Jennifer A. O’Brien is an experienced healthcare executive with a profound understanding of caregiving, end-of-life preparation, and grief, informed deeply by her personal and professional experiences. Having served as a practice management consultant and educator to physicians for over 35 years, and in administrative roles at major academic medical centers, Jennifer combines her professional acumen with her personal journey through significant loss. Her life changed irrevocably when her husband, Bob Lehmberg, a physician specializing in palliative care, was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic cancer. This profound experience shifted her focus towards helping family caregivers manage the complex challenges of caring for loved ones while also looking after their own well-being.
Throughout her husband’s illness and after his passing, Jennifer used art journaling to document the intense realities of caregiving. This method helped her process her grief and share her insights, culminating in her first book, “The Hospice Doctor’s Widow: A Journal.” Her work captures the essence of what she terms “Precious Time,” a concept familiar to both her and Bob in their professional lives, which refers to the emotionally rich final period before a loved one’s passing. Building on this foundation, Jennifer recently published a second book, “CareBoss,” which draws on her extensive experience to support caregivers in navigating their roles with confidence and compassion.
Special Guest for LightAtTheEnd.com Podcast Episodes:
Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst: Artistic Insights on End-of-Life Care