Who am I? A question I ask myself a lot. A question my therapist sometimes asks me. A complicated question that should have a simple answer. I’m a wife. I’m a mother. I’m a friend. But I am also a hospice clinician.
Of all of the areas of pharmacy practice that I have had the privilege of working in, my work in hospice has been by far the most rewarding.
Is it sad? It must be depressing. I don’t know how you do it. Those are all comments that people make when they learn what I do. The truth is, it’s not sad. It’s not depressing. I consider it an honor to play a role in giving people peace and comfort as they transition from their earthly existence. The vast majority of my patients are elderly and have lived full lives that are worthy of rest. Every now and then I will interact with a sad case or sad situation, but even in those situations I am able to find peace in knowing that I will have a humane experience as free from pain and suffering as possible.
As a Black pharmacist, I am very passionate about ensuring that quality care reaches our communities. Unfortunately there are documented disparities in hospice and palliative care services amongst minority populations. I believe that in the Black community, hospice is misunderstood and often associated with very imminent death. While most patients eligible for hospice have a life expectancy of 6 months or shorter without medical intervention, I have had patients that have received services for years. These services include access to clinicians like myself, nursing care, caregiver support, and so much more.
A lot of families dread the suggestion of involving hospice as an admission that medical options have been exhausted and it’s time to give up. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Electing hospice means that there will now be a shift in the goal of care from one that emphasizes treatment and a cure, to one that prioritizes comfort and quality of life. Comfort, care, and dignity at the end of life should be available to everyone and something that I am passionate about.
So, who am I? I am Dr Karla Fallin Lee. What do I do? I care for people and their families during the transitional and delicate period between life and death. When I am not mothering my crew, I am passionately advocating for comfort and dignity for those nearing the end of life. I am also passionate about educating my community about hospice and palliative care.
If this is something that you would like to know more about, drop me a line! I would love to hear from you.
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