for Communication in Medicine (CCM) hosted the next in their SpeakSooner Community Education webinar series.

A serious diagnosis affects patients, families and providers. Studies in the medical literature show that effective communication can improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction. Yet, difficult decisions in the face of serious illness can sometimes be clouded by a well-intentioned desire to protect one another. At such times, family dynamics can play a role in how healthcare decisions are made.

This program brought together experts who shared their perspectives on the role that patients, families and providers can play when navigating the complexities of difficult healthcare decisions.

Panelists:

Zail Berry, MD, MPH, FACP helped to found the Fletcher Allen Health Care Palliative Care Program – now part of the University of Vermont Medical Center and served as medical director until 2004. Currently in private practice, Dr. Berry offers consultation and home medical services and teaches at the University of Vermont.

Stephanie Davidson, PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals and couples as they navigate the challenges associated with medical diagnoses. Dr. Davidson is a cancer survivor.

Matthew Loscalzo, LCSW is APOS Fellow, Professor Emeritus of Supportive Care Medicine at City of Hope-National Medical Center.

Pamela Simon, MSN, CPNP, CPON launched the AYA Cancer Program at Stanford Health in 2015 and continues to work to improve the care for this underserved population at a local, regional and national level.

Interviewees:

Fidel Rubagumya, MD, MMed, MPH is a consultant oncologist and director of research at Rwanda Military Hospital. He is the first Dartmouth Cancer Center Global Oncology Visiting Research Scholar.