Shows
The Integrative Palliative PodcastVisiting Your Aging Parents Over the Holidays: What to Watch For and When to WorryWhen 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.D...
2025-12-2222 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastWhen Your Parent Won't Accept Your Help: 20 Ways to Make it BetterIf 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 p...
2025-08-0825 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastGrieving is Not a CompetitionThere 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...
2025-07-2419 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastThe Power of Permission When Times are ToughWhen 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?
2025-06-0611 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastFragments and Light: An Exploration of Traumatic GriefIn 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 aboutEviden...
2025-04-0323 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastA Call for Medical Aid in Dying: A Tale of Autonomy and DesperationNot 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.DeliaDelia Chiaramonte, MDwww.integrativepalliative.comCoping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Illness Without Losing Yourself is available here: www.copingcourageously.com Please review th...
2025-03-2717 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastBearing Witness to Grief: A Powerful Way to Support Someone Who is GrievingIt'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...
2025-03-2009 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastAdvance Directive Dos and Don'ts: Key Advice for Your Patients, Your Family and YourselfEveryone 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...
2025-02-0821 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastWhat is Holding You Back? Five Steps for Finally Doing What You've Been AvoidingWhat 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 yo...
2025-01-3119 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastPalliative Care Updates with Dr. Janet AbrahmDr. 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...
2025-01-2444 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastThe Physician Entrepreneur: An Inspiring Interview with Dr. UnaPhysicians 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...
2025-01-1652 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastHow to Start the Conversation: 5 Tips for Initiating Talks About End-of-Life WishesTalking 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. DeliaDelia Chiaramonte, MDwww.integrativepalliative.com#palliativecare Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for N...
2025-01-0914 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastFrom Cold Showers to Going Flat: Katie Duke's Empowering View of Breast Cancer From the InsideIn 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. DeliaDelia Chiaramonte, MDwww.integrativepalliative.comCoping...
2024-12-2638 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastThe Tyranny of ExpectationsWe 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 f...
2024-12-1913 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastAvoiding Regret: 4 Key StepsIn 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 u...
2024-12-1212 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastAdvance Directives & Emergency Medicine: Wisdom From the Front Lines with Dr. Dan MorhaimEmergency 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...
2024-12-0546 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastManaging the Holidays When Someone Important is MissingHolidays 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,DeliaDelia Chiaramonte, MDwww.integrativepalliative.comCoping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a...
2024-11-2120 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastCoping When Faced with Deeply Upsetting CircumstancesWe'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 #electionDeliaDelia Chiaramonte, MDwww.integrativepalliative,comCoping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Il...
2024-11-0811 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastThe Basics of Gender Affirming Care: A Primer for Physicians and CliniciansCan 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.DeliaDelia Chiaramonte, MDwww.integrativepalliative.c...
2024-10-3129 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastSupporting Blind Patients: From 'Pity Party' to 'Propel Party' with Sarah Freeman SmithSarah 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.
2024-10-2440 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastEco-Friendly End-of-Life Options: Green Burials and BeyondMany 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...
2024-10-1719 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastMental Status Change in Hospice Patients: What to Do and Not to DoMental 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...
2024-09-0612 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastWhen Patients with Cancer Pain Won't Take Opioids: 30 Reasons Why and What to Do About ItYour 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 pa...
2024-08-2432 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastDealing with Uncertainty in Health and Life: 4 Dos and 4 Don'tsWe 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!DeliaDelia Chiaramonte, MDwww.integrativepalliative.comCoping Courageously: A Heart-Centered G...
2024-08-1013 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastLeave Your Heirs the Gift of Organization: How Adam Zuckerman's "Buried in Work" Simplifies Estate & End-of Life PlanningLeave 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.Y...
2024-07-2542 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastDealing with Challenging Patients: The Power of Empathy Plus BoundariesWe'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...
2024-07-1819 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastCaring for a Challenging Loved One: 3 Questions and 3 TruthsCaring 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, MDwww.integrativepalliative.comCoping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Illness Without Losing Yo...
2024-06-2711 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastA Rational Approach to Chiropractic Care: Guidance from Brian Morrison, DCChiropractic 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, MDwww.integrativepalliative.comCoping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Illness Without Losing Yourself is available here: ww...
2024-06-1349 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastYour Internal Judge Makes Practicing Medicine (and Everything Else) HarderOur 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,DeliaDelia Chiaramonte, MDwww.integrativepalliative.comP.S., This approach...
2024-06-0616 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastThe Power of Mind-Body Medicine: An Interview with James Gordon MD, Founder of the Center for Mind-Body MedicineDr 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...
2024-05-3046 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastMoral Distress, Moral Injury, and Humanity in HealthcareMoral 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!DeliaDelia Chiaramonte, MDwww.integrativepalliative.comCoping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Illness Without Losing Yourself is available here: www.co...
2024-05-2318 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastDon't Blame The Victim: 4 Myths of Clinician Self-CareThe 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...
2024-05-1613 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastHow to Handle it When Your Patient is CryingMany 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,DeliaDelia Chiaramonte, MD
2024-05-1012 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastJoyful Palliative CareIs 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 presence3. Know yourself4. Become a heart-centered leader5. Fill your cupI'm offering a Joyful Palliative Care program for clinicians who take care of people with cancer...
2024-05-0322 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastUsing Negotiation Skills to Communicate Effectively with PatientsEffective 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, MDwww.integrativepalliative.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...
2024-04-1813 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastThe Power of the Healthcare Provider Gaze: An Interview with Dignity Expert Harvey Chochinov MD, PhDHarvey 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: @hmchochinovHarvey.chochinov@cancercare.mb.caThank you for being a heart-centered healer!Delia Chiaramonte, MDwww.integrativepalliative.com
2024-04-1141 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastIntegrative Health Coaching and Education: A Discussion with Michelle Pearce, PhdMichelle 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 r...
2024-04-0429 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastDementia: 7 Ways to Connect When Language Is No Longer AccessibleDementia 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.
2024-03-2910 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastIntegrative Nutrition Coaching: An Interview with Joel EdmanBehavior 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.netIn gratitude for the heart-centered healer that you are,
2024-03-2340 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastA Surprising Cause of Pain in a Patient with Cancer: A Case DiscussionAs 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, MDwww.integrativepalliative.comP.S. p...
2024-03-1412 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastHow to Stay Sane in the Presence of Suffering - 6 Key StepsIt 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. DeliaDelia Chiaramonte, MDwww.integrativepalliative.comw...
2024-03-0714 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastAcceptance is Badass - A Reading From Coping CourageouslyThis 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...
2024-02-2914 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastBreathNote: A Powerful Tool for Using Your Breath to Improve WellbeingBreath 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...
2024-02-2430 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastLook for Wonder... And Then Create ItThere 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 won...
2024-02-1509 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastRemote Neurofeedback: A Conversation with Francesco Amico and Alvaro VillegasNeurofeedback 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...
2024-02-0841 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastThe Clinicians Guide to Guided ImageryGuided 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 CDelia Chiaramonte, MDwww.integrativepalliatve...
2024-02-0115 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastAll About Yoga Therapy: An Interview With Yoga Therapist Kelly BethelDo 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...
2024-01-2531 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastStop "Shoulding" on PeopleFamily 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. CDe...
2024-01-1810 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastI Donated My Kidney to a Stranger: A Fascinating Interview with Chaya Lasson, RNIt 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...
2024-01-0438 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastHow to Help Your Patients Cope CourageouslyIt 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...
2023-12-2823 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastMy Gift to You: PermissionMy 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, MDwww.integrativepalliative.comCoping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Illness Without Losing Yourself is available here: ww...
2023-12-2108 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastAnchoring - A Powerful Tool to Support Wellbeing for You and Your PatientsDo 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...
2023-12-1408 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastClinician Grief: It's Real, It's Important and We Need to Talk About it. An Interview with Grief Expert Helen Bauer.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, MDwww...
2023-12-0738 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastWhen There Isn't Enough Time: 8 Tips for Practicing Compassionate Medicine in a High Patient Volume EnvironmentToo 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...
2023-11-3015 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastWhen Family is FraughtFamilies 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, MDwww.integrativepalliative.c...
2023-11-2309 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastThe Beauty of Ayurveda: An Interview with Susan Weis-BohlenWhat'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...
2023-11-1644 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastTalking to Patients About PrognosisNo 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, MDwww.integrativepalliative.comCoping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a...
2023-11-0912 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastFascia Facts: Learn From Fascia Expert David LesondakDavid 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 c...
2023-10-1940 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastResponding to Stress with a Positive Mindset: The Power of Positive IntelligenceStress 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...
2023-10-1219 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastBuilding Mental Fitness (Part 1): An Insightful Interview with Expert Positive Intelligence Coach Bill CarmodyMental 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.H...
2023-10-0547 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastAre You A Martyr For Medicine?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...
2023-09-2821 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastTalking to Patients About Their Complementary Medicine Use - 8 Key TipsWhat 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...
2023-09-1417 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastFrom "I Wish" to "I Will""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...
2023-09-0710 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastBut What About the Evidence? How to Approach Evidence-Informed Integrative Palliative CareIs 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. CDelia Chiaramonte, MDwww.integrativepalliative...
2023-08-3117 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastFinding The Job You Love: An Interview with Medical Matchmaker, Dr. Lara HochmanBeing 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 we...
2023-08-2433 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastWhen A Beloved Pet DiesFor 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. CDelia Chiaramonte, MDwww.integrativepalliative.comCoping Courageously: A...
2023-08-1712 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastCaring For You While You're Caring for Someone Else: An inspirational interview with Dr. Sherita Gaskins-TillettDr. 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...
2023-08-1040 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastWhen Cancer Treatment is Over: A Surprisingly Stressful TimeWhen 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. CD...
2023-07-2014 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastChemotherapy Related Hair Loss: How To Counsel Your PatientsThe 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. CDelia Chiaramonte, MDCoping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Illness Without Losing Yourself is available here: ww...
2023-07-1312 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastCuddle Therapy: A Healing Option That You Might Not Have TriedLoneliness 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.comI 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
2023-07-0609 minThe Integrative Palliative Podcast5 Strategies for Mastering Tough ConversationsTalking 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. CDelia Chiaramonte, MDCoping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for...
2023-06-2912 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastHow to be Happy in a Stressful Job: An Interview with Emergency Medicine Physician Dr. Tamara BeckfordBattling 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...
2023-06-2249 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastWhen A Parent Has Early Dementia: 8 Suggestions for How to CopeHaving 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. CDelia Chiaramonte, MDNeed support because you're managing a loved one's dementia or serious i...
2023-06-1519 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastFive Important Considerations For When A Serious Illness Is ProgressingThis 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. CDelia Chiaramonte, MDP.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...
2023-06-0812 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastSix Ways to Improve Wellbeing in Hospitalized PatientsBeing 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-usDr. CDelia Chiaramonte, MDP.S. Are you feeling stressed because someone you love has an advanced illness? Get on the...
2023-06-0112 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastHow To Care For A Seriously Ill Loved One Without Betraying Yourself: A powerful interview with Mia RedrickMia 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.comKeep coming ba...
2023-05-2538 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastThe Gift of Massage for Seriously Ill PatientsYou 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. ...
2023-05-1839 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastTalking To People About Their Illness: Know these 6 styles of communicationIt 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 CDelia Chiaramonte, MDCoping Courageously: A...
2023-05-1113 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastAnticipatory Grief: 10 things to do with your seriously ill loved oneAnticipatory 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. CDelia Chiaramonte, MDP.S. Soon I'll be starting a Conscious Coping program to help people with ailing loved ones go from overwhelmed, depleted, and unsure to...
2023-05-0407 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastSympathy vs Empathy vs Compassion: How to approach others’ sufferingWhat 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. CDelia Chiaramonte, MDP.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 h...
2023-04-2711 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastThe Game of Joy: An interview with Joy Ambassador Yasmin NguyenWelcome 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. CDelia Chiaramonte, MDStay in Touch! Click the link below:...
2023-04-2059 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastPhysicians with ADHD: Open charts, overwhelm and a fabulous, creative mindDo 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!
2023-04-0646 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastBeing In The Hospital: How doctors and patients can support each otherThe 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. CDelia Chiaramonte, MDP.S. Thank you fo...
2023-03-3012 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastThe Power of Breath & Pause: A Lesson in Being with Dr. Rashmi SchrammDr. 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.rashmischrammShe also h...
2023-03-2335 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastWhen Your Pet Needs Palliative CarePets 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. CDelia Chiaramonte, MDww...
2023-03-1615 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastSjögren's Syndrome: When the doctor is the patient. An Interview with Dr. Kara WadaDr. 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.cominstagram.com/crunchyallergistFacebook.com/crunchyallergistlinkedin.com/cruncyallergistShare with your contacts who have...
2023-03-0946 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastThree Ways to Avoid Compassion FatigueCompassion 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. CDelia Chiaramonte, MDP.S. Click the link below to learn more...
2023-03-0215 minThe Integrative Palliative PodcastWhat You Think You Know About Hospice is Probably Wrong: 10 MythsHow 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. CDelia Chiaramonte, MDExpanding the treatment toolbox for people with serious illnessCoping...
2023-02-2320 min