A smiling middle-aged man with short gray hair, wearing orange glasses and a black shirt, standing against a gray background.

About…

I remember years ago, my mother, after decades of challenges with diabetes, was in her hospital bed, in tears. She was alone, all but abandoned by her medical team without explanation, and realized she was dying. No clinician supported her through what must have been the most frightening time of her life.  As I sat by her bed, I took her hand and said, “We’ll get through this.” That moment continues to guide my commitment to compassionate presence and human connection as people face their greatest physical and medical challenges. 

I'm now a board-certified chaplain dedicated to supporting patients and caregivers navigating serious illness, grief, and end-of-life care. My ten years with the Hertzberg Palliative Care Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center gave me the opportunity to comfort individuals and families through the emotional and spiritual complexities of illnesses such as cancer, COPD, Parkinson’s, chronic autoimmune and genetic diseases, and end-stage renal disease. I also have the privilege of serving as a faculty consultant with the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC), contributing to interdisciplinary clinical education. My approach integrates sacred contemplative practices and rituals with spiritually infused psychotherapy and emphasizes empathic listening, heart-centered presence, and somatic processing.

I also see my work through a social justice lens. I have been shaped by growing up in inner-city, low-income housing, as well as being part of the LGBTQ+ community. I am keenly aware of the social and cultural pressures that increase the vulnerability of some of my patients whether they are people of color, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, or other groups whose needs are not always in focus, and I'm committed to acknowledging their unique stresses.

I believe that as we face uncertainty and our mortality, we can meet these moments together with compassion and dignity. No one should feel alone as they grapple with these human experiences.

Testimonials

  • I had the privilege of working side by side with Evan in our outpatient palliative care practice. We cared for people living with the most complex and challenging illnesses- serious medical issues in the setting of poverty, childhood trauma, and profound existential and spiritual suffering. Because of Evan’s capacity to be present and to deeply know our patients we were able to accompany and support these individuals through their years of experience with our broken healthcare system. He made this hard work not only possible for our team, but also deeply meaningful and joyful through his artistry with human connection. Evan transformed our days from black and white to full color. They talk about horse whisperers- Evan is our human whisperer. I cherish him.

    Diane E. Meier, MD, FACP, FAAHPM Founder, Director Emerita and Strategic Medical Advisor, Center to Advance Palliative Care Co-director, Patty and Jay Baker National Palliative Care Center Professor, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine

  • "Evan Zazula is an exceptional clinician and colleague. He is thoughtful and intentional in his approach, consistently taking the time to be present and engaged with his patients. His respectful and compassionate nature fosters meaningful connections and a high level of trust. Evan is a collaborative and dependable colleague, and has been highly regarded and appreciated by both our clinic staff and patients."

    —Rebecca Masutani, MD, MHA Assistant Professor, Brookdale Department of Geriatrics & Palliative Medicine

  • "It has truly been a privilege to work alongside you. Your presence, compassion, and steady support have meant so much to our patients, their families, and to our entire Palliative Care and Geriatrics team. You have a rare gift for meeting people where they are, and … I’m deeply grateful for all that you’ve given to this practice and for the many ways you’ve supported our staff personally and professionally."

    —Shelley Saville, Executive Director, Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Mount Sinai Health System

  • "Evan has not only been a wonderful, warm, and compassionate therapist, but also a kind and very trusting friend. I always look forward to our sessions together because it gives me great comfort knowing I have someone I can talk to and express my emotions and feelings very freely without being judged."

    —Richard, client

  • For fifteen years I have meditated and been engrossed in the Thich Nhat Hahn Tradition of Engaged Buddhism, It has been my spiritual path in life. When my Primary Care Physician asked me if I would be interested in meeting a Chaplain with a Tibetan Buddhist Practice; I said why not? This resulted in a case where curiosity yielded a cat winning a lottery ticket! Evan has an uncanny ability to enable me to quickly get to the successful understanding of troubling matters. We meditate together and at these moments I feel extremely connected. The time spent flies by. I feel we have a heart to heart relationship and feel blessed. If you have a chance to meet Evan I highly recommended!

    —Dennis, client