Grief in Healthcare: A Leadership Perspective

Communication skills Culture Disenfranchised grief End-of-Life Care Palliative care Self-care Reflective skills

In this webinar, Chris Calkins, PhD, explores how grief and loss affect patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Drawing on more than 40 years of healthcare leadership experience, he discusses professional grief, compassion fatigue, burnout, and the role of organizational leadership in supporting healthcare worker well-being. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, Dr. Calkins examines how healthcare organizations can strengthen workplace culture, policies, and practices to foster more grief-sensitive care. 

Presenter: Chris Calkins, PhD, Executive Director, MHA Programs at Penn State University

Chris Calkins, PhD, has more than 40 years of experience in healthcare leadership and education, including roles at Aetna, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, and several other healthcare organizations. He serves as Executive Director of Penn State University's residential and online Master of Health Administration programs, Faculty Associate to the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health, and Board Chair of Centre Volunteers in Medicine. His research focuses on community health needs, rural healthcare access, and women's and behavioral health.