Dr. Rebecca Aslakson: Palliative Care in the Perioperative Setting

The Surgical Palliative Care Podcast

#021 - Join host Dr. Red Hoffman as she interviews Dr. Rebecca Aslakson, an anesthesiologist - triple-board certified in anesthesiology, critical care medicine and hospice and palliative medicine - and a well known researcher who has devoted her career to improving the delivery of effective and equitable palliative care, particularly to perioperative and critically ill populations. Rebecca is an Associate Professor at Stanford University with appointments in both the Department of Primary Care & Population Health in the Palliative Care Section and the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine where she serves as Division Chief of Critical Care Anesthesia.
Rebecca discusses how her early work in HIV paved the way for her career as both a researcher and as a palliative care physician. She shares the story of David, one of her very first patients, who inspired her interest in palliative medicine. She talks about the importance of honoring the emotive (rather than the cognitive) experiences of our patients as well as the importance of creating a space for patients and families to discuss their spiritual/religious beliefs, whatever they may be.
For young physicians, Rebecca's career illustrates the importance of mentorship throughout one's career (and proves that you do NOT have to be mentored by people in your own field). She also reflects upon the importance of knowing the culture of your medical community and being mindful of that culture when trying to conduct research or introducing an intervention.
Beyond being a brilliant researcher, Rebecca is one of the most authentic and heart-centered human beings. Get ready for both your emotive and cognitive sides to be inspired!
Read more about Rebecca, including links to her publications, here.
Read more about anesthesia and palliative medicine in the ASA Monitor here.
Read more about the Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial of Perioperative Palliative Care Surrounding Cancer Surgery for Patients and Their Family Members (PERIOP-PC) here.
To learn more about the surgical palliative care community, visit us on twitter @surgpallcare
To learn more about host Red Hoffman, visit her website www.redhoffmanmd.com.