Suzanne O'Brien

04/15/19 • 51 min

As a former oncology nurse, O'Brien's career shifted towards education. She advocates for holistic elder care that prioritizes connection, quality of life, and elders’ wisdom, underscoring the healing power of presence and connection. She calls for reallocating resources from costly funerals to personalized care, while cautioning against over-regulating death doula services.

Visit bevival.com to learn more about the author in our exclusive Exit Interview Q&A.

Visit bevival.com to learn more about the author in our exclusive Exit Interview Q&A.

Previous Episode

01 Frank Ostaseski

Cofounder of the Zen Hospice Project and founder of the Metta Institute. Ostaseski has lectured at Harvard Medical School, the Mayo Clinic, Wisdom.2.0. He views death as a constant teacher, a point of transformation not only for the dying but also for those who witness it. He teaches that in being fully present, especially during suffering, we can transform pain into compassion and shape how we live more authentically.

Visit bevival.com to learn more about the author in our exclusive Exit Interview Q&A.

Next Episode

Dr. Ira Byock

With a focus on improving end-of-life care and addressing the human aspects of illness and dying, Dr. Byock discusses the shift to value-based healthcare, the **Institute for Human Caring** and its mission to enhance healthcare quality while reducing costs, emphasizing an American healthcare system that often prioritizes treatment over quality of life. Byock also encourages patients to view their lives as narratives, finding clarity and compassion in their experiences, while acknowledging caregivers’ challenges and the need for self-care. He underscores mindfulness and nurturing connections as vital to appreciating life before crises arise.

Visit bevival.com to learn more about the author in our exclusive Exit Interview Q&A.