FARMINGTON — Franklin Memorial Hospital is hosting a conference, “End of Life Care: Continuing the Conversation,” from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, in the Bass Room. The target audiences are healthcare professionals, funeral directors, students and community members.

Topics to be discussed include how to have the end-of-life conversation, compassion fatigue, tissue and organ donation.

At 1:30 p.m. an hour-long documentary, “Being Mortal” featuring Boston surgeon Atul Gawande, will be shown. Dr. Gawande explores the relationships doctors have with patients who are nearing the end of life and investigates the practice of caring for the dying.

The film demonstrates how doctors, himself included, are often untrained, ill-suited and uncomfortable talking about chronic illness and death with their patients.

A panel discussion will take place from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., featuring Pamela Brown, RN, CHPN, a certified hospice and palliative care nurse and HealthReach hospice educator; Kathy Amsden, MSW, clinical social worker at Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice; Janet Cyr Wight, representing the New England Organ Bank; and Larry Labul, DO, FACOI, SFHM, Franklin Memorial Hospital hospitalist, board certified in hospice/palliative care.

There is no fee for students and community members, however, space is limited. Tuition fee is $30 for those seeking CEUs (continuing education units are available for funeral directors, doctors, nurses and case managers) and includes a complimentary lunch at noon. 

FMI, register: 207-779-2451, [email protected].