VUMC observes National Health Care Decisions Day, April 16

It is said that there are two things you cannot avoid; death and taxes. On April 16, VUMC leadership will be rounding with members of the ethics and palliative care teams to encourage employees to complete an advance directive for health care.

The advance directive for health care is a form that allows you to appoint a health care agent to speak for you if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. It also outlines quality of life and treatment decisions that are acceptable to you. Since these are big decisions, you should review it with the agent you appoint, your health care provider and other important people in your life. Once completed and witnessed or notarized, it can be added to your electronic medical record.

“Everyone should have an advance directive for health care” said Bonnie Miller, MD, MMHC, Senior Associate Dean for Health Sciences Education at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Executive Vice-President for Educational Affairs. “We want to encourage our patients to do so as well and that can be easier if you have done one for yourself.”  She encourages all employees to stop by an information table outside Au Bon Pain (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) or the sixth floor atrium of the Critical Care Tower (11 a.m. - noon) or attend an information session in 202 Light Hall at 4 p.m. on April 16t to learn more.