When you hear the word “palliative” – or the words “palliative care” – what comes to mind? For many, particularly in our world of anesthesiology, “palliative” ignites thoughts of death, dying and end-of life care. Accordingly, when I have mentioned my interest in palliative care to my colleagues, I have received the responses, “Don’t tell that to your patients,” or even better, “Don’t mention that on a first date.” But contrary to common beliefs – both in and out of the medical community – the words “palliative care” are not synonymous with death. And although death is a part of life, death does not define life, nor does death define “palliative.” And so I am here to share my story about finding my voice – as well as my understanding of palliative care – as a trainee in anesthesiology.
As a second-year medical student, I developed an interest in life...
