AAHPM Winter Quarterly 2011 : Page 2121 WINTER 2011 On July 15 I did not have cancer. Unfortunately, that meant nothing for July 16 or any other date beyond. Scans are a lot like stocks in that way. to me that my situation was somehow part of a plan, that God works in mysterious ways, or anything that suggests I should somehow be okay with this situation because it was planned, ordained, or decided. In short, do not try to make me feel good or okay with the situation. It is not good or okay, but I am learning how to accept it, cope with it, and fight on against it. My goal is simply to make the most of the time I do have. There is always the question of “What can I do?” If you follow the ideas above, you’ll be doing plenty. If there are people you think might want know this news, feel free to share the news. Most importantly, remember that although this is awful beyond words, it is not, as far as I know, immi-nent. What you can do is help me not to have stresses and be as normal as you can. When we do chat or get together, don’t feel that it has to be all about me. Share with me what is new with you, what you are working on, how projects are going, and how the family is doing. Let’s choose to put awkward aside as much as we can. Finally, in case you were so inclined, please do not call me as soon as you are done reading this. It takes time to digest this news, so please take time. Even if that will not help you, it will help me. Best to all of you, Bentzi Ben-Tzion Karsh, PhD, is an associate professor of industrial and systems engineering, family medicine, and population health at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Contact him at bkarsh@ie.engr.wisc.edu. Whether you’ve recently become a HOSPICE MEDICAL DIRECTOR or you’ve had this role for years, these products can help you effectively manage the challenges in the changing hospice environment. Hospice Medical Director Manual This popular and practical tool is the “go-to, easy reference” book for physicians anticipating or already acting as hospice medical directors. This manual will define best practices for your role offer tools and sample documents for reference provide answers to your questions about physician roles in hos-pice, employment or contracting with a hospice, and responsi-bilities on the hospice team and within the organization. Hospice Medical Director Course Recordings Advance your competence and confidence in the clinical, administrative, and regulatory aspects of your work. The course recordings include audio and synchronized PowerPoint content from the popular 2011 AAHPM course. aahpm.org | 847.375.4712 VOL. 12 American Academy Of Hospice And Palliative Medicine |
