I was born in the Dominican Republic, where my journey toward understanding and providing compassionate care for those facing life’s challenges began. At the age of 8, I experienced the loss of my maternal grandfather to cancer, followed by the passing of my maternal aunt just six months later. Even at such a young age, I found myself pondering questions like “What is death?” and “Why do people die?”

As I grew older, the impact of losing family and friends reinforced these inquiries. Simultaneously, these experiences planted a seed within me, inspiring a desire to pursue a career where I could better comprehend these profound questions and, more importantly, learn how to help people facing such scenarios.

A pivotal moment came during medical school when my paternal grandfather, a lifelong smoker, was diagnosed with oral cancer. In providing support for him while he underwent chemo and radiation, I unwittingly found myself offering end-of-life care, not realizing there was a specialized field for this. Despite the emotional difficulty, this experience led me to a deeper understanding of Palliative Care, with invaluable guidance from physicians, including a geriatrician.

Although I never envisioned practicing Geriatric Medicine or Palliative Medicine, my internal medicine training in Ohio exposed me to a large geriatric patient population. This experience eventually led to a Geriatric Fellowship and further exposure to Palliative Medicine rotations, clarifying my true calling. What I had provided to my grandfather turned out to be Palliative Care, leading me to pursue a Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship.

Despite my initial hesitation due to the spiritual and emotional challenges of this work, I recognized that this was my journey. Today, I am a Palliative Physician with Piedmont Hospital, contributing to improving patients’ quality of life. In my role, I offer support and disease education to patients and their families, empowering them to understand their loved one’s medical condition and make informed decisions about their care.

It’s crucial to highlight that this work is a collaborative effort. The palliative team, consisting of case managers, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, pharmacists, and chaplains, plays a vital role in providing holistic and compassionate care. Together, Gentle Soul and the care team navigate the challenging situations and processes that families face with their loved ones, ensuring they receive the best possible care and support during difficult times.