The Integrative Palliative Podcast

When You Can't Save Your Loved One

Sun, 31 May 2026 23:00:00 -0400

If you could save your loved one from their serious illness, you would do that. Of course you would.

You love them and you want the best for them, whether they're battling cancer, Alzheimer's disease, ALS, age-related decline, or another advanced illness. You want to be the best caregiver you can be, and I'll bet you're exhausted.

Yet you may be spending your precious energy trying to fix the unfixable, rather than focusing on being wholeheartedly present with your loved one.

This episode of The Integrative Palliative Podcast tackles how to show up as the best caregiver you can be and how to figure out what is yours to take on and what is not.

I'm glad you're here.

Dr. Delia

www.doctordelia.com

Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Illness Without Losing Yourself is available here: www.copingcourageously.com

Please review this podcast wherever you listen and forward your favorite episode to a friend! And be sure to subscribe!

Sign up to stay connected and learn about upcoming programs:
https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/IPI-stay-in-touch

I'm thrilled to be listed in Feedspot's top 15 palliative podcasts!
https://blog.feedspot.com/palliative_care_podcasts/

Meditative Heartbeat Therapy: An Interview with Daniel Deloma

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Palliative care chaplain Daniel Deloma shares the powerful modality that he uses with seriously ill, hospice and end of life patients - Meditative Heartbeat Therapy.

It helps reduce pain, anxiety, and fear and has powerful impacts on patient, family and caregiver wellbeing.

It is a technique that family members can use to help their own stress, help their grieving, and support their loved one.

Learn more and contact chaplain DeLoma at www.heartbeatherapy.com

I'm glad you're here,

Dr. Delia

https://DoctorDelia.com

Nobody Prepares You for This

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:00:00 -0400

When a loved one has a serious illness like cancer or dementia, or they have age-related decline, it can seem like your life has turned upside-down. Nobody prepares you for this.

Sometimes the skills that are helpful in regular life actually make caregiving harder. But you can repurpose those skills to make caregiving easier.

This episode of The Integrative Palliative Podcast will show you why hyper-competent people can struggle when a loved one is ill - and what to do about it.

- Doctor Delia

www.DoctorDelia.com

Free Guide: Nobody Prepares You for This

https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/pl/2148761984

Self-Forgiveness - The Antidote to Shame

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Caregivers put so much energy into caregiving yet they still struggle with self-criticism and feeling like their best isn't good enough.

Every caregiver deserves self-forgiveness.

Listen this week to find out the five areas that can lead caregivers to carry shame, and what they can do about it.

Your wellbeing matters.

Doctor Delia

www.DoctorDelia.com

How to Talk to Your Doctor So They Don't Blow You Off

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500

It is hard to be a doctor and it is hard to be a patient (or a family member of a patient). Everyone in the healthcare system is frustrated.

Both patients and doctors are doing their best, but sometimes it doesn't feel that way. Doctors are busy and burned out which can make patients and families feel blown off or disrespected.

The week on The Integrative Palliative Podcast you'll get an insider's view of how to get the best from your doctor.

www.DoctorDelia.com

What to do When You're Having an Especially Bad Day

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Sometimes you just have an especially bad day. If you are a caregiver who cares for a mom, dad, or spouse with a serious illness like cancer, Alzheimer's disease, other dementia illnesses, or ALS you may be familiar with caregiver stress and you've probably had multiple especially bad days.

How do you handle them? What works to reduce your suffering?

On this week's episode of The Integrative Palliative Podcast Dr. Delia discusses 6 approaches to reducing your suffering when you are facing an especially bad day.

#caregiver #caregiving #badday #palliative

Www.DoctorDelia.com

Visiting Your Aging Parents Over the Holidays: What to Watch For and When to Worry

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0500

When you visit your ill or aging parents over the holidays, you might be in for a surprise. Maybe your mom seems confused or your dad is having trouble with driving. Maybe you're not sure if the changes you're seeing are something to worry about or are just normal aging.

What should you look for? What should you worry about? What changes are not actually concerning?

In this episode of The Integrative Palliative Podcast, Dr. Delia Chiaramonte discusses what to look for when you visit your aging parents and when you should worry.

Do you know someone with an aging parent? Send them this episode.

Knowledge is power.

Happy holidays!

Dr. Delia

Delia Chiaramonte, MD

https://www.doctordelia.com

10 Ways to Get the Best Hospice Care for Your Loved One

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:00:00 -0500

Some people have wonderful experiences with hospice, and other people say the experience was terrible. What's the difference?

If your loved one is sick enough to need hospice, it's a highly stressful time for your whole family. Whether your loved one has cancer, dementia, ALS, COPD or another serious illness, making the decision for when to request hospice care is tough.

Once you've made the decision to start hospice, how do you make sure that your loved one and your family get the very best hospice care? In this episode we discuss the 10 ways to be sure you get the very best hospice care.

Caring for you as you care for them.

Dr. Delia

https://doctordelia.com

Be sure to subscribe to The Integrative Palliative Podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-integrative-palliative-podcast/id1617730043

A Meditation to Make Peace With Grief

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Grief is tough. It is so very hard when a loved one dies. Whether it is expected because of serious illness or a total shock, grief is painful.

And also, grief is part of life. Sometimes people compound their suffering by asking "Why am I still grieving so hard?" or "Shouldn't I be better by now?"

Trying to push grief away doesn't help. In fact, it can make grieving even harder.

This meditation is an invitation to make peace with grief.

If you have ever lost a person, a pet, a prized possession, a job, an identity, or anything else, this meditation is for you.

Be sure you're in a safe place (no driving!) when you listen.

I'm glad you're here.

Doctor Delia

www.DoctorDelia.com

The Mindful Approach to Grief

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 20:00:00 -0500

Facing a serious loss after a loved one has died is just so tough. Without meaning to we can compound the stress of it all by how we approach our grief.

The mindful approach to grief involves noticing, not judging, and using compassionate curiosity. It makes space for grief because grief is part of life and love.

Here is the reference mentioned in the episode:

Huang FY, et al. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on bereavement grief: Alterations of resting-state network connectivity associate with changes of anxiety and mindfulness. Hum Brain Mapp. 2021 Feb 1;42(2):510-520.

I'm glad you're here.

Dr. Delia

www.integrativepalliative.com

www.DoctorDelia.com (coming soon)

The Responsible One, The Favorite, and The Ghost: How Childhood Roles Shape Caregiving

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0400

Caregiving doesn't just happen in the current moment - it brings old family roles that we've been playing out since childhood back to life. The "responsible one" burns out, and the "favorite" expects everyone to defer to them. The "ghost" fades into the background, and the "rebel" resists every decision.

In this episode Dr. Delia Chiaramonte explores the hidden scripts that siblings carry into caregiving, why they cause so much conflict, and how you can step out of those roles instead of letting them cause stress and chaos.

Once you see your "script" you can start to write a new one.

What role do you play?

www.integrativepalliative.com

Writing a Meaningful Letter to a Loved One

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 20:00:00 -0400

When someone is nearing the end of life, the idea of leaving behind a “goodbye” or legacy letter can feel meaningful, but also overwhelming. What do you say? How do you start? In this episode, Dr. Delia offers a gentle guide to writing a letter that captures your love, gratitude, and wisdom without the pressure to be perfect.

You’ll learn:

Why legacy letters matter so deeply for both the writer and the reader
Simple tips to make the process less overwhelming
Ten powerful prompts to spark your writing — from sharing what you’ve cherished in your life to what you love most about your person

Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or simply someone who wants to capture your story for those you love, this episode will help you find the right words.

How to Receive Love: A Powerful Interview with Michael L Smith

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

We all need this episode. Whether you're a family caregiver, caring for an ill or aging loved one, or you're a busy clinician who cares for seriously ill patients, this episode is for you.

Michael L Smith shares his wisdom and inspirational guidance about how we all block the love that we deserve and how we can learn to receive it.

Michael is a visionary author, speaker, and transformational guide whose life’s work bridges love, longevity, holistic well-being, and human potential. Michael has devoted his life to helping people remember their individual and collective wholeness, holiness, and sacred purpose.

His journey has been shaped by profound personal experiences, including the loss of his brother Ric (52), which deepened his calling to explore love not as an abstract ideal but as a living medicine for the heart, gut, mind, body and soul. Through books, courses, retreats, and public talks, he weaves science, spirituality, and lived wisdom into practical pathways for personal transformation and collective healing.

Michael’s forthcoming book, How to Receive Love: Your Heart & Soul’s Purpose, and its companion programs aim to ignite a global movement of self-love, deep connection, and inspired service.

You can find Michael at https://receivelove.com/

Have a listen and soothe your soul.

Dr. Delia

P.S., Join our private Facebook group "CareWell for Caregivers"

www.doctordelia.com

Caring for Yourself as You Care for Your Aging Parent

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Caring for a parent who is aging or who has dementia, debility, or serious illness such as cancer can be absolutely exhausting.

It can feel like you're hanging on by your fingernails.

This week on The Integrative Palliative Podcast we're talking about 15 ways to help you care for yourself as you care for your aging parent.

Your wellbeing matters too.

- Dr. Delia

www.integrativepalliative.com

Join our Facebook Group, CareWell for Caregivers

When Your Parent Won't Accept Your Help: 20 Ways to Make it Better

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 22:00:00 -0400

If your parent has cancer, dementia, serious illness, or is just declining because they're getting older, you may feel the urge to help them as they get weaker. Perhaps you make space in your busy life, juggle responsibilities with both your parents and your kids, research the best care, and just try your best to show up for your parents.

When you do all that it can be shocking and frustrating if your parents rebuff your efforts to help.

This week on The Integrative Palliative Podcast I share 20 things that you can do if your parents won't accept your help.

Thanks for all that you do!

Dr. Delia

Delia Chiaramonte, MD

www.integrativepalliative.com

Grieving is Not a Competition

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400

There are so many kinds of grieving. You may be grieving the death of a loved one, a pet, a breast, a job, or you may be experiencing anticipatory grief for a loved one who is ill or aging.

Grief is not a competition.

There is no hierarchy of grief. Some people are grieving the loss of a spouse or the loss of a child or the loss of a sibling or parent. Everyone's grief is individual, and there is no value in comparing.

If you have an ill or aging loved one, or a loved one who has died, listen to this week's episode for 8 ways to honor your own grief and avoid comparing it to the grief of others.

Your wellbeing matters.

Dr. Delia

Delia Chiaramonte, MD

P.S., Now available as an audiobook: Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Illness Without Losing Yourself

Caring for an Aging Parent with Siblings Who Are Driving You Crazy

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Caring for an aging parent is hard in the best of circumstances. Whether your parent has cancer, Alzheimer's disease, another form of dementia, or an end of life condition, it can be overwhelming, exhausting, and stressful to support them as their health declines.

Add in challenging relationships with your siblings, and the whole mess can feel unmanageable. This week on The Integrative Palliative Podcast we'll talk about what you can do when you're caring for an aging parent with siblings who are adding to your stress.

Let's keep talking!

Dr. Delia

www.integrativepalliative.com

Zoom Funerals: How to Make a Powerful and Meaningful Service Without Leaving Your House

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Zoom memorials or celebrations of life get a bad rap. They may be seen as a second class way to honor a loved one - far less meaningful than a standard funeral.

Let's rethink that narrative!

Having a celebration of life by Zoom can be a powerful and meaningful way to honor your loved one who has died. They are easier to plan and they allow far away friends and relatives to attend and celebrate your loved one.

This week on The Integrative Palliative Podcast I provide a practical roadmap for creating a Zoom funeral that is moving and healing.

Share with someone that you know who needs to hear this right now.

I'm here for you,

Dr. Delia

Beyond the Urn: Creative Things to Do with Your Loved One's Ashes

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400

After the death of a loved one, it can be difficult to know what to do with their ashes. In this episode of The Integrative Palliative Podcast we explore the many meaningful ways people can honor their loved ones by using their ashes in creative ways.

From stones to records to jewelry to coral reefs (and more), there are many ways to use your loved one's ashes.

Choosing a meaningful approach can help coping and grieving.

Have a listen and let me know what you would add.

Take care of yourself,

Delia

www.integrativepalliative.com

The Power of Permission When Times are Tough

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0400

When a loved one is sick and caregiving gets exhausting, it can be powerful to have someone give you permission to take a break.

Should you need their permission? Of course not. But the voices in your mind can be critical and bossy and insist that you continue to work or take care of other people until you're completely exhausted, stressed and depleted.

This week we discuss the power of permission when we offer it to other people and also when we offer it to ourselves.

What permission can you offer this week?

Delia

Delia Chiaramonte, MD

Three Words That Help Reduce Distress in Difficult Times

Thu, 22 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

When someone you love is is ill or had died, life feels hard. Yet sometimes we add to our distress by judging how we are feeling or behaving.

We feel sad and then we feel critical that we're still sad.

We feel angry and then feel guilty that we feel angry.

It is the "shoulds" that cause us distress - it doesn't have to be that way.

This week I'll share the 3 words that can help reduce your suffering.

I'm glad you're here!

Delia

www.integrativepalliative.com

Fragments and Light: An Exploration of Traumatic Grief

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Dr. Delia Chiaramonte shares her experience of traumatic loss of both her father and her father-in-law.

Traumatic grief is not just about missing someone—it’s about having your sense of the world torn apart. It can show up in surprising ways: emotional numbness, panic, guilt, dissociation, and even physical symptoms. In this episode, you’ll learn how traumatic grief differs from more typical grief, and what helps people begin to heal.

You’ll also hear:

Surprising aspects of traumatic grief that many people don’t talk about
Evidence-supported tools to support healing after traumatic loss
The importance of the body in trauma recovery

Whether you’re grieving a traumatic loss or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a space for truth, tenderness, and the possibility of healing.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7 free support)
Therapies that may help: EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, trauma-informed grief therapy
Mind-body tools for trauma: grounding, breathwork, guided imagery, gentle movement

Connect With Dr. Delia:

Website: www.integrativepalliative.com
LinkedIn: Delia Chiaramonte, MD

If This Episode Helped You…

Please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
Share it with someone in your life who would benefit from hearing it
Subscribe for more heart-centered episodes about serious illness, caregiving, and the healing journey

A Call for Medical Aid in Dying: A Tale of Autonomy and Desperation

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Not having access to Medical Aid in Dying can drastically increase suffering for dying people and their families.

This week I'll share a deeply personal and painful story about a dying man who wanted to have control over his death and what why he had to face it alone.

Helping healers heal others and themselves.

Delia

Delia Chiaramonte, MD

www.integrativepalliative.com

Bearing Witness to Grief: A Powerful Way to Support Someone Who is Grieving

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

It's been an interesting experience for me to experience the loss of my dad and both feel my own grief and also observe it with the lens of a palliative care physician.

I have noticed how healing it has been for me when others bear witness to my pain and also when they bear witness to my dad as a person.

This is how we can best support people who are grieving after someone they love has died: bear witness to the pain or bear witness to the person.

Helping healers heal others and themselves.

Delia

Delia Chiaramonte, MD

www.integrativepalliative.com

Anticipatory Grief: A View From the Inside

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 21:00:00 -0500

Grief isn't only an issue after a person dies. Anticipatory grief shows up long before a person has passed away. Families facing dementia, ALS, cancer, renal failure, and other serious illnesses can experience anticipatory grief long before the very end of life.

This week we take a look at anticipatory grief from the inside because my family is facing it right now.

This episode is for you if you are a clinician who cares for the ill and aging or if you are a person who has an ill or aging person in your life.

Share this episode with someone in your life who needs it.

I'm glad you're here.

Delia Chiaramonte, MD

www.integrativepalliative.com

Advance Directive Dos and Don'ts: Key Advice for Your Patients, Your Family and Yourself

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Everyone should have an advanced directive. Full stop. You, your parents, your partner, your adult kids - everyone.

Most people know that having an advance directive is important but they feel awkward or anxious about actually making it happen.

I've seen patients with stroke have a terrible outcome from a poorly done advance directive. And I've seen family members of people with cancer suffer because their loved one didn't have an advance directive even though their illness was very severe.

In this episode you will learn all that you need to know to create a high quality advance directive for you and your family.

I'm glad you're here,

Delia

P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to The Integrative Palliative Podcast on your favorite podcast platform

Delia Chiaramonte, MD

www.integrativepalliative.com

What is Holding You Back? Five Steps for Finally Doing What You've Been Avoiding

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

What have you been avoiding? Is there a courageous conversation you should be having? A boundary you should be setting? A household task that needs to be completed?

I wrote Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Illness Without Losing Yourself about a year ago and I never recorded the audio book! I meant to. I wanted to. But I just never made it happen - until this week!

Why do we put off things that we truly want to do? I explore this topic in this week's episode and give you steps to finally accomplish what you've been putting off.

What have you been putting off?

Dr. Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com
www.coping courageously.com

Palliative Care Updates with Dr. Janet Abrahm

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 23:00:00 -0500

Dr. Janet Abrahm is a Fellow of the American Academy of Physicians, Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. She is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, a former practicing oncologist, and an internationally recognized expert in supportive and palliative care for patients with cancer. She has over 20 years of experience in the forefront of palliative care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She is the author of the newly updated Comprehensive Guide to Supportive and Palliative Care for Patients with Cancer as well as an award-winning clinician and educator in palliative care.

This week she joins me to talk about the latest updates in palliative care. We chat about palliative precedes, the treatment of cancer related fatigue, new thinking about cancer cachexia and more.

You can learn more about Dr. Abrahm and her work at janetabrahm.com.

Here's to healing the heart of the healers,

Dr. Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

The Physician Entrepreneur: An Inspiring Interview with Dr. Una

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Physicians are expert learners, yet many have the feeling that they can't be entrepreneurs. This week, Nneka Unachukwu, MD (affectionately known as "Dr. Una") will convince you that you can learn the skills to become a physician entrepreneur or a physician "intrapreneur" and create the life that you want.

If you have a tiny voice inside that dreams of starting a business or advancing in your employed position, you'll want to listen to this episode. Creating the life you want reduces burnout and supports your journey to wellbeing.

You can find Dr. Una's podcast, books, and online business school at www.entremd.com.

Supporting healing for the healers,
Dr. Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com/clinicians

How to Start the Conversation: 5 Tips for Initiating Talks About End-of-Life Wishes

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Talking about advance directives, goals of care, and end-or-life wishes can be scary. Even if the conversation doesn't scare you, finding the right time and the right way to bring it up can be a challenge.

This week I share my own recent experience of having a goals of care conversation with a loved one, and give practical guidance for how to get started with your own courageous conversations.

Let's talk about it!
Dr. Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

#palliativecare

From Cold Showers to Going Flat: Katie Duke's Empowering View of Breast Cancer From the Inside

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Katie Joy Duke (@katiejoyduke) shares her wisdom as a woman and life coach who experienced treatment for stage IV breast cancer. She shares the tough parts and the growth parts, including her decision to pursue an aesthetic flat closure rather than breast reconstruction.

She is open and engaging and wise. I know you'll love learning from her.

You can find information about her coaching practice, book, and speaking at www.katiejoyduke.com.

I'm glad you're here!
Dr. Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

The Tyranny of Expectations

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 14:00:00 -0500

We create much of our own suffering, and I suggest that we all cut that out! Life sends us enough stress and challenge - why would we add to our suffering for now good reason?

Expectations can add to our suffering.

Learning to modulate your expectations allows you to stay in the moment and enjoy your experiences, your people, and your moments.

Holidays are packed with expectations which can turn happy times into frustrating times - but it doesn't have to be that way.

Have a listen and share with a friend.

I appreciate you,
Dr. Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Avoiding Regret: 4 Key Steps

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In the serious illness space, regret is rampant.

Caregivers often regret what they did or didn't do when caring for their loved one with cancer, dementia, or other life-limiting illness. Physicians and other clinicians may regret the goals of care conversations that we meant to have but didn't get around to.

Regret is terrible and its negative impact can linger long after the ill person has died. One of the key tasks in serious illness care is to help everyone involved avoid regret.

This week I discuss four steps that we can all use to help us, our loved ones, and our patients to avoid regret.

Dr. Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Advance Directives & Emergency Medicine: Wisdom From the Front Lines with Dr. Dan Morhaim

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Emergency Medicine physicians face life and death situations as part of their normal work day. They train for that! But what about when an ailing person with a very advanced cancer comes to the ED without an advanced directive? What if half the family wants aggressive care and half the family wants to let the patient die peacefully at home?

This week's guest is Dan Morhaim, MD who is an accomplished emergency medicine physician, legislator, and so much more. He has focused his teaching and research on advanced directives because he saw how important they are when an emergency hits the family.

You will love this conversation.

Thanks for joining us on the integrative palliative path.
Dr. Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Managing the Holidays When Someone Important is Missing

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Holidays can be joyful times that bring you together with the people that you love. But what if someone is missing?

Maybe your loved one has died, or maybe someone important to you can't join you for the holidays this year. How do you balance grief with expectations of holiday joy?

This week I discuss how to cope with the holidays when someone you love won't be with you.

In support and gratitude,

Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Coping When Faced with Deeply Upsetting Circumstances

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0500

We've just had a big election and many people have strong feelings about the result. Some people are happy about the outcome, and others are feeling deeply distressed.

In palliative care we are experts at helping people cope with highly unwanted outcomes. We can use some of our palliative care skills to help people cope with their feelings right now.

What other tips would you suggest?

#meded #hospice #election

Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative,com

The Basics of Gender Affirming Care: A Primer for Physicians and Clinicians

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Can you define cisgender? Transgender? Intersex? Gender non-conforming?

Do you know the difference between sex and gender? Have you heard of a 'dead name?'

Do you know why using "Sir" and "Ma'am" can cause you to be inadvertently hurtful to your patients?

Providing gender affirming care is important but you may not have learned this in school. Join us this week for a primer in the basics of gender affirming healthcare.

What did I miss? Reach out and let me know.
Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Supporting Blind Patients: From 'Pity Party' to 'Propel Party' with Sarah Freeman Smith

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Sarah Freeman Smith is a blind inspirational speaker and author, former HR/recruiting leader and disability advocate. She went blind in midlife and in this week's episode of The Integrative Palliative Podcast she shares her journey, the tech that she uses to increase her independence, and guidance for physicians and clinicians to help their visually impaired patients.

Rayban Meta smart glasses have been a game changer for her!

Sara has many resources for the visually impaired and you can find them on her website www.urgems.com.

October is World Vision Awareness month.

If you like the podcast be sure to subscribe!
Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Eco-Friendly End-of-Life Options: Green Burials and Beyond

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Many patients are embalmed or cremated after death, but this isn't the only option. Embalming and cremation have a negative impact on the environment, and other, more eco-friendly, options are becoming popular.

Options such as green burials, human composting, and reef balls give people options for how to handle their loved one's body after death.

Do you think that accepting, and even facilitating, decomposition of a body after death helps us engage in "circle of life" coping? Or are standard funeral services more helpful?

Let me know what you think!

If you like this podcast, please subscribe!

Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

White Coat Crossroads: An Interview with Physician Career Coach Heather Fork, MD

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Many physicians, and other clinicians, are wiped out and burned out. They may wonder if they should stay in medicine, or if there is another path that would make them happier.

Yet running away from unhappiness isn't a great strategy because sometimes the unhappiness follows you to your next destination.

Dr. Heather Fork is a dermatologist and physician career coach who guides physicians to a career, and life, that makes them happy. Sometimes her clients decide to remain in clinical practice and sometimes they find non-clinical positions, but either way Dr. Fork helps them to create happier lives for themselves and their families.

You can find more information about working with Dr. Fork at https://doctorscrossing.com/.

You deserve to be happy!
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Handling Angry Patients Without Losing Your Cool

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 22:00:00 -0400

Sometimes patients or family members express their stress with anger. And when the anger is directed your way you may get defensive or annoyed and it can put a pall on your day.

Listen to this week's episode for clear guidance about what to do when your patient gets angry so that both of you leave the visit feeling calm.

Emotional Needs of the Dying: Four Key Concepts to Discuss with Your Patients

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Don't be afraid to talk about dying.

We don't learn to talk about dying and so many people are afraid because they don't know what to say. Here are four key topics to bring up with people who have advanced illness such as progressive metastatic cancer. In patients with Alzheimer's disease or other kinds of dementia, it is important to have these conversations early in the disease course.

Today we'll discuss:

Fear of death
Need for connection and closure
Life review
Legacy or Love projects

What kind of legacy would you like to leave?

In gratitude,
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Mental Status Change in Hospice Patients: What to Do and Not to Do

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 21:00:00 -0400

Mental status changes in hospice patients are extremely common. Yet are they always due to disease progression?

If a patient suddenly gets confused or sleeps all day, what should you do? Should you counsel the family that this is normal? Order testing? Assess the medication list?

Family members sometimes worry that sending their loved one with advanced cancer, dementia, or other serious illness to hospice will mean that they'll just get morphine but no medical attention. Let's make sure that this stereotype isn't accurate.

Look out for premature closure and keep the patient/family goals in mind.

Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com
Whole person care for people with serious illness using all the tools that work

When Patients with Cancer Pain Won't Take Opioids: 30 Reasons Why and What to Do About It

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your patient is in terrible pain from cancer and you have the tools to relieve it. Yet they won't take the oxycontin or morphine that you prescribed.

You can see that they are suffering yet you feel powerless to help. This is a common scenario and it can lead to discord between you and your patients. You may feel like saying, "Well fine then. I can't force you to help yourself..."

You feel frustrated and the patient may not feel supported.

Here are 30 reasons why your patient may be hesitant to take their pain medication and guidance on what you can do about it.

Help your patients, improve your doctor-patient relationships, and reduce your frustration.

Let me know how it goes!
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Free guide for physicians to reclaim their wellbeing at work and in life: https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/pl/2148540010

Ketamine: What It Is, Who Should Use It, And How the Palliative Population is Different

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0400

Ketamine is in the news right now because Matthew Perry died from improper use of ketamine and his physicians just got arrested for making that possible.

It is always a bit shocking when physicians get arrested for prescribing medication. It does seem like his physicians were not acting in accordance with their hippocratic oath - if that's true, shame on them.

I do wonder, though, will this make clinicians less inclined to use ketamine to help reduce their patients' suffering. In addition to being an anesthetic, ketamine is used to help reduce severe and persistent chronic pain and depression.

In the palliative population it can be used orally, but for most people it is used IV and only under the direct (in office) supervision of a physician or other clinician.

Do you use it in your practice? Did this case impact your plans to use ketamine in the future?

Join us in the Integrative Palliative Medicine interest group on Facebook and share your experience.

I appreciate you,
Delia
www.integrativepalliative.com

Dealing with Uncertainty in Health and Life: 4 Dos and 4 Don'ts

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 18:00:00 -0400

We live in a soup of uncertainty and so do our patients and clients. Caring for patients with serious illnesses such as cancer or Alzheimers dementia can be extremely stressful because the experience is filled with uncertainty.

Having a clear approach to dealing with uncertainty reduces stress and increases joy.

This week we discuss 4 Dos and 4 Don'ts for dealing with uncertainty in health and in life.

I'm happy that you're part of the joyful palliative care tribe!
Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

LovingKindness Meditation: An Experiential Episode to Feed Your Soul

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400

The LovingKindness, or Metta, meditation (not a typo - that's how it is spelled) is one of my favorite meditations. It offers kindness and healing to you, the people in your life and the world.

This week I offer you a LovingKindness meditation for your own wellbeing.

You'll notice that there is no intro or ending because I'd like you to hang on to this meditation to use any time you could use a boost of positive energy.

Enjoy! (And then share with a friend)

Delia

P.S., Can you do me a favor? If you find value from this podcast please write a review on iTunes and tell a friend about the podcast. This will help me reach more people, which will help to feed my soul. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Leave Your Heirs the Gift of Organization: How Adam Zuckerman's "Buried in Work" Simplifies Estate & End-of Life Planning

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Leave your heirs the gift of organization. Estate planning is crucial but many people put it off because they aren't sure how to proceed.

Adam Zuckerman is an attorney and entrepreneur who created a company, Buried in Work, after losing his father to cancer. Adam is passionate about making estate planning and end of life preparations as easy as possible for families facing serious illness.

His site covers vast topics, from having tough conversations to green burials. He even has card "games" to help families communicate about goals, wishes, legacy, and life stories.

You can find all of these resources at www.buriedinwork.com

Wellbeing for your patients and for you,
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Dealing with Challenging Patients: The Power of Empathy Plus Boundaries

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0400

We've all had challenging patient or client interactions. It can be hard to know how to handle them and it can make us feel lousy or even derail our day.

You want to be an empathetic physician, nurse, therapist, PA or other clinician but how do you balance empathy with boundaries when a patient or family is angry or mean?

This week join me to reflect on the 8 steps to managing a challenging patient interaction.

Let me know what I missed! Join us on Facebook in the Integrative Palliative Medicine Interest group or reach out through the website at www.integrativepalliative.com.

I appreciate you!
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

The Less Stress Doc: An Interview with Dr. Gary Sprouse

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Dr. Gary Sprouse is the Less Stress Doc. He is a family physician with expertise in stress management and he's the author of Highway to Your Happy Place: A Roadmap to Less Stress.

This week Dr. Sprouse shares tools and insights to help you manage stress, banish guilt and regret, and live a happier life.

You can find more information about Dr. Sprouse at www.thelessstressdoc.com

Caring for a Challenging Loved One: 3 Questions and 3 Truths

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Caring for a loved one who is aging or ill is hard. It is especially hard if you've had a challenging relationship with them. If you had a difficult childhood and now find yourself caring for a parent with cancer, a stroke, or Alzheimer's dementia, you may be experiencing extreme stress and overwhelm.

Ask yourself these 3 questions and ponder these 3 truths to make a hard time less stressful.

Thanks for listening,
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

A Rational Approach to Chiropractic Care: Guidance from Brian Morrison, DC

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Chiropractic care is widely misunderstood by the medical community. In this interesting interview, chiropractor Brian Morrison clues us in to how we got here and the ways in which chiropractic education and clinical care have changed for the better in recent years.

Dr. Morrison discusses who benefits most from chiropractic care, and which patients should not be referred.

Here's to an expanded clinical toolbox.
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Your Internal Judge Makes Practicing Medicine (and Everything Else) Harder

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Our internal judge has us judging ourselves, other people, and our circumstances. This makes practicing palliative care (and any patient care) harder and generates stress for us that we certainly don't need.

This week you'll learn strategies for noticing your own judge and practical techniques for calming it, so you can enjoy your practice more, have less burnout, and be a happier person.

Try it out and let me know how it goes!

I'm glad you're here,
Delia

Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com
P.S., This approach is based on the work of Shirzad Chamine and his book Positive Intelligence. I provide positive intelligence-based coaching for palliative care clinicians who want to provide heart-centered care for their patients in a way that allows their own light to shine. Reach out at www.integrativepalliative.com if you'd like to work with me.

The Power of Mind-Body Medicine: An Interview with James Gordon MD, Founder of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine

Thu, 30 May 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Dr Gordon is a world-recognized authority and pioneer in mind-body medicine, and he is the founder and executive director of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine in Washington, DC.

He is a Harvard educated psychiatrist and a clinical professor at Georgetown Medical School. He was chair of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy, and he has a recent book called Transforming Trauma: The Path to Hope and Healing.

Dr. Gordon has created and implemented extraordinary programs for healing population-wide psychological trauma. He and his colleagues have brought this program to diverse populations including refugees from wars in the Balkans, the Middle East, and Africa; firefighters and U.S. military personnel; school shooting survivors – as well as stressed out professionals, stay-at-home mothers, inner-city children, and people struggling with mental and physical disorders and end of life challenges.

Through his decades of first-hand experience, Dr. Gordon believes that the heartbreaking devastation that trauma causes can also open our hearts and minds to deeper understanding, enhanced meaning and purpose, and greater love.

You can reach him at www.cmbm.org.

Don't miss this episode.
Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Moral Distress, Moral Injury, and Humanity in Healthcare

Thu, 23 May 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Moral distress and moral injury are common in healthcare, yet few physicians, nurses or other clinicians talk about it on a regular basis.

Stuffing the shame, guilt, anger and other powerful emotions that can accompany moral injury can lead to clinician burnout, compassion fatigue, depression or even suicide. And it can also result in excellent, empathetic clinicians leaving healthcare,

Let's talk about it!

Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Don't Blame The Victim: 4 Myths of Clinician Self-Care

Thu, 16 May 2024 09:00:00 -0400

The term self-care has a bad rap lately. It can seem like healthcare organizations use terms like "self-care" and "resilience" to make their doctors, nurses, and other healthcare practitioners work harder and harder. They offer free yoga, while piling on more and more work!

There is truth to this scenario, yet pushing away the concepts of self-care is not the solution.

This week we cover 4 myths of clinician self-care. This episode is appropriate if you are a physician, nurse, nurse practitioner, physician assistant/associate, chaplain, social worker, therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or other person who cares for seriously ill or aging people.

Caring for you is a key part of caring for your patients!

Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

How to Handle it When Your Patient is Crying

Thu, 09 May 2024 21:00:00 -0400

Many clinicians, especially physicians, don't learn in school what to do when a patient is crying. When we don't know what to do we feel uncomfortable, and no one likes to feel uncomfortable.

I've seen many physicians sit in the presence of a crying patient, continue to work on their computer, or awkwardly shift in their seat. This gives the patient the message that their tears and feelings aren't welcome.

This week we talk about what to do when your patient starts crying.

I'm glad you're here,
Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Joyful Palliative Care

Thu, 02 May 2024 22:00:00 -0400

Is Joyful Palliative Care possible? Palliative care clinicians are often kind and highly empathetic people, but uncontrolled caring can lead to compassion fatigue or even burnout.

Yet approaching the care of seriously ill people with an intentional approach can indeed make palliative care joyful.

Here are the steps:

1. More tools to relieve your patients' suffering (integrative symptom management)
2. Develop your healing presence
3. Know yourself
4. Become a heart-centered leader
5. Fill your cup

I'm offering a Joyful Palliative Care program for clinicians who take care of people with cancer, dementia, neurologic disease, and other serious illness. If this podcast episode sparks something in you, come join us.

Get on the Joyful Palliative Care waiting list so you'll be the first to know when the program starts. Also, people who join the program from the waiting list will get a discount or bonus.
https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/pl/2148314858

Welcome to the tribe,
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

2024 International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health: 8 Key Takeaways

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

The 2024 Integrative Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health was held recently in Cleveland and there were so many wonderful sessions. I attended and have picked out 8 key learnings to share with you.

The 8 topics are:

1. Microskills for wellness
2. Healing presence
3. Boundaries
4. Photobiomodulation
5. Vagus nerve
6. Psychedelics
7. A key values question
8. A surprise!

Listen, share and subscribe!

Here's the website of the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health https://imconsortium.org/

Dr. Chiaramonte
www.integrativepalliative.com

Using Negotiation Skills to Communicate Effectively with Patients

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Effective doctor-patient communication is crucial for effective patient care. Yet effective communication is challenging when visits are time pressured, and both clinicians and patients are often stressed.

Using the tools of negotiation can help make doctor/clinician-patient communication more effective. This week I discuss an 8 step approach to negotiating effectively with patients.

In support of heart-centered healing,
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

The Power of the Healthcare Provider Gaze: An Interview with Dignity Expert Harvey Chochinov MD, PhD

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Harvey Chochinov, MD, PhD is an esteemed clinician and researcher in the field of palliative care. He shares his research on dignity, dignity therapy and the Dignity Question that is vital for providing the highest quality end of life care.

You will be inspired by his work and learn tools that you can bring right to the bedside.

You can find Dr. Chochinov on Linked in or at:
Twitter: @hmchochinov
Harvey.chochinov@cancercare.mb.ca

Thank you for being a heart-centered healer!
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Integrative Health Coaching and Education: A Discussion with Michelle Pearce, Phd

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Michelle Pearce, PhD is a psychotherapist, coach and integrative health educator who is passionate about guiding people to well-being.

She shares her insights about health coaching, both private and group. She also shares information about the integrative health and wellness certificate program that she leads at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. This program is for physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychotherapists, social workers, and more.

I teach in the Integrative Health Certificate program too!

If you'd like to connect with Dr. Pearce for information or coaching you can reach her at drmichellepearce.com or email her at info@drmichellepearce.com.

Reach out anytime. I love to hear from you!

Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.copingcourageously.com

Dementia: 7 Ways to Connect When Language Is No Longer Accessible

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 19:00:00 -0400

Dementia is hard on families.

It is hard to watch a loved one decline, hard to provide personal care, and hard to lose the connection with the person that you once knew. One of the hardest things may be that the person loses their language, and language is often how we connect.

This week I share 7 ideas for fostering connection with people with dementia.

If you're a clinician, share these ideas with the families that you care for. If you have a person in your family with dementia, try them out yourself.

In support of whole person care for families facing aging or illness, using all the tools that work. I'm glad you're here.

Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.copingcourageously.com

Integrative Nutrition Coaching: An Interview with Joel Edman

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Behavior change is hard.

Integrative nutrition and wellbeing coaches are an important part of a healthcare team.
Joel Edman, DSc, FACN is an integrative nutrition and health coach and he shares his wisdom this week about how to facilitate practical and realistic behavior change.

Healthy nutrition, exercise and stress management is important for people with autoimmune disease, obesity, cardiovascular disease and more.

If you'd like to contact him for a consult, check out his website at:
edmanwellness@comcast.net

In gratitude for the heart-centered healer that you are,

Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

A Surprising Cause of Pain in a Patient with Cancer: A Case Discussion

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0400

As clinicians it is crucial that we are aware of our blinders.

Sometimes the obvious cause of pain isn't the actual cause of pain and we need to be willing to look past our first impressions.

This week I discuss the case of one of my patients (de-identified of course). He had widely metastatic cancer and a pain that I couldn't control with medication. Come find out what worked to relieve his pain.

Celebrating the heart-centered healer that you are,

Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

P.S. please write a podcast review - it helps me spread the word to other heart-centered clinicians!

How to Stay Sane in the Presence of Suffering - 6 Key Steps

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0500

It is painful to watch other people suffer, whether they are your patients or your loved ones. They may suffer with illnesses, such as cancer or dementia, or may suffer with emotional pain, anxiety or depression.

You want to help, but don't want to be swallowed up by their suffering.

Join me this week to learn six important ways to protect your own well-being while also being a loving caregiver, physician or clinician.

Celebrating the heart-centered healer that you are,

Dr. Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com
www.copingcourageously.com

Acceptance is Badass - A Reading From Coping Courageously

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

This week I share the story of one of my patients and the woman he loved. Nick was a man in his 20s with an advanced cancer and caring for him touched my heart.

He had to face the difficult reality in front of him in order to create the life that he wanted. He embraced acceptance and it changed his future.

Come listen to a reading from Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One's Illness Without Losing Yourself. You'll hear Nick's story and several others and you'll come to believe that acceptance is badass.

My patients who practiced acceptance resolved to live their life fully, regardless of their diagnosis. Whether they were facing chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or an end of life illness the squeezed all the juice out of life that they could.

They coped courageously.

This week I challenge you to consider your own life through the lens of acceptance.

Let me know what you come up with.

Celebrating the heart-centered healer that you are,

Dr. Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.copingcourageously.com

BreathNote: A Powerful Tool for Using Your Breath to Improve Wellbeing

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Breath is powerful. We carry it with us, it keeps us alive, and it can either increase our stress or reduce it.

Slow breathing is a secret weapon for reducing the stress response, reducing anxiety and improving wellbeing.

This week you'll hear from Fernando David Pinon and Nancy Estaphanous, the co-founders of BreathNote. BreathNote is a unique and effective tool that uses music to guide relaxation breathing. It can be used in clinical settings, such as chemo suites or physician exam rooms, and it can be used individually by patients, families and clinicians to facilitate well-being.

In this episode you will not only learn about BreathNote and how it can be used to help pain, anxiety, and other discomforts, but you will experience it for yourself.

Whether you're seeking a personal wellbeing tool or a professional tool for patient care, our conversation provides insights into the power of music and breath.

How to contact Fernando and Nancy at Breathnote:
www.breathnote.com
partnerships@breathnote.com

Celebrating the heart-centered healer that you are,

Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Look for Wonder... And Then Create It

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 22:00:00 -0500

There is wonder in unexpected places.

When you look for it you will find it, and when you find it life feels just a bit lighter.

From an Uber ride that turned into an impromptu therapy session to a conversation in a wellness store that may just save a local business, this week we'll uncover the magic hidden within everyday interactions.

How is this relevant to palliative care?

Dealing with patients with dementia, cancer, and other serious or progressive illness can entice us to slow down and look for moments of wonder. When we decide to we can start to notice the 'nuggets of magic' all around us... and then we can create moments of wonder ourselves.

Celebrating the heart-centered healer that you are,

Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Remote Neurofeedback: A Conversation with Francesco Amico and Alvaro Villegas

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Neurofeedback is a brain-based treatment that is effective and safe. It can be used to manage ADHD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, Parkinson’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, post concussive syndrome and more.

This week we have Francesco Amico, PhD and Alvaro Villegas who are experts in neurofeedback, especially neurofeedback that can be administered remotely, sharing their expertise.

They work with a product called Myndlift that allows people to have personalized neurofeedback treatment from their home. More information about Myndlift is available at www.myndlift.com.

Dr. Amico can be contacted at linkedin.com/in/dr-francesco-amico-phd-b7170649

Mr. Villegas and Dr. Amico can we reached at www.helloneotherapy.com (Spanish and English).

Let’s be Sage Clinicians who provide whole person care to people with serious illness, using all the tools that work.

Dr C

Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

The Clinicians Guide to Guided Imagery

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Guided imagery is a powerful tool to use with your patients who have generalized anxiety or are just feeling anxious about getting chemotherapy or having a procedure.

It is easy to learn and every physician, nurse, nurse practitioner, PA, radiation technologist, and every other clinician should have this tool in their toolbox.

In addition, I've recorded a LovingKindness meditation (Metta) that is available for you for free at www.copingsupport.com. Have a listen, because your wellbeing matters too.

Reach out any time,
Dr C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliatve.com

All About Yoga Therapy: An Interview With Yoga Therapist Kelly Bethel

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Do you know the different between yoga and yoga therapy?

Which one is better for people getting treatment for cancer? How about people with neurologic conditions or those who have had a stroke?

What benefits can patients get from yoga therapy? What are the risks?

Yoga therapy expert Kelli Bethel, PT, DPT, C-IYAT shares her wisdom about all things yoga therapy.

Learn more tools to help your patients manage their pain, anxiety, chemo symptoms, and sleep.

You can reach her at kelli@kmbethel.com.

Helping you expand your clinical toolbox so you can maximize the wellbeing of your patients and yourself,

Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Stop "Shoulding" on People

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Family members "should" on patients.

Patients "should" on themselves.

And we "should" on patients too.

This week I share eight "shoulds" that we can try to avoid to improve the wellbeing of the families that we care for.

Also, today is book launch day! Check out Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Illness Without Losing Yourself - I wrote this book for families bit also for clinicians who care for seriously ill people.

Check it out and tell a friend!
Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.copingcourageously.com

The Power of Acceptance

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Acceptance is powerful.

Many people mistakenly think that acceptance is giving up. They see it as the opposite of fighting.

I see it differently. Instead of being the opposite of fighting, I see acceptance as the opposite of pretending. When you stop pretending you open opportunities for deep wellbeing and connection.

In this episode I read a story from my book Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One's Illness Without Losing Yourself.

You are invited to the virtual book launch party! RSVP is required - go to www.copingcouragesouly.com. I really hope you'll join us.

Dr. Chiaramonte

I Donated My Kidney to a Stranger: A Fascinating Interview with Chaya Lasson, RN

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

It is challenging enough to imagine lending a stranger your car or giving them a large sum of money. Yet, some kind souls donate their precious, living body parts to people that they don't know.

Chaya Lasson, RN is just such a person.

This week she shares her personal journey with living kidney donation. Her story will fascinate and inspire you.

Chaya is happy to chat with anyone interested in learning more about living kidney donation. You can reach her at: classon@lifebridegehealth.org.

She discusses the organization that helped her on the journey to donation. It is called Renewal and can be reached at www.renewal.org.

You don't need to donate a kidney, but I suggest that you consider how you can put good into the world this week.

Thanks for joining me on the journey!
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

How to Help Your Patients Cope Courageously

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0500

It is our job to help our patients cope courageously.

Whether they have cancer, dementia, age-related decline, ALS or other serious condition it will cause stress for their family that we can help to relieve.

This week you'll get a sneak peak into the techniques that I have put into my book Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One's Illness Without Losing Yourself.

(Release date January 18th, 2023)

If you are here, you are a heart-centered person. I'm glad to be on the journey with you.

Delia Chiaramonte, MD

My Gift to You: Permission

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

My gift to you is permission.

If you are holding on to ideas of how you're supposed to be and generating your own anxiety and stress, this episode is your answer.

For holiday season 2023 I have 5 permissions and 3 invitations for you to help make this season the calm and happy one that you deserve.

I'm glad that we're on the journey together.

Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Anchoring - A Powerful Tool to Support Wellbeing for You and Your Patients

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Do you use anchoring?

Anchoring is a powerful tool that you can use to help manage stress even when you are out and about or in a meeting with a frustrating boss.

Just like Pavlov's dogs salivated when the bell rang because they connected the bell with yummy meat, you can train your physiology to connect your sense of relaxation with any anchor that you choose. You can use this approach to manage your stress, anxiety, depression, pain, insomnia, and so much more.

Try it out and let me know how it works for you!

Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Clinician Grief: It's Real, It's Important and We Need to Talk About it. An Interview with Grief Expert Helen Bauer.

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Clinician grief: it's real, it's important and we need to talk about it.

Have you heard of secondary grief? Grief shaming?

In this important interview with hospice nurse and grief expert, Helen Bauer, we dive deeply into who experiences grief, how grief is so much more than sadness, and what we should all be doing to manage it.

Learn more about Helen at www.theheartofhospice.com and listen to her podcast called The Heart of Hospice Podcast.

Let's keep learning from and supporting each other,
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

When There Isn't Enough Time: 8 Tips for Practicing Compassionate Medicine in a High Patient Volume Environment

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Too many patients and too little time.

Most clinicians wish they had more time to spend with each patient and patients generally hate feeling rushed through their medical visits.

How can you practice compassionate medical care when you have to rush from one patient to another?

This week I discuss 8 tips for making a short visit seem longer so it is more satisfying for your patient and more satisfying for you.

What did I miss? Let me know and I'll add them in to a future episode. You can connect with me on the website (www.integrativepalliative.com ) or on LinkedIn.

Help me spread the word about integrative palliative care.

I'm glad to be on the journey with you!
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

P.S. Join our community of integrative palliative people. We'd love to have you. Sign up here: https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/IPI-stay-in-touch

When Family is Fraught

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 18:00:00 -0500

Families are complicated.

Holiday events, such as Thanksgiving, can bring out stressful feelings just as we're hoping for picture perfect family moments.

This week's episode gives you 4 Truths and 4 Suggestions for staying happy and sane during family holiday moments. Use these suggestions for yourself and file them away to support your patients when they are feeling stressed about family struggles.

We can have joy in our work and in our life.

We can be Sage Physicians.

Let's make it happen together.

Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

The Beauty of Ayurveda: An Interview with Susan Weis-Bohlen

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

What's your Dosha? What is a Dosha? Do you know which foods work best for your unique constitution?

This week, Ayurveda expert Susan Weis-Bohlen shares her wisdom about Ayurveda and how you can use it to increase your health and wellbeing.

You will learn if you are a Pitta, Vata or Kappa Dosha and which foods are particularly suited for you.

You'll learn how Susan guides her clients to wellbeing using an Ayurvedic approach.
You can find her books and reach out to her here:

https://susanweisbohlen.com/

I'm so happy to be on the journey with you,
Dr. Chiaramonte
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

P.S.
If you'd like to add integrative symptom management to your practice (or stress management for you), reach out through my website above. I'd love to hear from you!

Talking to Patients About Prognosis

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

No one likes talking to patients about prognosis. It is uncomfortable and distressing for the clinician and the patient.

Our discomfort and lack of training in how to manage these conversations with skill can increase out patients' suffering.

Learn the 10 step process for expertly navigating these tough conversations.

Share this episode with a colleague who cares for patients with serious illness.

I'm happy to be on the journey with you.

Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Integrative Oncology: An Interview with Dr. Kirsten West

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0400

People facing cancer are often interested in exploring an integrative approach to managing their care. Yes many conventional oncologists don't feel comfortable guiding their patients because they aren't sure what is safe and effective.

This week, naturopathic doctor Kirsten West, ND, LAc, FABNO shares her wisdom about which naturopathic approaches are safe for patients getting cancer treatment and which ones can be dangerous and should be avoided.

Dr West sees patients remotely and can be reached at:
https://riordanclinic.org and 1-800-447-7276.

I'm glad to be on the journey with you,
Dr. Chiaramonte
www.integrativepalliative.com
P.S. If you're a physician and would like to build your skills at managing stress so you can enjoy your life more, reach out through the website above. A physician group will be starting soon.

Becoming a Sage Physician: The 8 Key Steps

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Becoming a Sage Physician (or clinician) requires you to care expertly for your patients and also care expertly for yourself.

Expanding your toolbox, finding the root cause of your patients' concerns, learning to set and keep your boundaries and matching your life to your values are examples of how you can go from being a stressed out and disillusioned physician to becoming a Sage Physician,

What else would you add?

I'm happy to be on the journey with you,
Dr. Chiaramonte
www.integrativepalliative.com

P.S. Do you know someone else who is on the journey to becoming a Sage Physician? Please send them this episode.

Fascia Facts: Learn From Fascia Expert David Lesondak

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0400

David Lesondak is the Senior Structural Integrator and Fascia Specialist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Center for Integrative Medicine.

He has written bestselling books on the topic of fascia, such as Fascia: What is is and Why it Matters and Fascia, Function, and Medical Applications. He also hosts a podcast: Body Talk with David Lesondak.

This week is all about fascia. David tells us what it is, how it is related to pain syndromes, how structural integration works, and even how to find a skilled fascia practitioner in your area.

You can reach out to David at www.davidlesondak.com

I'm glad you're here!
Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com
if you're an oncology or palliative care physician, sign up for the newsletter at the web address above. A program will be starting soon that you will want to hear about.

Responding to Stress with a Positive Mindset: The Power of Positive Intelligence

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Stress is a part of life.

People are frustrating, you don't always get what you want, and life is filled with loss. We often can't control what happens, we can only control how we respond.

But responding to stressful situations in a positive or neutral way (without descending into toxic positivity) can be tough.

The approach of Positive Intelligence, designed by Shirzad Chamine and outlined in his book of the same name, gives a clear roadmap for how to respond to tough situations in a way that improves our wellbeing rather than reducing it.

This episode dives deeply into the concepts of Positive Intelligence, including identifying Saboteurs and Sage powers. If you'd like to identify your top saboteurs, you can do it here: https://support.positiveintelligence.com/article/64-saboteur-assessment

Here's to giving great care to patients and also to ourselves,
Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

P.S.
Want to explore positive intelligence further? Reach out to me at hello@integrativepalliative.com and I can get you into my next group

Building Mental Fitness (Part 1): An Insightful Interview with Expert Positive Intelligence Coach Bill Carmody

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Mental fitness is the capacity to respond to life's challenges with a positive rather than negative mindset. Improving your mental fitness can positively impact your performance, your relationships, and your well-being, and "Positive Intelligence" is a beautifully simple and effective way to get there.

The method was designed by Shirzad Chamine and is outlined in his bestselling book called Positive Intelligence.

Our guest this week, Bill Carmody, is the Chief Coaching Office for Positive Intelligence and he has tons of wisdom to share about how and why you can increase your mental fitness.

Here are some of the links that were mentioned in the episode:
https://support.positiveintelligence.com/article/64-saboteur-assessment
https://www.billcarmody.com/
https://www.threerulesofmarriage.com/

Next week we'll dive more deeply into the positive intelligence framework and discuss the relevance for physicians and clinicians.

Let's grow together,
Delia
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Are You A Martyr For Medicine?

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0400

I saw this question online "Are you a martyr for medicine?"

The question made so many people uncomfortable that I figured it was something we needed to think about.

Here are the questions to ponder that we address in this week's episode:

- How much are you sacrificing?
- How much are you suffering?
- What is your cause?
- What can you do to bring things into balance?

You'll self-reflect this week and leave the episode with a better understanding of your relationship to your work and an action plan to get you closer to the life that you want.

In support of your wellbeing,
Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Using The Death Deck to Facilitate Communication: An Interview with Co-Creator Lisa Pahl, LCSW

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Communicating about death and end of life topics can be scary. For both clinicians and family members who care for people with serious illness (like cancer and dementia) it can be tough to know how to raise issues related to mortality, end of life decisions, and beliefs about what happens after death.

Lisa Pahl, LCSW co-created the Death Deck and the EOL Deck to help facilitate communication about death and end of life issues in a non-threatening, light, and even fun way. In this week's episode she tells us what inspired her to create these "games" and how they can be used. You'll get valuable communication tips when she reads some of the cards.

You will leave the episode wanting to play with the Death Deck!

You can get the deck and reach Lisa here: www.thedeathdeck.com.

Let's master the art of whole-person serious illness care together,

- Dr. C
www.integrativepalliative.com
P.S. Please forward an episode of The Integrative Palliative Podcast to a colleague - help me spread the word!

Talking to Patients About Their Complementary Medicine Use - 8 Key Tips

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0400

What do you say if your patient comes in with a bag of supplements?

What if they are on a bunch of medications but they don't tell you about all of the supplements that they take?

What if you disagree with what they are doing?

What if you don't know much about the complementary modalities that they are using?

You may feel hesitant to talk to patients about their complimentary medicine use or just feel unsure of exactly what to say.

This week you'll learn 8 tips for talking to patients about their complementary treatment use so that you can enhance your relationship with your patient and maximize their wellbeing.

Let me know what you think. What else would you add?
Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
https://www.integrativepalliative.com
Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen) and share the episode with with a friend!

From "I Wish" to "I Will"

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0400

"I wish I could do that."

This benign sounding sentence isn't really benign at all. It is passive and a bit pessimistic and it implies that you probably won't be doing that cool thing after all.

"I will do that thing" has a totally different vibe.

It is active and powerful and makes it more likely that you really will do that very cool thing. Maybe not today, but someday.

Listen this week to explore the crucial difference between "I wish" and "I will."

Learn it for yourself, then teach it to your patients.

Let's spread the word!

Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

But What About the Evidence? How to Approach Evidence-Informed Integrative Palliative Care

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Is it true that integrative palliative care isn't evidence supported? Definitely not.

Is it true that all "natural" approaches are safe and effective. Also definitely not.

Guided imagery and acupuncture are very safe, but there are times that they should be avoided. Knowing these details is crucial for practicing safe and effective integrative palliative care.

The rational approach to integrative palliative care involves finding reliable evidence, focusing on safety, and harnassing (rather than fearing) the placebo response.

Let's do this.

Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Finding The Job You Love: An Interview with Medical Matchmaker, Dr. Lara Hochman

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Being a physician or clinician can be tough. Some are leaving medicine. Some, tragically, even die by suicide. Having a job that makes you happy is key. Doctor Lara Hochman helps physicians find jobs that they love.

Lara Hochman, MD is a Family Medicine physician and The Medical Matchmaker. She is an advocate for fellow physicians’ wellbeing amidst rising burnout and dissatisfaction. Her own experiences led her to discover the ways physicians lost autonomy, and how to reclaim their focus on helping patients. She founded Happy Day Health, a boutique physician matchmaking agency to match doctors with well run, physician-owned private practices where they can avoid burnout and enjoy practicing medicine again.

Website: www.happydayhealth.co (not .com)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larahochman/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@medicalmatchmaker

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happydaymd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happydaymd/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HappyDayMD1

Dr. Hochman shares her wisdom this week about how to be happy in your job - whether you plan to stay where you are or explore now opportunities.

I'm glad to be on the journey with you.
Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

When A Beloved Pet Dies

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0400

For some people pets are family.

Losing a family member is heartbreaking and destabilizing, no matter how many feet they have.

Why is it so hard when a pet dies and what can we do to help us cope?

This week I share my own journey with losing a beloved pet and give guidance for how to handle the situation of euthanasia and grief with intention.

I'm glad to be on the journey with you.

Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Caring For You While You're Caring for Someone Else: An inspirational interview with Dr. Sherita Gaskins-Tillett

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Dr. Sherita Gaskins-Tillett is an Ob-Gyn, mother, wife, wellness enthusiast and leader of wellness retreats for professional women. She has also been a caregiver of a loved one with dementia so she knows the stress of caregiving from the inside.

In this lighthearted and advice-filled interview Dr Gaskins-Tillett gives practical tips for supporting your own wellbeing. She addresses physician wellness, and gives practical advice that will help any busy professional. She also shares her caregiving journey and teaches us how to take care of yourself even when you find yourself as a caregiver.

If you are part of the sandwich generation, or you have a loved one with dementia, cancer, aging related decline, or other chronic illness, you will find value in Dr. Sherita's advice.

She can be reached at www.aweekendforme.com. If you are a female physician you can join her Facebook group Level Up Lady Doc.

This is an episode that you'll want to forward to a stressed out friend or colleague!

Sending you strength for the journey,
Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

Visit www.integrativepalliative.com/training to find training programs for clinicians and family caregivers

Helping Clinicians and Families Navigate the Challenges of Caring for People with Serious Illness

Gabapentin: 8 Tips for Using It Well

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Gabapentin is widely used, often for pain, but it is often not used skillfully.

This can result in patients getting inadequate symptom relief or stopping the drug unnecessarily because they mistakenly think that they can't tolerate it.

Using gabapentin skillfully is worth learning!

Listen and learn the 8 things that you should know about gabapentin. Your patients will be happier and you'll be happier.

Happy learning!
Dr. Chiaramonte
www.integrativepalliative.com/training

Elegant Acupuncture: An Enlightened Interview with Acupuncturist William Zvarick, L.Ac.

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Bill Zvarick, L.Ac is a true healer. In treating his patients he combines his skills in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Qi gong, Tui Na, and western massage to help people find their way back to wellbeing.

He describes acupuncture as an elegant art and when you will listen you will feel his passion for his craft.

Bill explains why he describes acupuncture as elegant, how we can increase our own skills in external Qi gong, and how he has helped even extremely sick people to heal with acupuncture. He explains the safety of acupuncture, but also shares the rare risks and what can be done to mitigate them.

Bill is a joy to listen to!

You can find him here: www.luthervilleacupuncture.com

Happy learning!

Dr. Chiaramonte

When Cancer Treatment is Over: A Surprisingly Stressful Time

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -0400

When cancer treatment is finished, people expect to feel happy. Some do, of course, but many don't.

Any serious illness can be scary, but finishing chemotherapy or radiation can leave people feeling unsettled because the close attention from the oncology team ends.

And family and friends may expect the person to go back to "normal" but the patient may feel anything but normal.

It is important to support people through this time, and let them know that their experience is not unusual.

In support of courageous coping,
Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com/training

Chemotherapy Related Hair Loss: How To Counsel Your Patients

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -0400

The hair loss associated with chemotherapy makes a hard time even harder.

Patients may wonder:

"Should I cut my hair short?"

"Should I shave my head before chemo starts?"

"Is there anything that I can do to prevent my hair from falling out?"

This week's episode will answer those questions and more.

Here's to happier patients and happier clinicians,

Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

Cuddle Therapy: A Healing Option That You Might Not Have Tried

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Loneliness is rampant and so many of us are starved for touch.

Cuddle therapy is an interesting treatment modality that provides platonic touch by trained cuddle therapists.

Have you tried it? Let us know.

If you'd like more info about cuddle therapy or to find a cuddle therapist, here's a resource:

www.cuddlist.com

I am not affiliated with them or endorsing them but they do have a 'find a cuddle therapist' feature.

If you try it, let me know how it goes!

Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com/training

5 Strategies for Mastering Tough Conversations

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Talking about tough stuff like serious illness, advancing illness or end of life issues can be stressful.

This week you'll hear 5 very practical and effective strategies for mastering these tough conversations.

Physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers, chaplains, home health aides, and people caring for a loved one with a serious illness will all find benefit in this week's podcast.

Helping you to find joy in your work as you help your seriously ill patients to thrive.
Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

How to be Happy in a Stressful Job: An Interview with Emergency Medicine Physician Dr. Tamara Beckford

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Battling stress and preventing burnout is an active process. If you have a stressful job, like being an Emergency Medicine physician in a pandemic, actively working on yourself is protective.

Dr. Tamara Beckford is an Emergency Medicine physician and expert in burnout prevention and wellbeing. She shares her personal steps for managing her wellbeing while working in a stressful environment.

You'll want to listen to this one!

Dr. Beckford is also a speaker in the wellness space. You can find her here:
Website: www.urcaringdocs.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/drtamarabeckford
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drtamarabeckford
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urcaringdocs
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ur-caring-docs/id1553710706

Here's to effectively reducing suffering in others while living a joyful life!

Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

P.S. Please send this episode to a colleague. You'll help them reduce their stress and help me spread the word about the podcast!

When A Parent Has Early Dementia: 8 Suggestions for How to Cope

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Having a parent with declining cognitive function is one of the most stressful experiences that you will face. It can be hard to know how to approach your parent(s) about the decline. You want to keep them safe, but they may not want your help.

It can be a long road, so having a coping plan from the start is important.

Here are 8 suggestions for how to cope.

Reach out anytime,

Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

Need support because you're managing a loved one's dementia or serious illness? Click here for help https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/ConsciousCoping

Five Important Considerations For When A Serious Illness Is Progressing

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0400

This week I've been on the other side of the palliative care coin with a family member and my family doggie.

I noticed five themes that applied in both places and I share them this week.

What did I miss? What would you add?

Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

P.S.
The Conscious Coping program is starting in late July. If you have an ill loved one and you'd like more clarity about how to deal with it all, communication skills to handle the tough conversations, calm in a terribly stressful time and support for your self-care, this is for you. The group will be small so everyone can have personal attention. More info is here: https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/ConsciousCoping
If this speaks to you, sign up today.

Six Ways to Improve Wellbeing in Hospitalized Patients

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Being in the hospital is hard.

It can be overwhelming, exhausting and feel like a completely out of control experience.

Whether you are a physician, other clinician or family member of someone who is ill, these six tips will help you improve the wellbeing of people in the hospital.

What other tips would you suggest? Send me a message with your suggestions https://integrativepalliative.com/contact-us

Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

P.S. Are you feeling stressed because someone you love has an advanced illness? Get on the waitlist for my upcoming group program so you can become a confident advocate for your loved one while also taking care of yourself. Click below and put "waitlist" in the comments https://integrativepalliative.com/contact-us

How To Care For A Seriously Ill Loved One Without Betraying Yourself: A powerful interview with Mia Redrick

Thu, 25 May 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Mia Redrick is the real deal.

She is a life coach and business coach who has dealt with significant chronic and serious illness in her family. Mia will show you how to show up for yourself in a powerful way, even while living a busy life or caring for someone who is ill.

You don't want to miss this episode.

Think of two friends who are stressed and send them this episode immediately!

If you want to contact Mia you can find her at www.miaredrick.com

Keep coming back!
Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com/training

The Gift of Massage for Seriously Ill Patients

Thu, 18 May 2023 05:00:00 -0400

You will love this week's guest!

Cal Cates is a massage therapist as well as the founder and Executive Director of Healwell, a non-profit whose mission is to touch people affected by serious illness, teach massage therapists how to provide that touch, and to advocate for a broader role for those therapists in serious illness care.

They have trained thousands of healthcare providers in the skills of resiliency, self-awareness, communication and forgiveness. They have dedicated their career to advocacy in healthcare, massage therapy as social justice, and to revolutionizing education for healthcare providers.

To reach Cal or check out Healwell: www.healwell.org.

Let's spread the word about integrative palliative care!

- Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

P.S. Tell a friend about The Integrative Palliative Podcast!

Talking To People About Their Illness: Know these 6 styles of communication

Thu, 11 May 2023 05:00:00 -0400

It is hard to talk to a loved one about their serious illness. And it can be hard to counsel families about how to communicate well.

Knowing your own communication style and that of the patient can help make communication easier.

This podcast will discuss 6 different communication styles: Direct & open, reserved & private, emotional & expressive, passive or reliant, information-seeking and avoidant or denying. Trying to match communication styles helps connection.

Which communication style do you use?

I'm glad you're here,
Dr C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

Anticipatory Grief: 10 things to do with your seriously ill loved one

Thu, 04 May 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Anticipatory grief is common and normal but it is rarely talked about, which leaves people to suffer alone.

Beginning to grieve for the loss of a loved one before they have died can be hard. In this week's podcast we discuss ten things that a grieving loved one can do with their loved one during this challenging time.

I'm glad you're here,
Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

P.S. Soon I'll be starting a Conscious Coping program to help people with ailing loved ones go from overwhelmed, depleted, and unsure to clear, balanced, and hopeful. If this speaks to you, sign up for the waiting list at www.integrativepalliative.com. I'd love to see you there!

Sympathy vs Empathy vs Compassion: How to approach others’ suffering

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0400

What is the difference between sympathy, empathy, and compassion?

They are each approaches to other people's suffering; however, sympathy is distancing, empathy is supportive, and compassion includes a component of action.

How do you tend to respond to other people's suffering?

I'm glad you're here,

Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

P.S. I'm starting a program for people with ailing loved ones who feel overwhelmed, depleted, and unsure of how to help their loved one. I'm committed to creating an experience that will leave you clear, balanced and hopeful. I'm filling the waiting list now. If this resonates with you, you can get on the waiting list here: www.integrativepalliative.com.

The Game of Joy: An interview with Joy Ambassador Yasmin Nguyen

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Welcome to The Game of Joy!

This week Joy Ambassador, Yasmin Nguyen, shares his inspiring story of struggle and exploration that led him to write his book The Game of Joy.

There is so much in this episode for everyone. Discover your "joy blockers," what to do when you encounter "unjoy" and how to play the "game of joy."

Here's where you'll find Yasmin:
https://joyfullivingproject.com/about-yasmin/

Don't miss this one!

Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

Stay in Touch! Click the link below:
https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/IPI-stay-in-touch

The Nocebo Response: Are You Making Your Patients Worse Without Meaning To?

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Have you said any of these things to your patients?

"Unfortunately,..."
"Your MRI is one of the worst I've even seen."
"Your knee is bone on bone"

If so, you may have elicited the nocebo response.

The nocebo response is the opposite of the placebo response and it can increase your patients' pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety and more.

Words are powerful. They can make your patients better or worse, so choosing your words carefully when you counsel your patients is important.

Come listen, review and share!

I'm glad you're here because every physician deserves to love their work and every patient deserves an effective and joyful physician.

Dr. C

Free guide to adding integrative medicine to your practice - click here:
https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/adding-integrative-medicine

References:
Pfingsten et al, Pain Med, 2001,
Hauser et al, Etsch Arztebk Int 2012

Physicians with ADHD: Open charts, overwhelm and a fabulous, creative mind

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Do you have a ton of open charts? Are you charting at night in your PJs? Do you feel overwhelmed by work tasks?

Are you also intuitive and a connector? Do you get totally engaged in the things that you enjoy?

If that sounds like you, you might have ADHD.

Many high functioning people have ADHD (often inattentive type) but they just don't know it. Come learn from Dr. Diana Mercado Marmarosh, a family physician and expert in physician ADHD. Dr. Marmarosh is not only an expert - she lives this herself!

You will pick up many practical tips, whether or not you have ADHD, that will help you get your work done at work and get more time back in your day.

Send this episode to a friend or colleague who is feeling overwhelmed!

Dr. Mercado Marmarosh can be found at www.adhd-lifecoach.com. She offers coaching and retreat for physicians with ADHD or work overwhelm.

I'm so glad you're here!

Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

Being In The Hospital: How doctors and patients can support each other

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0400

The healthcare system is rough on everyone. Physicians and patients are both frustrated and everyone has a point.

This week we talk about three big topics that come up in the hospital: information, emotions and decisions. We discuss them from the clinicians' perspective and then from the patients' perspective so that we can better understand each other.

The system is frustrating for everyone, but my hope is that patients and clinicians can turn towards each other instead of away from each other.

Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
P.S. Thank you for understanding about the coughing dog that you might hear in the background. My beloved doggie is terminally ill and I can't bear to lock her out of the room!

If you have a loved one who is ill and your family would like support through the experience feel free to reach out at hello@integrativepalliative.com. A few coaching spots are available per month.

The Power of Breath & Pause: A Lesson in Being with Dr. Rashmi Schramm

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Dr. Rashmi Schramm is a meditation & life coach, and a generally sage and wonderful human being. She offers tons of practical tools to help us feel better, stress less and find joy in day to day life. She will teach you to spend a little less time DOING and a little more time BEING.

You'll leave this episode with techniques that you can use to make your life better, starting today.

If you'd like to work with Dr. Schramm you can find her here:
www.optimalwellnessmd.org
@dr.rashmischramm

She also has a wonderful YouTube channel with tons of free meditations. Go to YouTube and search Rashmi Schramm and you'll find her.

Send this episode to a colleague or friend who would benefit from turning down their stress.

Yours in expanding the treatment toolbox for people with serious illness,

Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

When Your Pet Needs Palliative Care

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Pets are like family and it can be terribly painful and difficult when they get sick.

Should you take them for surgery? Do the intensive testing? How do you know when it's time to think about euthanasia?

This week's episode is all about pets and palliative care. You'll learn about the pet palliative care that is going on in my home, and if you listen closely you can hear my sick doggie coughing in the background!

Sending well wishes to all the sick pets!

Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com
If there is anyone in your life who is caring for a loved one with a serious illness and would like support, I would be happy to help them.

Sjögren's Syndrome: When the doctor is the patient. An Interview with Dr. Kara Wada

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Dr. Kara Wada is an allergist, immunologist and lifestyle medicine physician. She had years of vague and unexplained symptoms that ultimately resulted in a diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome.

This diagnosis spurred her to explore ways to control her symptoms and improve her health. This week Dr. Wada shares her journey and offers many tips for reducing inflammation and managing rheumatologic diseases, such as Sjögren's.

Here's how to find Dr. Wada:
www.drkarawada.com
instagram.com/crunchyallergist
Facebook.com/crunchyallergist
linkedin.com/cruncyallergist

Share with your contacts who have rheumatologic disease!
Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

Three Ways to Avoid Compassion Fatigue

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Compassion fatigue is the negative impact that caring for patients can have on caring clinicians over time. It can happen when we are witness to repeated suffering, when we don't get time to replenish ourselves or when we see multiple micro-injustices (like patients getting sicker because they can't afford their medications) over time.

With these three important steps we can prevent compassion fatigue and preserve our ability to empathetically care for our patients.

I'm glad you're here!
Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

P.S. Click the link below to learn more about how to work with me.

There is one for physicians (and other clinicians) and another for those who are caring for a loved one with a serious illness.

What You Think You Know About Hospice is Probably Wrong: 10 Myths

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0500

How many of these hospice myths did you believe?

Hospice is kind but misunderstood! If everyone truly understood what hospice is, how it helps, when you should have it, and when you want it but can't get it, the world would be a better place. There would be less suffering and I am all about helping people suffer less.

Listen and see how many hospice myths we can bust.

I'm glad you're here!
Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
Expanding the treatment toolbox for people with serious illness

Helping People Deal With Tragedy and Other Hard Things - An 8-Step Approach

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Unfortunately our world has a lot of tragedies and people may reach out to you for help when they are dealing with hard things. Or you may be dealing with hard things in your own life.

It can feel overwhelming and you may be unsure of exactly what to do to help.

This week we discuss a 8-step plan for coping successfully when something really tough has rocked your world.

As always, use this info for your patients and also for yourself. We are all human and on this journey together. Healing ourselves helps us heal our patients and healing our patients helps us heal ourselves.

You've found your people and I'm glad you're here.
Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

The Science of Aromatherapy With Dr. Ann Huntington

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0500

There are a lot of questions and myths on the topic of aromatherapy. Is it safe? Is there evidence of benefit? How exactly should we be using it?

Dr. Ann Huntington, internist and expert in essential oils, will answer all those questions for us, and more.

She also offers a course on the science of aromatherapy for physicians and has generously offered a discount to my listeners. You can find info at www.givemorenaturally.com/course. To get the discount use the code PODCAST at checkout.

Reach out anytime!
Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

When A Sibling Won't Help: How to Counsel Your Patients to Support Family Wellbeing

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0500

When a parent gets seriously ill or has a significant decline in function, the care often falls on the children unevenly. This can create significant family conflict and fracture important sibling relationships.

This week I talk about 5 things to suggest to your patient to help solve this sticky problem.

Reach out anytime!
Dr. C.
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

When The Patient Doesn't Want To Talk About Their Illness: 5 Key Questions To Ask

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Welcome to The Integrative Palliative Podcast where we talk about integrative symptom management and physician wellbeing, because every physician deserves to have satisfying work and every patient deserves an effective and joyful physician!

This week we are talking about what to do when the patient doesn't want to talk about their diagnosis.

Should you force the issue? Let it go?

There are times that we should be pushy and times that we should back off. Come learn the 5 key questions to ask when your patient or loved one won't talk to you about their serious illness.

Reach out anytime!
Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

When The Physician Is The Loved One: 8 things to do if you're a physician and you love someone who is seriously ill

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0500

If you're a physician, or other clinician, you spend a lot of time supporting family members of seriously ill people.

But what about when the family member is you?

Everyone suffers when their family member is ill, but physicians (and other clinicians) may carry an extra burden when someone they love is sick.

Listen this week for 8 things to do if you are a physician and someone that you love is seriously ill.

If you know a physician in this situation, please share this episode with them.

Reach out anytime,
Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

Say This, Not That: How To Talk To Your Patients (or Family) About Hospice in 7 Easy Steps

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Physicians and other healthcare clinicians get freaked out when they have to talk to a patient about hospice. If your general approach is "well... nothing seems to be helping so I guess it's time for hospice," this episode is for you!

You'll learn the 7 things to say to make a discussion about hospice feel more supportive and less heavy.

Please share this episode with your network if you think others would benefit!

Reach out anytime,
Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD

P.S. Come learn with me! Sign up at
www.integrativepalliative.com and you'll hear soon about my exciting new program

Better Than A Resolution: A 3 Step Path To Happiness (For You And Your Patients)

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0500

I'm not a big fan of resolutions.

Success, contentment and "happiness" aren't really about one big annual push, they are about repeated practice of concepts that are small but mighty!

This week we'll chat about a 3-step path to living a contented life. If you practice this plan, you will change. I promise. And you don't even have to give up sugar!

Reach out anytime
Dr. Chiaramonte
www.integrativepalliative.com

How A Busy Oncologist Went From Burned Out To Happy And Home On Time

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0500

You will love Dr Mary Leung. She is a medical oncologist and hematologist who has a busy outpatient clinical practice. After too many nights getting home after 7:00pm with more charts to do at home, she got burned out and stopped loving her job.

Join us to learn what she did to change her work life dramatically. She now loves her work again and leaves the office, charts completed, by 5:30pm so she can enjoy her family and have some time for herself.

Learn more about her at www.shiningwithgratitudeMD.com.

Reach out anytime!
Dr. Chiaramonte
www.integratiavepalliative.com

What Happened To Dad? What To Do When Your Older Loved Ones Face Functional Decline

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0500

Maybe you mostly talk to your mom on the phone and you haven't seen your aging parents in almost a year. Or maybe your dad just ended up in the hospital and you realize that mom might not be safe to stay at home alone.

If this hasn't happened to you, it has almost certainly happened to some of your patients.

People tend to feel totally overwhelmed and unsure how to proceed.

This week's episode will give you a practical approach for helping your loved one while keeping your sanity.

Reach out any time!
Dr. Chiaramonte
www.integrativepalliative.com

P.S. Forward this episode to a friend or colleague! You'll help your friend and help me spread the word about The Integrative Palliative Podcast. Thanks!

Practical Use of Aromatherapy in Everyday Practice: Another Tool to Manage Anxiety

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0500

This basic introduction to practical aromatherapy will give you one more safe and easy to use tool to help your patients manage stress and anxiety.

You'll learn the down and dirty way to counsel your patients about WHAT aromatherapy is, WHY you should add it to your tool box and HOW exactly it can be incorporated into a stress management routine.

Reach out anytime!

Dr. Chiaramonte
www.integrativepalliative.com

Fixing Your Relationship With Time: 3 surprising ways to make life less stressful

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0500

Life is BUSY! There is so much to do and I know you wish that you had just a few more hours in every day.

The surprising truth is that you may be inadvertently making your time issues worse than they need to be. In this week's episode of the integrative palliative podcast, we'll discuss three of those ways - I know you'll see yourself in at least one of them.

We can only fix what we know is there.

If you have a friend or colleague who struggles with time, be sure to forward this episode to them.

Reach out anytime!
Dr. Chiaramonte
www.integrativepalliative.com

Yes You Can Be Empathetic And Set Boundaries: 3 Steps To Get You There

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0500

Can you be empathetic and also have badass boundaries? Yes!

Loose boundaries lead to overwhelm and burnout and they drain the empathy right out of you. This week I will give you the 3 steps that you need to gain control of your schedule so you can keep your cup full.

Reach out any time!

- Dr Chiaramonte
P.S. Would you do me a favor? Please go to Apple podcasts and leave a review. It helps me reach more people. Thanks so much!

When A Loved One Has Dementia: Wisdom and guidance from neuropsychologist Dr. Karen Sullivan

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0500

If you have a loved one with dementia you must listen to this episode!

Neuropsychologist Karen Sullivan, PhD is an expert in helping families navigate the complicated and challenging experience of having someone you love face dementia.
You'll be struck by her deep compassion, hopefulness and highly practical tips for thriving as a family.

Dr. Sullivan also provides tons of free education on the topic of brain health. You can find her on YouTube or at ICareForYourBrain.com (also ICFYB.com). Definitely check out her information.

If you know someone who loves someone with dementia please forward this episode to them.

Reach out anytime,
Dr. Chiaramonte

P.S. I will be offering Integrative Symptom Management programs to physicians and other healthcare providers in Early 2023. If you'd like to know when registration is open click here https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/tiipm-keep-in-touch

Keeping Your Cup Full: A Practical Technique For Happier Patients and Happier Doctors

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0500

Life can be hard.

When our "cup" is empty hard things are harder. And when our "cup" is full, life is simply easier. This week you'll learn a simple but powerful technique for figuring out how to fill your unique "cup," and once you practice it for yourself you will have a powerful tool to use with your patients.

This technique is especially valuable for patients with distressing symptoms that don't seem to have a quick fix or a magic pill. Try it for you and then try it at work!

Reach out anytime,

Dr. Chiaramonte
P.S. Would you like to know when my next integrative symptom management course is starting? Click here https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/tiipm-keep-in-touch and I'll let you know.

Musculoskeletal Wellness with Dr. Mary Jo Fishburn

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0500

Have you ever hurt your back with just a small twist or after lifting up a light object? It can feel impossible to be injured from such an insignificant event.

Dr. Mary Jo Fishburn is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician with expertise in the integrative approach to musculoskeletal wellbeing. She will explain what predisposes us to injury and pain and what we can do about it.

She can be reached at:
MJFishburnMD.com (medical practice)
TheDirectedSelf.com (coaching practice)

Please forward this episode to a friend or colleague who needs to hear it.

Reach out anytime!
Dr. Chiaramonte
www.integrativepalliative.com

The Best Question You'll Ever Ask Your Patient

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0400

The Patient Dignity Question (PDQ) is the best question that you will ever ask your patient. It will supercharge your doctor-patient connection and give you key information that you might otherwise have missed.

Listen and try it out in your practice.

If you have a colleague who would benefit from learning about the PDQ, please forward the episode to them.

Reach out anytime!
Dr. Chiaramonte

Six Tips For Creating Powerful Doctor-Patient Connection In Short Office Visits

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 01:00:00 -0400

We all know that there is a tension between being the empathetic physician that you want to be and getting your charts done so you don't stay at the office until 9pm. We also know that patients hate it when their doctor never looks up from the computer.

Is there anything we can do?

We can't get rid of RVUs or fix the whole healthcare system (at least not today), but there are a few very effective techniques for fostering connection with our patients without upending our whole schedule.

Here are six techniques that will supercharge your connection with your patients without adding time to your visits.

Reach out anytime!
Dr. Chiaramonte
www.integrativepalliative.com

Who's Afraid of Buprenorphine?: An Interview with Dr. Ben Thompson

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Buprenorphine gets a bad rap. Many physicians aren't clear on how to use it and we tend to shy away from things we don't understand.

But what if a patient comes onto your service who is taking buprenorphine? We really shouldn't turn our collective heads away from this potentially very useful medication. Instead, we should learn more and increase our comfort so we can best care for all of our patients.

That's where Dr. Ben Thompson comes in. He shares his expertise in using buprenorphine for patients with addiction and also for patients without addiction who suffer from pain. Did you know that buprenorphine might be just the right medication for an older, frail patient? Come listen and you'll understand why.

You can reach Dr. Thompson at:
@BenWThompson
B.Thomspon@prismhealth.org

Check out his virtual hospice and palliative care education series at hapcvirtualdidactics.com.

Reach out anytime,
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
Giving physicians the tools and confidence to ease the suffering of their complex and seriously ill patients
www.integrativepalliative.com

Stay in touch by signing up here: https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/tiipm-keep-in-touch

Physicians Lifting Each Other Up: A Heart-Centered Interview with Dr. Diana Londono

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Physicians are suffering. Dr. Londono is one of the few LatinX female urologists, and she gets it. She became physically ill due to burnout. Twice! Not only did she find ways to lift herself up, she founded an organization to help other physicians who are suffering.

Dr. Londono started Physician Coach Support, a free web-based support service for physicians. Check it out at www.physiciancoachsupport.com.

You can also find Dr. Londono at https://dianalondonomd.com.

Reach out anytime!
Dr. Chiaramonte
www.integrativepalliative.com

Ten Tips for Giving Bad News Like a Pro

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Giving bad news well takes skill. Many physicians do an OK job at giving bad news but I encourage you to shoot much higher than just OK. Patients and families may remember that moment for the rest of their lives, and a physician who skillfully gives bad news can help relieve suffering for the patient and family.

In today's episode of The Integrative Palliative Podcast you will learn 10 tips for delivering bad news like a pro.

Share this episode with any oncologist, hospitalist, cardiologist, nephrologist, resident or other physician that you know.

Reach out anytime!

Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com - sign up so we can stay in touch and you can learn about upcoming trainings.

Registration is closing very soon (Oct 9th) for the upcoming Integrative Symptom Management program. You can earn 20 CME credits. Foundation price. Hybrid so if you're busy and can't attend live online sessions, you can learn at your own pace. The program is yours to keep. Sign up today at https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/symptom-management-training

When your loved one has a serious illness: Dr. Chiaramonte interviewed by Dr. Olabintan

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 01:00:00 -0400

This week I'm sharing an interview that I did on Dr. Tolulope Olabintan's show. We chatted about how to approach the hard stuff - when a loved one has a serious illness. Our conversation ranged from how to hav enough conversations to the biggest mistakes that loved ones make to how to find happiness even when facing a serious illness.

Come listen!

Dr. Chiaramonte
www.integrativepalliative.com

Are you a physician who wants to improve your skills in helping patients with serious illness? My Integrative Symptom Management course starts October 20th. The price goes up on on October 1st so if you're interested sign up today. Registration closes on October 9th. https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/symptom-management-training

The 4 key steps to excellent integrative symptom management

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Excellence in integrative symptom management is worth pursuing - for your patients and for yourself. It is a style of practice that is impactful and deeply meaningful.

The 4 kept components are:
1) The mind-body-meaning-relationship approach
2) Seeking the symptom's underlying cause
3) Creating a bigger toolbox
4) Committing to keeping your own "cup" full.

If you'd like to learn more click here: www.integrativepalliative.com/training.
On Saturday 9/24/22 at 12:30 EDT I'm giving a webinar on this topic. It's free and you'll learn! Sign up here: https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/pl/2147616153

I'm in your corner,
Dr Chiaramonte

"But I only have 15 minutes" - 10 ways to add integrative symptom management to your practice in the real world

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 01:00:00 -0400

You may think that you can't add an integrative approach to your practice because your patients visits are too short. This is a myth. While it would be great to have hour long visits with each patient, the integrative approach can be snuck in to any patient care visit, no matter how short.

This week you'll learn 10 tips for creating an integrative symptom management practice in the real world.

You'll also want to check out the Integrative Symptom Management webinar for physicians that I'm offering on Saturday, September 24th at 12:30 EDT. Sign up below.
https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/pl/2147616153

I'm in your corner.
Dr. C
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com/training

Winning at Fibromyalgia - an interview with fibromyalgia expert, Dr. Martina Ziegenbein

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Fibromyalgia is a challenging condition for both the patient and the physician. There is no quick fix and no magic medication that will fix fibromyalgia pain. With an integrative, multidimensional approach, however, people with fibromyalgia can absolutely feel better!

Dr. Ziegenbein is a rheumatologist and expert in fibromyalgia. She shares her approach for helping patients with fibromyalgia reduce their pain and regain the joy in their life. You will love this episode!

Dr. Ziegenbein has a podcast called Winning at Fibromyalgia and a Facebook group of the same name. She has a private fibromyalgia coaching practice in addition to her standard rheumatology practice. She can be reached at www.winningatfibromyalgia.com

Thanks for listening!
Delia Chiaramonte, MD
The Institute for Integrative Palliative Medicine
www.integrativepalliative.com

Come learn with me! I am offering an exciting program: Integrative Symptom Management that starts in October. Check it out at:
https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/symptom-management-training

Your patient is crying - is it depression or sadness and what should you do?

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Other people's strong emotions can be scary.

If you're in the exam room and your patient is crying what should you do? Should you prescribe an SSRI? Sometimes, but do you know for sure when crying is depression and when it's not? If you prescribe an antidepressant, what else should you do? What if the patient is not depressed, but is struggling with sadness. Do you know just what to do?

This week on the Integrative Palliative Podcast we will explore how to know when a person is sad or depressed and exactly how to help.

If you'd like more in depth learning, check out my upcoming physician training programs at www.integrativepalliative.com/training and sign up.

I'm in your corner!

Delia Chiaramonte, MD

When it feels like your patient is being "entitled" - 5 steps to heal challenging doctor-patient interactions

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 01:00:00 -0400

These have been hard times for all of us - patients, physicians, NPs, PAs, office staff - everyone. After more than 2 years of a pandemic everyone is stressed and tired. Physicians may feel stretched to the limit and patients may feel that they have to fight to get the care they deserve. The doctor-patient relationship is struggling. What can you do?

Today you'll learn 5 steps to improve a challenging interaction with a patient. They're easy, they work, and using them will make your practice more enjoyable.

Please share this podcast with a colleague!

Delia Chiaramonte, MD
www.integrativepalliative.com

Special Guest Dr. Weili Gray - Physician life planner with a compelling personal story about her father's end of life journey

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 01:00:00 -0400

You must listen to this episode with special guest Dr. Weili Gray. Dr. Gray is a sleep physician and certified life planner who helps physicians create the life of their dreams through her practice daretodreamphysician.com. But for this episode she shared her recent and raw experience supporting her dad at the end of his life.

She shares deep insights and wisdom from her experience that will move you and guide you to a happier life. I was touched by what she shared.

If you, like Dr Gray, are a physician who has a loved one with a serious illness and you'd like some support send me an email at dchiaramonte(at)integrativepalliative(dot)com or visit my website at www.insightpalliative.com and message me there.

If your loved one has cancer go to Freebies and get a guide for helping your loved one with cancer make a medical decision.

The Institute for Integrative Palliative Medicine
Helping physicians heal their patients and themselves

Six wisdoms from people at end of life

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

This week on The Integrative Palliative Podcast you'll learn 6 wisdoms that came directly from people near the end of their life. They share things that they want us to know so that we can best support them as they face their illness. Some of these came from my own patients, and some came from the loved ones of physicians who received 1:1 mentoring with me to learn how best to support their loved one.

There is great wisdom here.

Share with someone who needs to hear this message.

- Dr. Chiaramonte
www.integrativepalliative.com

Download the guide for helping a loved one make a tough medical decision at www.integrativepalliative.com under freebies

Integrative PM&R: an Interview with Dr. Janice Brown

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 01:00:00 -0400

This week we have a special guest, Dr. Janice Brown. Dr. Brown is an integrative physical medicine and rehabilitation physician and she is also a life coach. She started out as a massage therapist, then went to medical school where she chose PM&R because she loved the whole person approach.

She is an acupuncurist, is certified in functional medicine and uses her life coaching skills both with her patients and in her separate coaching practice. This doctor has a huge toolbox!

Come listen and learn from the fabulous Dr Janice Brown!

Here's where you can find her:
janice@betterhealthand rehab.com
https://www.betterhealthandrehab.com
https://www.facebook.com/grpups/dtawsrewired/

Let's heal the heart of medicine together.

Dr. Chiaramonte
Sign up so we can stay in touch!
www.integrativepalliative.com

Adding Integrative Medicine to your Oncology Practice

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 01:00:00 -0400

People with cancer face significant side effects - both from their cancer and their chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation treatments. They often seek out complementary or integrative approaches alongside their conventional medical treatments, but they may have to figure out what to use without any medical guidance. The ideal scenario would be for the integrative approach to be folded into the oncology practice itself!

In this episode of The Integrative Palliative Podcast we'll talk about the WHY, WHAT and HOW of adding integrative medicine into an oncology practice.

Check out our website and sign up to learn more about how to provide whole person care for people with serious illness using all the tools that work! www.integrativepalliative.com

- Dr. Chiaramonte
Follow me on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/deliachiaramonte

What not to say: thoughtful use of words in serious illness care

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

"She's a fighter"
"We don't want her to give up"
"Mr. Amos is comfort care now"

Are these helpful words for families facing serious illness? Not so helpful? Should you avoid the words "death" and "dying" when talking to families?

Words matter. And when caring for palliative patients with cancer, heart disease and other life-limiting conditions, words matter a lot.

This week I'll give 6 examples of words or phrases that require a thoughtful approach an might be tripping you up.

Please tell a colleague about this podcast!

- Dr. Chiaramonte
www.integrativepalliative.com

Everything About Eating (for the palliative population)

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 01:00:00 -0400

"Can I put coffee in my loved one's feeding tube?" "My dad won't eat and I don't know what to do" "She says food doesn't taste right anymore - what's going on??"

We associate food with love so it can be very tough on a family when their seriously ill loved one can't, or doesn't want to, eat.

This week I'll answer common questions about food and feeding for people with serious illness.

- Dr C

The Integrative Pain Management for Physicians Mastermind will be offered Sept-Nov 2022. Go to www.integrativepalliative.com and sign up. You'll be the first to know when registration is open and will be eligible for the early bird discount.

www.integrativepalliative.com
@DrChiaramonte

The "H Word": busting 6 hospice myths so you don't have to be afraid to talk about it

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Patients, families, physicians and other clinicians are afraid of the "H word." Hospice got a bad rap and clinicians seem to get tongue tied when it is time to talk about it. But it doesn't have to be scary or depressing and it definitely shouldn't be seen as shameful or hope-stealing.

In today's episode of The Integrative Palliative Podcast you will learn to speak confidently about hospice to your patients with serious illness so that it becomes a service that they want rather than a conversation that they (and you) dread.

If you'd like to learn tools to care effectively for your patients with serious or complex illness, sign up at www.integrativepalliative.com.

Thanks for listening!
- Dr Chiaramonte

https://twitter.com/drchiaramonte
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deliachiaramonte/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/931224730912640/

Healing Patients and Guiding Physicians to Deep Personal Growth - Special Guest Dr. Francis Yoo

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400

You have got to meet Dr. Francis Yoo! He is a fascinating integrative physician with a huge tool box of skills. In his NYC practice he personally uses osteopathic manipulation, acupuncture, breath work and much more. Through his Whole Presence Laboratory he helps physicians achieve deep self-awareness and growth using diverse approaches such as enneagram work, Jungian psychology and guided self reflection. Dr Yoo is one of the most interesting people that I've ever met. His Podcast is The Legendary Quest and he has a book by the same name. His skills and training include:

Osteopathic Manipulation / Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine
Family Medicine
Integrative Medicine
Pain Medicine
Medical Acupuncture
Clinical Homeopathy
Lifestyle Medicine
Functional Medicine
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Management of multiple complex medical conditions and medications
Pros and cons of medications, appliances, procedures, and surgery for pain, developmental issues, and other conditions.
Introduction to the Jungian Clinical Process (C.G. Jung Institute of NY)
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator / Jungian Psychology (Certified MBTI Practitioner)
The Enneagram (Riso-Hudson Certified Enneagram Teacher)
Dr. Glenn J. Morris's Improved KAP (Provisional Instructor)

Here's how you can find him:
https://www.drfrancisyoodo.com
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-legendary-quest-podcast/id1617374382

If you are enjoying the Integrative Palliative Podcast please leave a review on apple podcasts or wherever you listen. Thanks so much! Every review helps spread the word.

https://www.tiipm.org
I'm glad you're here!
- Dr. Charamonte

When Bad Outcomes Happen to Good Doctors

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400

One of the hardest things about being a physician, or other healthcare provider, is when we try our best to take great care of our patients but an adverse event happens anyway. We may not have a plan for managing the unpleasant feelings that show up and we may just try to power through. This is not the best approach.

Listen to "When Bad Outcomes Happen to Good Doctors" to discover 6 steps that can help you cope successfully when things don't go as planned. This is not about who you should tell or what you should say. This is about how to take care of you!

Thanks for listening! Please leave a review and forward this episode to a colleague who needs to hear it.

Dr. Chiaramonte
www.tiipm.org
https://twitter.com/drchiaramonte
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deliachiaramonte/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/931224730912640/

Healing Presence - What is it and how can you get some?

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400

What is "healing presence?" Do you have it? Do you want it? How do you get it? In this episode of The Integrative Palliative Podcast, Dr. Chiaramonte dispels myths about healing presence and gives practical tips for how to up your healing presence game.

Follow Dr. Chiaramonte:

@DrChiaramonte
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deliachiaramonte/
http://www.tiipm.org

Anti-inflammatory Pain Management with Dr Saloni Sharma

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Dr. Saloni Sharma is our special guest this week and you don't want to miss her interview! Dr. Sharma is an integrative pain medicine specialist and she shares practical, evidence-supported lifestyle techniques to help your patients manage their pain. As the opiate crisis rages, all physicians need to learn adjuvant non-pharmacologic techniques to help patients improve function and wellbeing.

Dr. Sharma's Book, The Pain Solution: 5 Steps to Relieve and Prevent Back Pain, Muscle Pain, and Joint Pain without Medication, outlines her non-pharmacologic approach to managing pain. Come learn about her 5 step program, including what she calls "microboosts" that can be used by patients (and physicians) to enhance wellbeing and minimize pain.

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pain-Solution-Relieve-Prevent-Medication/dp/1608687937

Dr. Sharma’s Website: https://www.salonisharmamd.com/

Dr. Sharma’s Instagram for daily info: https://www.instagram.com/salonisharmamd/

Orthopaedic Integrative Health Center: https://rothmanortho.com/oihc

If you enjoy this episode please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or sign up for our newsletter at https://tiipm.org

When Patients Push Your Buttons

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 01:00:00 -0400

We are physicians but we're also humans. Because we're humans our "buttons" can get pushed by our encounters with patients and this can impact our clinical care, our rapport and even our mood. We may not even realize that this is happening!

We can heal our patients (and ourselves) even when cure is not an option. If you'd like a free guide to help you incorporate integrative palliative approaches into your practice sign up at www.tiipm.org.

5 tips for dealing with angry patients

Thu, 26 May 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Everyone has patients or patients' family members that get angry. It doesn't feel good and you may not know exactly how to handle this challenging situation. In this episode you'll learn 5 tips for dealing effectively with angry patients or family members. You still won't like having angry patients, but you'll find them much easier to deal with once you know exactly what to do!

Sign up to learn about upcoming educational programs:
www.tiipm.org

Gratitude and toxic positivity - what is the difference?

Thu, 19 May 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Positive thinking is good, right? Well... sometimes. A regular gratitude ritual can help improve mood and wellbeing but imposing positivity on another person (or even on ourselves) can make people feel alone in their pain. In this episode we'll discuss the difference between gratitude and toxic positivity and share practical techniques to get the most out of positive thinking. Once you practice these techniques yourself, you will find yourself using them with your patients every week!

Sign up to learn about upcoming educational programs to help you care for your patients with serious or complex conditions.

www.tiipm.org

Teaching Medical Learners: 5 common mistakes to avoid

Thu, 12 May 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Wouldn't it be nice to win a teaching award? Many of us teach medical learners from medical students to residents to fellows to attendings. Teaching effectively makes us look good and it makes us feel good. Come learn 5 common teaching mistakes that you might be making, and how you can avoid them.

When your brain's "smoke alarm" is out of whack - teaching patients about central sensitization

Thu, 05 May 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Central sensitization is the brain's way of keeping us safe. The brain's "smoke alarm" becomes overly sensitive and makes us feel pain when there is no actual tissue damage. Basically the brain lies to us and this lie can reduce function and quality of life. Pain education and mind-body techniques can decrease central sensitization, calm the nervous system back down and reduce pain. Here are some tips for how to teach patients about central sensitization.

To hear about upcoming integrative palliative educational programs sign up at www.tiipm.org

What is a Mind-Body Specialist? Special guest Lolly Forsythe-Chisolm, M.S.

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Special guest Lolly Forsythe-Chisolm, M.S. joins us to talk about her work as a mind-body specialist with an inpatient and outpatient palliative care team. She will share practical, easy to use techniques that we can offer to patients and use to support our own wellbeing. Once you hear from Lolly you will want a mind-body specialist on your patient care team!

Visit www.tiipm.org to sign up for upcoming integrative palliative medicine educational programs.

What your inner critic is saying and how to get them to shut up

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 01:00:00 -0400

We all have an inner critic who whispers mean and nasty things to us - things that we would never say to a friend. The technique of identifying, naming and even drawing our inner critic is a powerful way to help our patients (and ourselves) to feel better.

www.tiipm.org

Meditation is so much easier than you think! A primer for you and your patients.

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 01:00:00 -0400

"I tried to meditate and it doesn't work for me"

I've heard this from so many patients. But once they learn what meditation actually is they realize that it is an easy and valuable tool for wellbeing. It helps them decrease their stress and feel more relaxed. It will do the same for you.

If you like what you hear please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

To learn about upcoming educational opportunities in Integrative Palliative Medicine sign up at www.tiipm.org

Physicians Nurturing Themselves Out loud – Why You Should Use The Good Towels

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Do you ever feel like the medical system is gaslighting you? “Thanks for being a healthcare hero – now go generate more RVUs!” We need to change the martyr physician culture that we all grew up in that taught us that we don’t need to eat or pee or sleep. We need to nurture ourselves out loud! We need to take our vacation proudly and support our peers when they prioritize their own wellness. Let’s change this crazy culture together.