About Dr. James Hallenbeck

James is a physician and associate professor emeritus at Stanford University in Palo Alto California. Prior to becoming a physician, he obtained a master’s degree in Asian Studies through the University of Hawaii with a focus on Japanese culture. He has published numerous articles on palliative medicine and geriatrics and is the author of two editions of Palliative Care Perspectives, published by Oxford University Press. The second edition was published in 2023. He is a recognized pioneer in the emerging field of palliative care and a champion for people struggling with chronic and terminal illness. His new book, The Chronic Illness Journey was published in the spring of 2025. Recognized for his ability to explain difficult medical concepts clearly, he is expanding his efforts to writing fiction.

The Chronic Illness Journey is a book for people struggling with chronic illness, their families, and caregivers with a focus on common conditions of the elderly, such as heart disease, stroke, and dementia. The modern healthcare system is bewildering. In order to navigate it successfully, people need a plan. This book helps them put one together.
The author guides readers through common barriers they may encounter – knowledge deficits about common illnesses, communication challenges with professionals and family members, and nitty-gritty aspects of medical care – finances, insurance, and ‘tricks of the trade’ regarding care delivery. Finally, end-of-life care and related issues are discussed. Building on decades of clinical and administrative experience, Dr. Hallenbeck shares what he has learned along the way in hopes of helping folks on their journey.
This book should help people:
• Understand common illnesses of the elderly and more skillfully search out additional information about them.
• Establish and communicate goals of care
• Better communicate with clinicians and family members
• Avoid common pitfalls in different venues of care
• Manage insurance and financing challenges
Chronic illness is tough on those afflicted and their loved ones. But with a little planning, the journey can be a bit easier.

Palliative Care Perspectives is a guide to the art and science of palliative care that links real stories of illness with practical advice to delineate clinical practice in a way that reflects the daily concerns of clinicians.

Clearly and compassionately written, this book emphasizes important topics often neglected in formal clinical training, including the history and evolution of palliative care in the United States, as well as how clinicians can better understand aging and dying from both a physiological and human perspective.

Written by a recognized pioneer in the field of palliative care, each chapter highlights this human approach to illness with narratives and anecdotes drawn from decades of practice experience. This new edition features thoroughly updated research and citations, a new chapter on burnout and compassion fatigue, and a significant expansion of the topic of intercultural communication.

Well-grounded in the academic literature, Palliative Care Perspectives is an ideal introduction to the emerging field of palliative care for care providers new to practice, as well as lay readers seeking to learn more about chronic and terminal illness, presented in a personal and accessible format.