On January 14, we lost a philanthropist, healer, and one of the most courageous and steadfast champions of Medical Aid in Dying, Dr. Charles Hamlin.
Dr. Hamlin believed deeply in the dignity of every human life, and equally in the dignity of every human death. His advocacy was rooted in compassion, humility, and a profound respect for autonomy. He understood that end-of-life care is not simply about medicine, it is about honoring wishes, easing suffering, and preserving humanity when it matters most.
A graduate of Yale College and Columbia Medical School, Charlie practiced hand surgery in Denver for more than 40 years. His clinical excellence was recognized nationally with the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons’ Humanitarian Award and the Volunteer Service Award from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Yet Charlie measured success not by accolades, but by impact on patients, families, students, and communities.
He served with distinction on the National Board of Compassion & Choices. His commitment extended beyond legislation into education. After establishing an endowment for Dartmouth medical students to learn about advance care planning and end-of-life care, Dr. Hamlin reflected:
“Now medical students would have an opportunity to learn about the fears and hopes that can overwhelm but yet empower individuals to reach for a peaceful death. And truly, what greater gift can the dying leave those they love than a memory of wishes honored?”
He believed that these conversations were not only necessary, but transformative — for patients and physicians alike. As he once said, “It’s not just patients who need to start these important conversations; it’s up to physicians to make sure those they care for understand their options.”
Dr. Hamlin’s compassion extended far beyond Colorado. In 1994, he founded the Chinle Hand Clinic on the Navajo Nation in Chinle, Arizona, providing pro bono surgical care one weekend a month for two decades. That work earned him the Navajo Indian Health Services Directors’ Award and yet another Humanitarian Award, but to Charlie, it was simply living out his values. As he said, “Making a living is important and sometimes even interesting, but sooner or later making a difference is what counts.”
Dr. Barbara Morris, President of the End of Life Options Board of Directors, shared:
“Coloradans, New Yorkers, and Arizonans will remember and always be grateful to Charlie for his care and compassion for patients with orthopedic injuries and for his devotion to making sure that Coloradans could exercise choice and autonomy at the end of life. I will never forget his kindness and generosity during a frightening and challenging time in my career – when I was fired from a job I loved, trying to assist a dying patient. His calmness and determination helped me see a way forward. For that, I will always be grateful.”
Dr. Hamlln’s legacy lives in laws passed, students educated, patients healed, and families comforted, but most of all, in the countless individuals whose final days were gentler because he dared to speak for dignity when it was hardest and most necessary.
We are better and braver because of Dr. Charles Hamlin. And we honor him best by continuing the work he loved: making sure every person has the right to choice, comfort, compassion, and peace at the end of life.