Hacia el final de la vida

About the practice

Hacia el final de la vida is the website of Alexandra Mejía Benard, a physician specializing in internal medicine with training in palliative medicine. The practice describes an approach to supporting people near the end of life that considers physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

Professional background

Mejía Benard completed specialty training in internal medicine and first worked with terminally ill patients through the home hospitalization service at Hospital Clínico San Carlos. In 2004–2005, she completed a master's degree in palliative medicine and supportive care for people with cancer at Hospital La Paz. She has since focused her work on supporting people at the end of life.

Care

The practice describes its goal as supporting patient and family well-being and quality of life while addressing physical symptoms such as pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation and shortness of breath; emotional distress such as anxiety, sadness and helplessness; and spiritual concerns such as loss of meaning, unresolved conflict or a desire for forgiveness.

Education and training

The website has sections on the importance and anthropology of death, end-of-life rights, communication, spirituality and complementary approaches in palliative care. It also publishes palliative-care news and offers courses, including “Approaching Death Without Fear and Supporting People at the End of Life,” for volunteers and others seeking to understand the dying process.

Contact

Email: drolkar2001@yahoo.es. Phone: +34 690 147 029.

For medical care, discuss individual needs and options directly with a qualified clinician.