Special class offers insights into life, and death
A special life education class was held at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Thursday covering hospice care, pre-plan funeral arrangement, palliative care and the value of life.
Hospice care doctor Hei Ziming, of the Linfen community health center in Jing'an District, shared his experiences of relieving the pain of patients and helping them obtain dignity and tranquility in the last moments of life. He has provided hospice services to nearly 200 patients over the past three years.
Hei could not count how many times he held the hands of patients' and listened to their long-kept secrets because there are too many such moments.
"It was very difficult and sad for me at first because they are preparing to leave the world," he told the class. "But I gradually found that the hands I held didn't just convey sorrow and pain, but love and brightness as well."
A memorial service was also held in commemoration of a Shanghai couple who donated their bodies to science. Their son shared his parents' stories with students.
The class was guided by the Shanghai Red Cross Society and hosted by the university and Fushouyuan Cemetery.
"Face to face talks with hospice care doctors and body donor families offer a special lesson for students on the respect of life, responsibility and dedication," said Wei Xiaowen, a teacher of the university.
There are plans to hold similar classes for medical students at more universities, including Fudan University, Jiao Tong University and Tongji University.