Presenting Faculty
Gregg VandeKieft, MD MA FAAHPM
Session Overview
This session focuses on the evaluation and management of common and advanced medical interventions in serious and complex illness, emphasizing goal‑concordant care and informed clinical decision‑making.
What Learners Will Gain
Learners will self‑report the ability to apply, analyze, and evaluate the management of medical interventions when making appropriate diagnostic and clinical decisions that have important consequences for patients and families experiencing serious and complex illness.
Medical Interventions and Clinical Contexts Addressed
• Respiratory interventions
• Renal replacement therapy
• Cardiac therapies, including: – Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs)
– Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter‑defibrillators (AICDs)
– Other advanced cardiac therapies
Medication and Supportive Therapies
• Antibiotic use in serious illness
• Anticoagulation management
• Intravenous fluids and nutrition
Clinical Focus Areas
• Weighing benefits and burdens of ongoing medical interventions
• Aligning treatment decisions with patient goals and prognosis
• Supporting shared decision‑making with patients and families