Death, Sex & Money An End of Life Doctor’s Shocking Loss
Nov 1, 2023
A palliative care doctor reflects on the death of her 16-month-old son and how it has changed her approach to discussing death with patients. She shares her experiences supporting patients with untreatable illnesses and navigating deep grief. The podcast also explores finding comfort in nature and the impact of grief on the speaker's marriage.
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Palliative Care's Unique Satisfaction
- Palliative care offers a unique satisfaction beyond curing, by easing patients' pain and being present in hard moments.
- Dr. Bonnie Chen values walking alongside patients through serious illness rather than focusing solely on cure.
Benji's Sudden Death
- Bonnie Chen's 16-month-old son, Benji, died suddenly in an accident, a trauma that shook her deeply.
- This personal loss profoundly changed her perspective on grief and death both personally and professionally.
Experiencing Loss as a Caregiver
- Bonnie experienced her son's death from the caregiver side, not the medical side, heightening the trauma.
- She felt the isolation and horror as she waited helplessly outside the emergency room.