Join us for a thought-provoking evening and the chance to learn about valuable care and resources for your loved ones, your fellow parishioners, or your healthcare patients!

John Bertagnolli, DO | Keynote Speaker

A recent report, published by a group of physicians and healthcare experts working with the Vatican-based Pontifical Academy for Life, called for global promotion palliative care.

Dr. John Bertagnolli, Samaritan hospice and palliative care physician, will explore how this specialty of advanced medical care can provide pain relief, as well as emotional, spiritual, and social support for patients and families living with serious illnesss.

As a board-certified physician, associate professor of medicine, humanitarian-mission volunteer, and ordained deacon, Dr. Bertagnolli will offer a Catholic perspective on what palliative care is, what it’s not, how it compares to hospice care, and how the benefits provide a better quality of life throughout the course of illness.

Panel Discussion

An interdisciplinary panel discussion will follow Dr. Bertagnolli’s presentation. A nurse, social worker, and chaplain − trained in palliative and hospice care – will share information and stories about the way their professions help families ease the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual stresses of serious illness.

Marge McGinley (Panel Facilitator)
Virtua Chaplain; Society of St. Vincent de Paul National Chair of Formation

Colleen Fritsch, MSW, LCSW
Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice
Social Worker

John Posniewski, RN
Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice
Nurse Liaison

Chaplain Betty Warner, BCC, BCCC, CFHPC
Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice
Spiritual Support Counselor