Conversations
Helping people die on their own terms — why Bhawani became a VAD practitioner
Oct 22, 2024
Bhawani O'Brien, a voluntary assisted dying practitioner from Western Australia, has been a guiding presence for over 100 people during their final moments. In this conversation, she shares her transformative journey from Malaysia to Australia, illuminating the complexities of identity and ethics in caregiving. Bhawani discusses the profound emotional intricacies of death, what constitutes a 'good death', and the critical role of compassion in voluntary assisted dying. Her reflections reveal the beauty of human connection even in the most challenging times.
53:00
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Bhawani O'Brien's journey into voluntary assisted dying illustrates how personal experiences and cultural heritage shape her approach to compassionate end-of-life care.
- Her role as a practitioner highlights the importance of patient autonomy and the gradual transformation of grief into a celebration of life during final moments.
Deep dives
Path to Voluntary Assisted Dying
Dr. Bawani O'Brien's journey to becoming a voluntary assisted dying practitioner in Western Australia began after she experienced feelings of jadedness in her work as a GP. She stumbled upon a pamphlet about the newly introduced voluntary assisted dying scheme and found it aligned with her longstanding interest in death and end-of-life care. Since becoming involved, she has assisted over 100 patients during their final moments, allowing them to die with dignity and autonomy. This role provided her with purpose and re-engaged her passion for patient care while addressing profound questions about mortality.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
