Inaugural Conference: Empowering End of Life Care: Medical Aid in Dying for Professionals

End of Life Options Colorado is proud to host its inaugural conference, Empowering End of Life Care: Medical Aid in Dying for Professionals, designed to bring together professionals dedicated to advancing compassionate and informed end-of-life care. This unique event provides a platform for healthcare providers, legal experts, hospice leaders, and other stakeholders to deepen their understanding of Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD), and its role in empowering patient choices. The Academy of Aid-in-Dying Medicine, the premier clinical education platform in this field, proudly endorses the conference.

This interactive and immersive two-day conference features a blend of keynote presentations, breakout sessions, panel discussions, and workshops led by national and local experts. Participants will gain actionable insights and practical knowledge, covering critical topics such as:

• Clinical Education and Training: Best practices for providing MAiD services.

• Compliance and Policy: Navigating the legal framework and institutional policies.

• Bedside Practices: Training for compassionate and patient-centered care.

• Ethics and Decision-Making: Addressing the moral and ethical considerations of MAiD.

• Business of MAiD Support: Understanding operational aspects and building sustainable models.

Conference Agenda

7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Registration and Continental Breakfast

Welcome to the inaugural conference! Network with peers and enjoy a light breakfast.

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Opening Remarks and Welcome


Presented by: Barbara Morris MD

  • Welcome from End-of-Life Options Colorado
  • State of the State

9:00 - 9:30 a.m.

Overview of Current Status of Aid in Dying

Speaker:  Thalia DeWolf, RN

9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Medical Aid in Dying : Best Practices for Compassionate & Competent Care

Speaker:  Dr. Jess Kaan

Followed by a panel discussion

10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Morning Break
Refreshments provided.

10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Practical Guidance for Coordinated Care of Aid in Dying Patients

Speaker: Thalia DeWolf

Followed by a panel discussion

11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Awards Ceremony 

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch and Networking

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Medical Aid in Dying: Compliance and Opportunity

Speaker: Kevin Malone and Sonny Vukic

Followed by a panel discussion

2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Hospice Medical Directors in Action

Speaker: Nicole Feeney, MD

2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Working with Loved Ones Before, During and After Medical Aid in Dying

Speakers: Ellen Friedman and Eric Jepsen

3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Afternoon Break 

Refreshments Provided

3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Addressing Spiritual and Support Needs of Patients, Loved Ones and Professionals

Speaker:  Beth Patterson

3:45 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Pharmaceutical Practice and Recommendations in Medical Aid in Dying

Speaker: Mindy Cooper, MD

4:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wrap up of Day 1, questions, next steps, etc

Thank yous

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Breakfast at 8:30 AM

Session One Workshops 9:00 AM-10:30 AM (Choose one) 

Best practices for attending and consulting providers in the clinical care from patient evaluation to end-of -life for aid in dying patients

Speakers:  Barbara Morris MD and Kerri Mason MD

 

OR

 Leadership/policies/procedures for organizations including hospices, assisting living and nursing facilities 

Speakers: Thalia DeWolf, Kevin Malone and Sonny Vukic

 

Break with Refreshments 10:30 AM

 

Session Two Workshops 10:45 AM to noon(choose one)

 

Ethical and social challenges at the end of life

Speakers: Beth Patterson and Ruth Curran

 

OR

 

Best practices for frontline clinical staff at the bedside in home and in facilities

Speakers:  Thalia DeWolf and Jess Kaan, DO