MARQUETTE — Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice is hosting its fifth Upper Great Lakes Palliative Care and Hospice Conference entitled “…at the Heart of Every Moment.” The conference is scheduled for Oct. 23 and 24 at the Holiday Inn in Marquette.

Registration is now open for those seeking an energetic, invigorating conference where great minds come together — physicians, nurses, care providers and professionals across disciplines — to explore, learn and improve care for patients. Registration is available at a reduced rate for those who register before Oct. 15.

The focus of the conference includes person/family-centered care through a collaborative approach, spirituality (not necessarily religion), and evolving changes in delivery of hospice care. Other topics presented at the conference will include cannabinoid use in palliative care, compassion fatigue, end-of-life doulas, the neuroscience of pain, and integrative medicine.

A special free community presentation will be provided on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 5:15 p.m. by the Honorable Judge Cheryl Hill. She will discuss the legal issues surrounding conservatorships, guardianships, DPOA, living wills and probate.

A diverse, expert panel of presenters will bring this information to attendees. This conference will offer more than 20 distinguished speakers. Keynote speakers include Dr. Larry Skendzel, hospice director of Gundersen Health System in LaCrosse, Wis.; Dr. Sheetal Acharya, of UPHS – Oncology-Hematology; Dr. Lisa Long, of UPHS Family Medicine; Dr. Mike Grossman, of UPHS-Bell Family Practice; Jon Magnuson, MDiv, of Cedar Tree Institute; and Dr. Mary Tobin-Anderson, of UPHS-Lakewood Clinic.

“We’re very pleased to host our fifth conference this October. Each year, the conference has grown and we’ve had a tremendous response from attendees. We’re excited to bring a diverse group of local and regional leaders in palliative and hospice care to practitioners here in the U.P.,” said Sue (Kitti) Rutkowski, Lake Superior Hospice CEO. “The conference provides a unique educational and networking opportunity for practitioners at all levels, and supports the common goal of allowing us to better serve our patients.”

Sponsors for the event include Upper Peninsula Health Plan, Michigan Health Endowment Fund, NMU School of Nursing, Brookridge Heights Assisted Living, and Dr. Craig Coccia. Sponsorships are available.

For more information on registering or sponsoring the conference, please contact Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice at 906-225-7760 or visit their website at www.lakesuperiorhospice.org.