In this episode, Therese Markow speaks with Dr. Michael Fratkin, a board certified palliative care physician in California. Throughout the episode, Dr. Fratkin discusses what palliative care is by the standard definition and what it means to him, his team, and their patients. They explore the use of technology in medicine, which is growing by leaps and bounds, including in palliative care, to enhance the care received by those in need, whether for a short-term or a long-term illness.

 

 Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Fratkin’s definition of palliative care is composed of 3 things: 1. People, not patients. 2. Symptom control and support for quality of life. 3. Navigation and coordination to integrate our work with everything else you might be receiving in health care.
• Palliative care is more than just end of life care. It can be for people anytime they’re confronted with an illness.
• Modern technology allows those in palliative care to connect with their team members without leaving their homes, to complete a high value engagement. Leaving home for medical visits expends more energy, with the risks of falls and exposure to sick people in a waiting room.

 

"We're all professionals focused on quality of life and the lived experience of human beings while they’re facing serious illness and we're all incredibly, impeccably trained." —  Dr. Michael Fratkin

 

Connect with Dr. Michael Fratkin:

Twitter: @MichaelDFratkin

Facebook: ResolutionCare

Website: ResolutionCare.com

 

Connect with Therese:

Website:   www.criticallyspeaking.net

Twitter: @CritiSpeak

Email: [email protected]

 

 

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