Dignity, Death & the End of Life Option Act

What does it mean to provide care when medicine can no longer cure? In this episode, UCSF palliative care physician Dr. Brieze Bell shares her journey from professional dancer to integrative medicine leader, and how those seemingly unrelated paths came together in a life devoted to service, presence, and healing at the edge of life.

Dr. Bell reflects on the principle of non-abandonment, the emotional complexity of medical aid in dying, and her role leading UCSF’s End of Life Option Act program. She describes the system's work behind transforming this sensitive process into a compassionate, accessible, and legally sound experience for patients and families. Alongside deeply personal stories—including the death of her mother and a heartfelt posthumous letter from a patient—Dr. Bell reminds us that showing up for someone in their most vulnerable moment can change everything.

This conversation is essential listening for clinicians, caregivers, and anyone contemplating the ethics and emotions surrounding end-of-life care. Listen in as Christine Winoto, director of the UCSF Rosenman Institute, explores the dignity, discomfort, and transformative grace that define this powerful chapter of healthcare.

Tune in to hear what it truly means to be a companion at the end of life.

Do you have thoughts on this episode or ideas for future guests? We’d love to hear from you.

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