Geriatric specialist leads workshop

Dr. Lanyard Dial will lead an interactive workshop on end-of-life care and support from 7 to 9 p.m. Thurs., April 26 at The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura, 530 Hampshire Road, Westlake Village.

Topics will include medical and lay perceptions of death, the current view of terminal diagnosis and the prognosis of chronic diseases, distinguishing curative versus comfort care, and the development and current state of both palliative care programs and hospice programs.

Cancer patients and family members are encouraged to attend.

"We want to ensure that patients with life-limiting illnesses have the best possible care that caters to their emotional needs, physical comfort and spiritual support," said Dial.

Dial is the director of hospice and full-time medical director of the Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association home healthcare and hospice organization.

As a geriatric medical specialist, he is the course director for the Annual Geriatric Review Course of the American Academy of Family Physicians. He also was the director of the Family Practice Residency Program at Ventura County Medical Center for more than 15 years and was named medical director in 2002.

For information or reservations, call (805) 379-4777.

The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura is the local chapter of the international nonprofit organization that provides free support and education to those affected by cancer. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, visit www.TwcVv.org or call (805) 379-4777.