Dying Feel Abandoned by Docs in the End

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I work in a geriatrics office and, given the age of our patients, my doctors are well versed in end-of-life issues. They are caring and concerned that their patients receive the best of care, up to and at the end of their lives. However, there are times when a patient goes into hospice care and the doctors are discouraged from giving any input into the patients care. They are under the care of new doctors who may take offense to their "interference" in the care of these patients. Yes some doctors are still uncomfortable with the dying and need to be trained to deal with this natural stage, but it is not always about money or inexperience. Sometimes there are political considerations that can make things complicated.

AZ of NY 10:31AM March 13, 2009

A good friend of mine , only 42, died from breast cancer last fall. The day she decided to move to hospice care, after her 7 year courageous fight against this horrible disease, was the last she heard from her oncologist. He had had a long term relationship with her. She seemed stunned that he abandoned her this way and kept asking why he wasn't stopping by to see her. Frankly, I think it's cowardice on the doctors parts more than monetary considerations. I think, like many people, they're afraid of the dying. I think they should all develop spines, and hearts. It wouldn't have killed the guy to phone her and/or her family a couple times during the 4 month period she was dying. And it would have meant a lot to her.

Corina of OH 10:01PM March 09, 2009

I am a physician. We are not trained to deal with this inevitable eventuality. In fact, our society CAN NOT deal with death and dying as it remains hidden, away from view in the sterile environment of the hospital. Hospital was once where the infirm went to become well; now it is where people go to die, away from loved ones, away from family. This passage of life was once managed at home in full view of all concerned. Modern 'society' has erased this necessary conclusion of events - to our detriment.

just another doctor of WA 9:35PM March 09, 2009

Really, how much money can a doctor make on someone who has no new chargeable needs?

Ed Jade of NH 9:28PM March 09, 2009

When that point is reached you are a statistic. An oddity that happens now and then and becomes an irritant in patient care. What can a Doctor say or Do? What should the expectations be for a patient's family? We both tend to cease communicating because medical communication is no longer needed and forget the communication of one human to another.

Ronald Newton of NC 8:57PM March 09, 2009