Dr. Susan Nelson practices palliative medicine at Ochsner Health. She is board-certified in internal medicine, geriatrics, hospice, and palliative medicine. Over the last 30 years, she has advocated for systems to improve care for those with serious advanced illness. She serves as Medical Director of Palliative Medicine for the Ochsner Health Network and is System Chair, Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care as well as Bioethics with Ochsner Health. Dr. Nelson is a fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and the American College of Physicians. She is chair of the LaPOST Coalition, as well as on the Leadership Council of National POLST-initiatives to develop and use a set of portable medical orders for patients with life limiting illness. Dr. Nelson says, My lengthy career has been focused on providing the best care possible through shared decision making and open dialogue about what might happen next. This results in an individualized care plan which is communicated to the whole health care team.