Toko\u25cfthanat\u25cfology is the theoretical study of the parallels between birth and death, especially in medical care.\u00a0 What do birth and death have in common? They both represent times of profound change, when patients and their families need emotional support and empathy from their caregivers\u2014things they don\u2019t teach in medical school.\u00a0 The practical skills and knowledge required to provide care in obstetrics and palliative care are essential.\u00a0 But dealing with the deeper meaning, the human connection, is equally important. The very nature of these events encourages the caregiver to walk alongside the patient, to assist rather than control.\u00a0 In her recent book, \u201cBookends: A Family Doctor explores Birth, Death and tokothanatology,\u201d Dr. Susan Boron explores the powerfully human aspects of caring for people at both ends of their lives. She shows how expertise in one area of care easily transfers to the other, increasing confidence and improving care and satisfaction for practitioner and patient alike.\u00a0 Susan also talks about her parents, Murray & Elinor Enkin.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"