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Serious Illness

Serious illness communication is one of the most essential areas of training for medical professionals engaged in palliative care. Dr. Goldberg will continue to provide related consultation, speaking engagements and other educational initiatives as Whole Animal transitions away from direct clinical care of veterinary patients. Please contact us if you are in need of a speaker/consultant related to serious illness care within veterinary environments.


Dr. Goldberg is part of the Ariadne Labs global online community of clinicians, the Serious Illness Care Community of Practice. She was the only veterinarian in attendance at the Serious Illness Care Program course, co-sponsored by Ariadne Labs, Harvard Medical School Center for Palliative Care, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care in June 2015. She has since modified the Serious Illness Conversation Guide for veterinary use and is teaching it to veterinary students and professionals. The Serious Illness Care Program’s mission is “Helping seriously ill patients choose care that’s aligned with their values and goals.” Dr. Goldberg is passionate about bringing this initiative to veterinary care, through skilled and compassionate conversations between clinicians and families facing serious illness of a beloved pet.

Serious Illness Resources