Dealing with death is not an easy task, but Felicia Chang is committed to being a palliative care doctor who alleviates the pain of her patients.
A lot of negativity and fear is attached to the term ‘palliative care’. Many assume that once a patient is referred to a palliative care doctor, all possible treatments have failed. But palliative care isn’t about giving up or losing hope. Rather, it’s about improving the quality of life of patients with life-threatening illnesses. Despite the constant backlash hurled at this form of specialised medical care, palliative care doctors go the extra mile to care for and comfort those in need. They believe that an illness does not merely affect the physical body, but also one’s mental and emotional health. It’s certainly not easy to prepare patients for the arrival of death, but this is what doctors like Felicia Chang do on a daily basis.
Her name may not ring any bells, but Felicia’s work as a palliative care doctor commands respect and admiration. While her peers chose to pursue careers in more prominent medical specialities, she took the road less travelled to become a palliative care doctor who helps terminally ill patients live the last few moments of their lives in comfort, enabling them to die with dignity. We caught up with Felicia to learn more about her work and its rewards and challenges.
HW: What is palliative care?
FC: “Palliative care is a holistic approach to health care for patients with life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, organ failure and neurodegenerative diseases. It means taking care of patients by addressing physical symptoms like pain and breathlessness, in addition to providing them with emotional and spiritual care. We try to minimise suffering and enhance the quality of life of our patients and their families.”
HW: Why did you choose this line of work?
Denne historien er fra July 2016-utgaven av Her World Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 2016-utgaven av Her World Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Beauty The Natural Way
With climate change rapidly threatening the future of Mother Earth, we urgently need to curb further acts of destruction. We speak to Law Hong Mei, founder of The Olive Tree, about building a beauty brand that is sustainable from the core.
Even Pets Need Tummy Care?
For many, keeping a pet is more than just caring for an animal; pets are family members, too. We speak to veterinary surgeon, Dr Wafaa Abdul Washefffrom Pets Corner Sdn Bhd, to find out how your pets can stay healthy with a suitable diet
The Healing Power Of Unconditional Love
There’s a saying that goes, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” For one woman, these words resonated deeply. An unlikely companion came into her life at her lowest point and changed everything.
YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME
“More than half of my time is spent with animals, but I enjoy it,” enthuses animal rescuer, Aileen Lee. The story of this selfless lady’s dedication and love for the fur kids she has saved will warm your heart.
MISSION: Catification
We discover why pet proofing your home ensures harmony and safety for both the owner and the cat.
THE ONE WHO'S TAKING ACTION
Best known for her extensively waitlisted Nina bag, Gabriela Hearst walks the talk when it comes to sustainable luxury. The New York-based designer shares her inspirations, dreams and resolutions for herself and her eponymous label.
BORN TO ENTERTAIN
YOU MIGHT RECOGNISE HER AS THE GENTLE AND LOVING MOTHER IN LEE CHONG WEI, THE BIOPIC OF THE BADMINTON LEGEND, OR THE VULNERABLE YET RESILIENT TEACHER IN WET SEASON, WHICH HIT THE CINEMAS IN MARCH. SOME OF US MAY HAVE SEEN YEO YANN YANN ON THE BIG SCREEN PLAYING VARIOUS CHARACTERS FOR MORE THAN A DECADE. STILL, SHE NEVER FAILS LEAVE HER AUDIENCE IN AWE OF HER ACTING PROWESS.
THE TRUTH BEHIND FAUX FUR
Is imitation fur still a feasible alternative in this modern, fashion-forward world? Nadhirah Othman uncovers how the fur industry – both real and fake – brings a detrimental impact to the well-being of our planet.
Surprising reasons WHY YOUR KID is under performing in school
You’re understandably frustrated that your child isn’t living up to her potential. But before you blame her attitude, check if these conditions are hindering her academically.
A PAWSITIVE' Life
Like in many parts of the world, pet culture has seen exponential growth in Malaysia. In this issue, Lorraine Chai discusses pet therapy, a method of treatment that is gaining traction, and also some of the pet trends you don’t want to miss out on.
