Joining Our Voices: Envisioning the Future of Serious Illness Care is a virtual symposium that unites health professionals, providers, caregivers and advocates in conversation to share experiences, innovations, and opportunities for the future of North Carolina’s serious illness care.
This event is produced by the North Carolina Serious Illness Coalition in collaboration with its membership and partner coalitions.
Scroll below or click the session topic to learn more.
NAVIGATING VSED & MEDICAL AID IN DYING: UNDERSTANDING CHOICES, LAWS, AND COMPASSIONATE CARE
This session will explore Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED) and Medical Aid in Dying (MAID), providing an overview of patient choices, legal considerations, and ethical complexities. Participants will gain a better understanding of these end-of-life options and the role of compassionate, patient-centered care in supporting individuals, families, and care teams.
Speakers:
Rachel Lipner, Chief Medical Officer, Transitions Life Care
Ed Tiryakian, Executive Director, Dying Right NC
EXPLORING ETHICS & ADVANCE CARE PLANNING: MOVING BEYOND THE PAPERWORK
This session will explore the ethical considerations that shape advance care planning and the importance of moving beyond forms and documentation to meaningful conversations. Participants will examine how values, preferences, communication, and shared decision-making can help ensure care aligns with what matters most to patients and their families.
Speaker:
Gabriella Agostaro, Director, Clinical Ethics, Novant Health
EMPOWERING FAMILY CAREGIVERS IN HEALTH SYSTEMS: STRATEGIES FOR BETTER CARE AND OUTCOMES
This session will explore innovative approaches to supporting and empowering family caregivers as essential partners in care. Participants will examine how healthcare organizations are integrating caregiver support into clinical practice, including through electronic medical records, referrals, and interventions that address caregivers’ needs alongside patient care. Participants will consider the benefits of engaging family caregivers in care delivery and transitions, as well as strategies for partnering with community organizations to strengthen support for patients and their families.
Speakers:
Nicole Clagett, Director of Community Development & Caregiver Support, Duke HomeCare & Hospice
Cooper Linton, Associate Vice-President, Duke HomeCare & Hospice
Presentations and videos are not legal or medical advice. Everything provided is for informational purposes and not for the purpose of providing legal or healthcare advice. You should always contact your health provider or attorney to obtain advice with respect to any healthcare or advance planning decision. Nothing here should be construed to form an attorney client or healthcare patient relationship.