Conversations on Death & Dying is a transformative educational program developed by Rachel Naomi Remen, MD, founder of the Remen Institute for the Study of Health and Illness (RISHI) and Evangeline Andarsio, MD, Director, RISHI.

As healthcare professionals we experience caring for our patients nearing the end of life. How do we personally navigate this inevitable realm?  This program allows participants to explore their work surrounding death and how their lived experience affects the care they provide. Utilizing RISHI’s innovation discovery model of learning, this simple five-part series is, in essence, a healing curriculum led by experienced facilitators.

Each session offers reflection within small and large group settings. Healthcare professionals explore personal and professional experiences of loss. In a psychologically safe space, participants learn impactful strategies to support their professional growth.

Since 2022, Ohio’s Hospice has offered Conversations on Death & Dying to over 1400 employees.  Program evaluations have been overwhelming positive with participants stating, “This program should be required for all hospice workers.”

To experience and bring this transformative program to your health care organization, please join Evangeline Andarsio, MD and a group of interprofessional RISHI faculty involved with hospice and palliative care for the Conversations on Death & Dying Retreat.

Who Should Apply?

• Healthcare professionals caring for patients with life-threatening illness
• Graduate Medical Education – Residency and Fellowship Program Directors and Educators (e.g. Hospice and Palliative Care, Hematology-Oncology, or Geriatrics)

How to Apply

Submit your application online by Monday, September10, 2025. All applications will be reviewed, and you will be notified of your acceptance to the workshop within two weeks of submitting your application.

Complete the application using the link below:
2026 Conversations on Death & Dying Retreat Application

Financial Information

Registration Fee: Due within 30 days of the acceptance of application.

• $1800- 2 ½ day Retreat (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)

Note: Registration fee includes breakfast and lunch, daily.  Lodging and evening meals are the responsibility of the participant. 

Cancellation & Refund Policy: 

• 30 days or less prior to the first day of Workshop = forfeit of full registration fee (100%).

For questions regarding registration, payments, travel, hotel or other customer service issues, contact Becky Johnson at 326-222-3579 or rjohnson@purehealthcare.org.

Faculty:
Evangeline C. Andarsio, MD, Director of RISHI, Clinical Professor of OB-GYN at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Director of the National Healer’s Art curriculum for medical and veterinary medicine students.

Rachel Naomi Remen, MD, Founding Director, The Remen Institute for the Study of Health and Illness (RISHI) at Pure Healthcare; Founder and Director, The Healer’s Art ^™ Curriculum. Unfortunately, due to health reasons, Dr. Remen is unable to join us any longer for workshops.  Video recordings of Dr. Remen on key topics pertaining to Conversations on Death & Dying will be shared throughout the training workshop.

Lucille “Lu” Marchand, BSN, MD, FAAHPM, FAAFP, Professor Emeritas, Clinical Adjunct Professor University of WI Dept of Family Medicine and Community Health Madison.

Cleanne Cass, DO, FAAHPM, FAAFP, HMDC is the program director for the Soin Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship. She has been a hospice and palliative medicine physician for over 30 years with vast clinical and administrative experience.

Kim Vesey, RN, MS, CHPN, worked in the field of hospice care for 40 years; 11 years caring for hospice patients in their homes and the last 28 years in various hospice management roles before retiring in June of 2024. She has been certified in hospice and palliative care nursing since 1997.

DISCLOSURE INFORMATION: The speakers, presenters and planning committee members for this educational activity disclose no relevant financial relationship with commercial interests.

Disabilities Statement
As an organization accredited for continuing medical education (CME), Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine fully complies with the legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act rules and regulations. For participants in need of accommodation, written requests should be submitted at least one month in advance.

Hotel, Travel, and Meal Information
Lodging: The retreat and training will be held at Home2 Suites Dayton/Centerville in Dayton, Ohio. The address is 5161 North Cornerstone Blvd., Dayton, Ohio 45440.

You can reserve your rooms after your application has been approved. Reservations can be made via a RISHI rate link will be provide ti you with your acceptance email.

We highly recommend making your reservations at Home2 Suites Dayton/Centerville as they provide an exceptional room rate on beautiful and peaceful grounds. The event venue is onsite and is easily accessible from all areas of the property.

Reserve your room no later than Tuesday, September 1, 2026, to guarantee the RISHI block room rate of $167 + tax per night.

Additional lodging: We will provide names of alternative accommodation near the event upon request.

Travel: Participants fly in from all over the country to attend training.  If you are arriving by plane and will be renting a car or using a taxi service, consider the following airport:

Dayton International Airport (DAY)           

25 miles from DAY to Home2 Suites Dayton/Centerville.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch are provided as part of registration fee.

• Evening meals and lodging are the responsibility of the of the participant.

CME Forthcoming

Note: If you have a special diet or dietary need, please make sure you include your need on the application.

Questions?
For more course information surrounding physicians and residents, nurses and nurse residents please contact RISHI’s Director, Evangeline C. Andarsio, M.D., at eandarsio@purehealthcare.org or 937.245.7450 ext. 2.

For questions regarding registration, payments, travel, hotel or other customer service issues, contact Becky Johnson at 326-222-3579 or rjohnson@purehealthcare.org.