Date & Time: Thursday November 19th, 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET - 10:00am PT/1:00pm ET
Presented by: Delia Cortez, MSW, LCSW, APHSW-C
Patients facing illness, injury, amputation, or other significant changes to their bodies often experience grief that extends beyond physical loss. Changes in function, appearance, independence, and identity can create a sense of estrangement from one's own body and significantly impact coping and healthcare decision-making. This presentation explores the concept of "estranged body parts" through a grief-informed social work lens. Participants will learn to identify grief responses associated with bodily loss, assess the psychosocial factors influencing decision-making, and apply practical interventions to support patients and families as they navigate complex medical choices. Through a case example and discussion, attendees will gain strategies to facilitate adaptation, promote self-determination, and provide compassionate, person-centered care.
Learning Objectives:
- Raise awareness about the difficulties faced by those undergoing an amputation.
- Explore methods to assist individuals in finding meaning during their amputation journey.
- Recognize the importance of early grief work prior to an amputation by applying Worden's Four Grief Tasks.
About the Speaker:
Delia Cortez, has been a Clinical Social Worker at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center for 18 years and a member of its inpatient palliative care team since 2016. She completed advanced palliative care training through the CSU Shiley Haynes Institute and is a graduate of the post-master's leadership fellowship at the NYU Silver Zelda Foster Studies Program. Delia is dedicated to supporting patients and families facing serious illness and is passionate about clinical supervision, mentoring, and teaching.