Medical Schools: Places to Recruit Hospice Volunteers

[Frances Shani Parker]

These research results made me smile after I read them, not because they are funny, but because I knew what the outcome would be. Published by the “American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care,” the research had first-year, service-learning medical students serving as hospice volunteers. Service-learning is a teaching and learning approach that connects classroom learning with meeting community needs. A service-learning consultant and former school principal, I am familiar with the win-win benefits it provides. Hmmm, understaffed nursing homes with future doctors working as hospice volunteers --sounds like a perfect marriage. My thoughts were confirmed when I read, “There is evidence of the educational benefits of exposing medical students to hospice patients and practices.” This is also an excellent way to staff volunteers. I definitely hope that service as hospice volunteers will become a regular part of training for medical students. Medical schools should be great places to recruit hospice volunteers. Frances Shani Parker, Author "Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes” "Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog"

[Frances Shani Parker]

Thanks for your response, Diana. You are absolutely right. Happy New Year!

[Diana Young]

This sounds like a great way to staff nursing homes and an excellent opportunity for physicians.