Schneck Foundation Hosts Advance Care Planning Program to Empower Community Members
The Schneck Foundation recently hosted an Advance Care Planning program designed to help individuals prepare for the unexpected and make informed decisions about their future healthcare. Thoughtful planning can bring peace of mind—not only for yourself, but for your loved ones.
This impactful session featured a panel of medical experts who shared personal stories and professional insights on how to navigate healthcare decisions with clarity and confidence. Panelists included:
• Dr. Ryan Stone
• Dr. David Hartung
• Monica Hartung, PA
• Dr. Jordan Maryfield
• Dr. Pam Snook-Tidd
• Rachel Bullard
• Leighana Crenshaw, Social Worker
Dr. Ryan Stone opened the evening by explaining the role of advance directives and healthcare representatives from a hospitalist’s perspective. Dr. David Hartung followed with insights from his experience as a primary care physician. Both emphasized that the most effective way to ensure your healthcare wishes are honored—especially if you're unable to speak for yourself—is to appoint a healthcare representative and complete a Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST) form.
“The POST form is the best way I’ve found to ensure your wishes are followed,” said Dr. Hartung. “It’s thorough, easy to complete, and your provider can help guide you through it. Medicare typically covers the cost of an advance care planning appointment—just be sure to check your coverage. It’s that important.”
Dr. Pam Snook-Tidd, primary care physician and Medical Director of Schneck Hospice, echoed the importance of the POST form and added that open conversations with loved ones are equally vital. “Having those conversations—while sometimes difficult—can help keep family members aligned when healthcare decisions need to be made,” she shared.
The program also addressed hospice and palliative care, which focus on enhancing quality of life for individuals facing serious or terminal illnesses. Rachel Bullard, former ER nurse and Director of Schneck Hospice Services, highlighted the compassionate, family-centered approach of Schneck Hospice.
“We partner with families to care for their loved ones with a terminal diagnosis,” Bullard said. “Our goal is to support quality of life—not just in the final days, but for months. If you’re wondering whether hospice might be right for you or a loved one, please reach out.”
Dr. Micah Fischer noted that "palliative care and hospice care are sisters. While both value quality of life and provide spiritual, physical, and mental support, they have separate paths. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments at any stage of the disease. Hospice care is provided during the final stages of life when treatments are no longer wanted or when the disease isn't curable."
Watch the full program and panel Q&A session below.
More information and the POST form can be found on the IN.gov website. See below for contact information for our panel experts and primary care providers.
