Palliative Care Week - November 9-13

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to recognize the valuable contributions to patient care made by hospice and palliative medicine providers. UT Southwestern's Palliative Care team has set aside the week of November 9-13 to highlight the importance of palliative care and emphasize the need for advance care planning.

Stop by the Advance Care Planning table on Nov. 10, 11 and 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the CUH cafeteria to receive assistance and advice in preparing advance directives.

Note: The team cannot provide legal advice or answer legal questions, but will offer general information about advance care planning.

Schedule of Events

Monday, Nov. 9
Noon | VIRTUAL ONLY
"Grief, Existentialism, and Meaning Making"

Grief extends beyond experiences of death and loss, often prompting deeper questions about identity, purpose, and what gives life meaning. In this presentation, chaplains will explore the emotional and existential dimensions of grief through both scholarly perspectives and practical reflection. Participants will gain insights into how meaning-making can support resilience, nurture hope, and foster well-being while navigating the challenges of caring for others and themselves.

Speakers: Betsy Stirbens, M.Div., BCC, and LeAnn Griffin, M.Div., M.S.Ed., BCC

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Tuesday, Nov. 10
Noon | VIRTUAL ONLY
"Clinical Ethics in Palliative Care"

Explore the ethical questions that arise in serious illness and learn practical approaches to navigating complex decisions with patients, families, and care teams.

Speakers: Alexis Barina, M.D., Lauren Sankary, M.A., J.D., and Joscelyne Dracca, M.S.N., APRN, GNP-BC

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Wednesday, Nov. 11
Noon | VIRTUAL ONLY
"Helping Children Cope When a Loved One Experiences Serious Illness/Integrating Music Therapy into Palliative Care"

When a loved one is seriously ill, children often have questions that are difficult to answer. Join our Child Life team to learn how honest, compassionate support can help children navigate uncertainty and loss. For the second part of the session, learn how music therapy can bring comfort, connection, and support to patients and families facing serious illness.

Speakers: Maddy Kroll, M.S., CCLS, Erica Smith, M.S., CCLS, Kelsi Hildreth, M.S., CCLS, and Elise Hawkes, MT-BC

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Thursday, Nov. 12
Noon | VIRTUAL ONLY
"Recognizing and Managing Symptoms in Serious Illness"

Explore common symptoms encountered in serious illness and learn practical approaches to identifying causes and providing effective symptom management.

Speaker: Denise Link, M.P.A.S., PA-C

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Friday, Nov. 13
Noon | IN-PERSON CONFERENCE
"The Human Experience"

Join colleagues for an open, respectful conversation about mortality and the realities of being human. Inspired by the Death Café movement, The Human Experience offers a space to talk about death, dying, meaning, and the finite nature of life. There is no agenda, no presentation, and no expected outcome. This is not a therapy session or grief support group. Instead, it is an opportunity for honest conversation, reflection, and connection with others who are interested in exploring how awareness of mortality can help people live more intentionally.

Coffee and Cake will be provided.

Host: Betsy Stirbens, M.Div., BCC