Lessons from a Hospital Chaplain: Insights from Counseling Thousands of Dying Patients
Joon Park, a hospital chaplain at Tampa General Hospital, has counseled thousands of dying patients and their families, offering comfort and support in their final moments. Park, who has experienced trauma and abuse in his own life, understands the importance of giving patients a voice and making them feel heard. He shares his experiences on social media to normalize conversations around dying and mortality. Park describes himself as a "therapriest," providing nonjudgmental and comforting presence to patients, addressing their mental health, crisis, and grief. He believes that being fully present in relationships is crucial, as every conversation could be the last. Park's role as a chaplain extends beyond religious conversations, focusing on the individual and their spiritual needs. He emphasizes the regrets and concerns of dying patients, highlighting the importance of being true to oneself and the impact of death on loved ones.
