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Today we have Dr. Eleanor Tanno with us, discussing the vital topic of advanced directives. Dr. Tanno is the creator and founder of Advanced Direct MD. Dr. Tanno, thank you for being here today. I see you a lot on social media and reached out because I know that not everyone has an advanced directive.

Discussing advanced directives can be uncomfortable, but it's crucial when making decisions for someone else. Family members often feel obligated to pursue aggressive care, which might not align with the patient's wishes. An advanced directive can guide family members or friends, ensuring decisions reflect the patient's desires.

Dr. Tanno, how did you get into this field? Your experience highlights the importance of advanced directives, especially in hospitals where critical decisions are made. Please share your journey and the background of Advanced Direct MD.

Thank you for having me. During my time in the ICU, I noticed that very few patients had discussed care planning with their families. Only 36% of people have an advanced directive, often skewed towards older individuals. This lack of planning leads to family members making uninformed decisions, often opting for more aggressive and sometimes futile care. I realized that advanced directives should be created with physicians, not just attorneys. This led me to teach people how to create comprehensive advanced directives through courses and lectures, providing real-life examples to clarify their importance.

Let's discuss some tips for our listeners on creating an advanced directive. Firstly, you don't need an attorney to make an advanced directive. You can download your state's form online. However, it helps to create it with someone knowledgeable to ensure it's legally sound and up to date.

Tip one is to name your medical decision-maker. Without one, your spouse or adult children might be the default, which can lead to conflicts. Name someone explicitly to avoid these issues. Tip two is to have a detailed conversation with your decision-maker about your medical wishes. Teach them the answer to the question: "I would want to be kept alive as long as I am still able to ___." This answer changes throughout life and should be communicated clearly to your decision-maker.

About Dr. Tanno:
Dr. Eleanor Tanno is a practicing full time Family Physician and the founder of AdvanceDirectiveMD. Through speaking and her online course, she educates clients on how to create a meaningful Advance Directive that eventually guides their loves ones.

Website and Social Media links:
https://advancedirectivemd.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tanno-m-d-4b8698189/

#AdvancedDirectives #HealthcarePlanning #PatientAdvocacy #MedicalDecisionMaking #EndOfLifeCare

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