As the year winds down, Mark Cohen joins me once more, bringing the warmth of the holidays to our discussion before we peer into the shifting tides of hospice and palliative care. Our conversation begins with the merriment of jazz in Montreal and quickly pivots to the sobering realities of the healthcare sector. From the scrutiny of nursing homes to the reshaping forces of industry mergers, we unpack the transformative events that are molding the future of end-of-life care.

Mark and I then cast a light on the healthcare headlines that have captivated our attention. We tackle the severe nursing shortage, navigate the complexities of medical marijuana policies, and honor the unsung heroes of healthcare—volunteers. As we pay homage to the lifelong dedication of Rosalynn Carter to caregivers, we also scrutinize the rising influence of for-profit providers in a field traditionally driven by a mission to serve.

The final moments of our masterclass with Mark are spent reflecting on the essence of what we do. We consider the weight of words in the hospice community, challenging the term "industry" for its inability to capture the movement's roots and its mission-focused spirit. We wrap up with an honest look at the financial sustainability of non-profit healthcare, invoking Sister Irene Krause's wisdom: "No margin, no mission." It's a poignant reminder that to care for others, we must ensure the stability of those who serve. 

Join us for an episode that celebrates the holiday spirit, confronts the challenges of healthcare, and honors the individuals dedicated to making a difference.

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast