Our Story

Partnering to Shift the Paradigm

When Dr. Bob and Elizabeth Uslander met, they quickly discovered they had a shared vision to transform Palliative, End of Life, and Grief Care for all. Empowered Endings brings Bob and Elizabeth’s experience and vision together with like-minded professionals and community members. They believe that, together, we can transform the way our society approaches the final chapter of life.

Dr. Bob Uslander, MD, has practiced medicine for over 30 years. As an Emergency Physician for more than 20 years, Bob witnessed the gaps in our healthcare system firsthand. Over the years, his growing concern about patients’ quality of life and ability to influence their own treatment drove him to transition to Palliative and Hospice Care. Since then, his practice of Palliative and End of Life Care has focused not just on the physical needs of his patients, but also on their emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual needs. He is passionate about eliminating the fear that keeps people from experiencing peace and joy at any stage of life.

Elizabeth Uslander, MSW MTS, has refined her expertise in spiritual care and medical social work through decades of education and experience supporting people through life’s major transitions. All too often she witnessed the obstacles they encountered in their search for whole-person, trauma-informed, culturally-sensitive care. As an educator and advocate for patients, families and professionals in her fields of expertise, she hopes to create a new paradigm of Healthcare—one that allows for the needs of each person and their loved ones to be heard and honored. Her greatest gift is transforming the pain of loss into the possibility of new life.

After partnering to support hundreds of patients and families in their holistic medical practice, and providing education throughout Southern California on their proven model of care, they launched the Empowered Endings Collective. Their vision is to fill the gaps in the traditional healthcare system and facilitate a social paradigm shift in Palliative, End of Life and Grief Care so a “soft landing” is the rule rather than the exception.

About the Co-Founders

Elizabeth Uslander, MSW MTS

Elizabeth Uslander, MSW MTS is at the helm of the movement to empower patients and their families in Palliative, End of Life, and Grief Care. As the Co-founder and Director of San Diego’s Empowered Endings Collective—Medical Group, Institute, and Foundation—she works to fill the gaps in traditional healthcare and facilitate social paradigm shifts in her fields of expertise. She’s a passionate educator and intuitive community creator with a love of traveling, family, and art.

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Dr. Bob Uslander, MD

Dr. Bob Uslander, MD, is a pioneer physician leading a movement to shift the paradigm of End of Life Care by supporting, guiding and teaching an empowered approach to Palliative and End of Life Care. As the Co-founder and Medical Director of San Diego’s Empowered Endings Collective—Medical Group, Institute, and Foundation—he leads the Empowered Endings Medical Group providing compassionate informed care to patients and their families. He’s a passionate advocate, loving husband and father, and adventurer in life.

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