Windsor, ON- A new training program for doctors is
generating interest amongst practitioners of palliative medicine, in the hopes
that it will signal a change in how both society and doctors, deal with death.
The program (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/teaching-doctors-a-new-approach-to-the-end-of-life-process/article4416607/),
is designed to change how the medical community approaches end-of-life
decisions. And it’s a step that palliative medicine expert, Dr. Gordon
Giddings, hopes represents a real desire within the medical community to
reorient its views on palliative care.
As the director of UWO’s Palliative Medicine Residency
Program, Giddings has dedicated his time and efforts to easing the pain and
suffering of patients during what is likely the most difficult time of their
lives. He recently penned a book, Dying
in the Land of Enchantment: A Doctor’s Journey, describing his intense
personal and professional journey to help change both his own practice, and how
he instructs future doctors.
The challenge of getting families and patients to understand
the core philosophy of palliative care, is one faced frequently by Giddings.
“Death is part and parcel of our culture; we engender such
incredible fear in people about death that it becomes almost impossible for
people to talk about. It’s absolutely natural to experience grief and
trepidation when it comes to losing someone we love, but that’s why it’s so
very critical that we in the medical profession—who have a duty to act in the
patient’s interest—need to take active steps towards easing the transition from
acute care to the palliative setting. Many people do not realize this, but
palliative care is actually more about living and living well than it is about
dying.”
Giddings hopes his work will help further discussions on
end-of-life care and advance social dialogues on death and dying so that
doctors and families are truly able to make decisions that improve the quality
of life for those who are facing a life-threatening diagnosis.
For more information on Dr. Giddings and his book visit http://gordongiddings.wordpress.com/
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To book an interview
contact
Rachel Sentes
rachel@gal-fridaypublicity.com
rachel@gal-fridaypublicity.com
604-366-7846
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